FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Glass scratches

cloudbuster | Posted in General Discussion on June 19, 2008 04:07am

Hello:  I have a new entry door whose glass was scratched in two places, each approximately 2″ long.  You can feel the scratch with your fingernail.–Of course no one takes the blame for the scratches.

Question:  Any suggestions as to how to eliminate/minimize the scraches.  I talked to several glass shops and none are even willing to look at the scratches.  I believe they all would rather replace the glass. 

The door is a factory prefinished mahogany door and the trim would be destroyed if  we had to replace the glass.

Thanks

Cloudbuster

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. 2Paul | Jun 19, 2008 04:22pm | #1

    Home Depot sells a frosted window film that would allow light through but hide the scratches, if you don't mind losing the clear glass view.  Also available in stained glass look.  I've used it in my bathroom and it really looks good.

     

  2. KenHill3 | Jun 19, 2008 05:52pm | #2

    Just FYI- You won 't be able to 'polish' out the scratches.

  3. USAnigel | Jun 19, 2008 07:25pm | #3

    Being as this is a door glass panel it will be tempered. This means odds on it will shatter if you try and polish out the scratches, this why they won't try to fix it. But if your feeling brave, get some glass polishing compound and have ago!

  4. sledgehammer | Jun 19, 2008 07:37pm | #4

    Cerium oxide will remove the scratches, and being tempered doesn't matter.

    You can polish to the point of distortion.

    Most door glass scratches are a result of diamond rings.

  5. reinvent | Jun 19, 2008 10:57pm | #5

    http://www.ipsglass.com/glass-polishing-kits.htm

    http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/glass.htm

    Or if you want to spend the big bucks and start another side business:
    http://window-cleaning-supply.com/detail.aspx?ID=1330

    1. Kaya | Jun 19, 2008 11:42pm | #6

      If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, don't waste your time trying to polish it out.

  6. woodway | Jun 20, 2008 12:29am | #7

    If amateur telescope makers can polish mirrors to a curve then you can polish out any depth of scratch. It may not be optically the same as the rest of the window but hey, that wavy feature you see when looking through the window is a sign that the glass is really old and it makes it worth more.

    1. KenHill3 | Jun 20, 2008 09:53am | #8

      To anyone who wants to try polishing out scratches in glass- hey, knock yourself out!

  7. IdahoDon | Jun 25, 2008 05:54am | #9

    I'd say get a glass polishing kit and have at it.  You won't need to completely polish the scratch out, just smooth it enough that it's not as noticable.

     

     

    Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

  8. User avater
    intrepidcat | Jun 25, 2008 06:30am | #10

    Try a professional autobody paint store in your area. Body shops buff glass all the time. It's common to get nicks in side windows fro grinding, welding ,etc. Sometimes windshields have to be buffed out.

    "Never pick a fight with an old man. If he can't beat you he will just kill you." Steinbeck 

  9. RedfordHenry | Jun 25, 2008 06:32am | #11

    I tried to polish scratched glass once and wound up with a much larger, and far more obvious "frosted" patch.  I probably didn't rub it long enough with the proper sized grit, but my arm gave out long before the scratch was completely polished.  I'd suggest practicing on a piece of glass first before taking any abrasive pad to the window in the front door of my house.

  10. inperfectionist | Jun 25, 2008 01:20pm | #12

    Cloud,

    I was having lunch in a major metro area. At this deli was a fellow polishing out some scatched graffitti in the store front glass.

    He seemed pretty well all set up for the job. It did leave the glass optically different.

    Harry

  11. DanH | Jun 25, 2008 01:23pm | #13

    Check out the options at an auto parts place. There are preparations that will fill the scratches and minimize their appearance.

    It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May
    1. shineglass | Mar 27, 2011 11:35pm | #14

      Scratched Glass

      I would be hesistant to try alot of this DIY stuff on the glass you are talking about; it may not be a bad idea to get an old piece of glass from a recycle center and practice these techniques on that glass first.

      1. calvin | Mar 28, 2011 06:56am | #15

        I see you have a business.

        Care to explain your methods and products?

        1. DanH | Mar 28, 2011 07:08am | #16

          Yeah, I notice his website doesn't care to explain anything.  Just "magic occurs, and then you pay me".  No hint as to how long the treatment lasts, etc.

          1. semar | Apr 01, 2011 08:13pm | #17

            glass scratches

            could it be done with the same stuff they use to repair windshield chips?

          2. DanH | Apr 01, 2011 08:43pm | #18

            No one knows, because his site doesn't tell you.  Could be beeswax rubbed into the scratches.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data