You’re looking out of your beautiful glass window, surveying your gorgeous yard or breathtaking water view, but then something catches your eye. Your heart sinks as you identify a big scratch across your once-pristine glass surface.
Where did that scratch come from?!
While scratched glass surfaces can be repaired in certain circumstances, it’s far simpler to get ahead of the problem with strategic scratch prevention.
Understanding the Enemy: What Scratches Glass?
Although glass is a relatively “hard” material, materials harder than glass can do serious damage to glass surfaces. The “hardness” of a material is typically measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks minerals from 1 to 10 (softest to hardest).
Glass lands just slightly above the median with a Mohs hardness of around 5.5.
Any material that falls below that level of hardness shouldn’t leave a scratch. This includes materials like talc, graphite, or even copper.
However, items of a Mohs hardness greater than 5.5 will scratch glass when enough force is applied.
Common materials that scratch glass include:
- Quartz (Mohs 7): Often present in sand and dust.
- Topaz (Mohs 8): Generally only used for jewelry and special adornments.
- Corundum (Mohs 9): Common in jewelry, nail files, sandpaper, & whetstones.
- Diamond (Mohs 10): Used specifically to cut glass.
- Hardened Steel (Mohs 6-8): Present in tools & some knives and keys
- Ceramics (Mohs 5-9): Used in dishes, tiles, toilets, sinks, & decorations.
- Tungsten Carbide (Mohs 9): Leveraged for high-power carbide-tipped tools.
- Granite Dust (Mohs 6-7): Side effect of granite construction & general wear and tear of granite features.
- Silicon Carbide Dust (Mohs 9.5): Created when using certain abrasive tools for grinding, polishing, & cutting.
- Aluminum Oxide (Mohs 9): Often used in abrasives.
Can Materials Softer than Glass Scratch a Glass Surface?
In theory, no. By definition, a material must have a Mohs hardness higher than 5.5 to scratch glass. If it appears that a softer material has scratched your glass, it’s likely because the soft material has somehow trapped some harder particles.
Example: A soft cloth alone will not scratch glass. But, if sand particles (often containing quartz) get stuck in the fibers of a cloth used to clean your glass, scratches are possible.
However, if enough friction or pressure is applied, a material below Mohs 5.5 can also leave marks or minor scratches on a glass surface.
Our Best Glass Scratch-Prevention Tips
- Use soft microfiber cloths for cleaning.
Microfiber clothes are hands-down the best choice for cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass fixtures. If you need something with a little more scrubbing power, go for a Scrub Daddy or a Zero Scratch Scotch-Brite sponge. No matter what, please do not use a scour pad!
- Avoid harsh cleaning solutions.
While abrasive cleaners (such as those with bleach or other strong chemicals) may be necessary for heavy mold, rust, or stubborn stains, we do not recommend regularly using such harsh solutions. For routine cleaning, mild soap and water or a vinegar solution will do the trick—even in humid, salty coastal environments.
Plus, it’s always better to stay ahead of grime build-up. Regular preventative maintenance will almost certainly extend the life of your glass.
- Always use placemats or coasters on glass tabletops.
It’s never a good idea to place plates, drinking glasses, or other dinnerware directly on glass tabletops. And this isn’t merely a “scratching” matter. Hot, cold, or wet dishes can leave behind nasty water spots or even cause the glass to crack.
- Place table decorations on a table runner.
Decorative pieces—especially those made of metal, ceramic, or stone—can leave behind scuffs and scratches on glass surfaces. To keep your tabletop beautiful and mark-free, some sort of table protection is necessary, whether you use a table runner or apply soft felt pads underneath decorative pieces.
- Talk to a glass expert about protective coatings or finishes.
There are numerous films and coatings you can apply to protect your windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces from unwanted scuffs and scratches, including (but not limited to):
- Anti-scratch coatings
- Security & safety films
- Easy-clean coatings
Unsure which coating to get or how to apply it? Contact our glass experts today for specialized recommendations.
- Take care when moving furniture or other heavy objects.
If you need to maneuver big, bulky items around a glass table or other glass fixture, consider covering the exposed glass with a thick towel or blanket. Then, have someone help the movers navigate safely around the glass.
- Avoid placing glass in high-traffic areas.
Glass tables, desks, and other special glass features may not be suitable in areas of your home where you expect heavy foot traffic. Try to anticipate your household habits before making glass furniture or design decisions.
- Closely monitor kids and pets.
Rambunctious children and energetic furry friends aren’t exactly the gentlest of creatures. And while dog claws and hard plastic or wooden toys are technically softer than glass, sharp edges and repetitive, forceful contact can still leave behind scratches.
- Keep sharp or rough objects away from glass surfaces.
You can set your keys, a kitchen knife, or a screwdriver on your beautiful glass table JUST for a moment—no problem, right? Think again. This may seem obvious, but it’s best to store sharp tools or other hard or rough objects far away from glass surfaces.
- Stay on top of your window cleaning regimen.
Bi-annual interior and exterior window cleaning is essential for every homeowner—especially for those who live in coastal regions like Wilmington, North Carolina constantly exposed to sand and salt spray.
- Make shower door cleaning a part of your daily routine.
Every morning before you step out of the shower, use a shower squeegee to remove extra water. Then, run a dry microfiber towel over the door to soak up any remaining wet spots. This quick daily habit will only take 1-2 minutes and will make a WORLD of difference in the long term.
- Contact a glass repair specialist for scratch concerns.
There are a few DIY glass scratch repair solutions you can try, but it’s always safest to consult a glass professional before attempting to take matters into your own hands. Do the wrong thing, and you may actually deepen the scratches, possibly warranting a full glass replacement.
Key Takeaways
While glass repair or replacement may be warranted for significant scratches or cracks, good preventative maintenance can save you serious trouble and keep your glass looking spotless year-round.
Call Atlantic Glass today for further information about protective coatings and finishes OR a free scratch remediation consultation.
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