If you’ve got a smartphone with a Gorilla Glass screen and it’s developed some unsightly scratches, don’t despair. There are a few effective methods you can use to buff out those blemishes and restore your screen to its former glory.
Cerium Oxide Polish
One of the best options for removing scratches from Gorilla Glass is to use a cerium oxide-based polishing compound. Cerium oxide is a fine abrasive that can gently grind down the surface of the glass, smoothing out minor scratches. To use it, simply mix a small amount of the powder with water to create a paste, then apply it to the scratched area and buff it with a microfiber cloth or a Dremel tool. The Dremel will make the process go faster, but you can also do it by hand if you’re patient.
Just be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want to remove too much of the glass and end up with a divot. And avoid using the cerium oxide on any deep scratches, as that may make them more noticeable.
Toothpaste Trick
Another DIY option is to try using toothpaste to buff out those scratches. The abrasives in toothpaste can help smooth the surface of the glass, similar to the cerium oxide. Just apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the scratched area and gently rub it in with a microfiber cloth. Rinse thoroughly and repeat as needed.
This method is a bit more hit-or-miss than the cerium oxide, but it’s worth a try if you have the right kind of toothpaste and don’t mind a little elbow grease.
Screen Protector Solution
If the scratches are really bothering you and you don’t want to risk further damage by trying to buff them out, your best bet may be to simply cover them up with a screen protector. Look for a tempered glass screen protector that uses a UV-cured adhesive – the liquid glue can help fill in and conceal minor scratches.
Just be aware that this won’t make the scratches disappear completely, as the different refractive indexes will still be visible. But it can help minimize their appearance and prevent them from getting any worse.