How do you fix a scratch on a glass shower door?

Scratches on glass shower doors can be unsightly and frustrating. With some effort and the right materials, you can often remove or minimize the appearance of scratches on glass shower doors.

What causes scratches on glass shower doors?

There are a few common causes of scratches on glass shower doors:

• Using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing too aggressively can scratch the glass surface
• Metal shower accessories like razors or loofahs rubbing against the glass
• Mineral deposits building up on the glass and scratching the surface when cleaned
• Kids or pets accidentally scratching the glass
• General wear and tear over time

Glass shower doors are very susceptible to scratches because glass is so soft and brittle. Any hard, gritty material rubbing against the glass can potentially cause fine scratches.

Can you remove scratches from glass shower doors?

It is possible to remove light surface scratches from glass shower doors. Deeper scratches are much more difficult to remove completely. Here are some key factors that determine if shower door scratches can be removed:

• Depth of the scratch – Shallow scratches have a better chance of being removed vs. deep scratches.
• Location of the scratch – Scratches in easily accessible areas are easier to treat.
• Size of the scratched area – Small scratches or localized areas have a better outlook than large scratched regions.
• Age of the scratch – Newer scratches tend to be easier to remove than old, weathered ones.
• Type of glass – Some glass types like acrylic or plastic are more scratch-resistant.

The key is addressing scratches on glass shower doors as soon as possible before they worsen or become etched into the surface. Light buffing and polishing can eliminate minor scratches.

How to fix light scratches on glass shower doors

Here are some step-by-step instructions for how to fix light or minor scratches on glass shower doors:

1. Clean the glass door thoroughly – Use a soft cloth and glass cleaner to remove dirt, debris, soap scum, and mineral deposits from the surface.
2. Inspect the scratch – Look at it in bright lighting from multiple angles to determine the depth and severity. Light scratches will appear faint and superficial.
3. Choose a polishing compound – Opt for a plastic or glass polishing compound or scratch remover. Avoid highly abrasive auto polishes.
4. Apply a small amount of the polishing compound to a soft, clean cloth.
5. Gently rub the scratch in a circular motion using moderate pressure. Work in a small area of about 2 square inches at a time.
6. Rinse the area well and dry it thoroughly when finished polishing.
7. Repeat as needed on the entire scratched area until satisfied with the results.
8. For light hairline scratches, rubbing the glass with toothpaste and using a plastic squeegee can also work.

This polishing technique can effectively minimize and remove minor scratches. It generally works best on newer, superficial scratches before they become ingrained. The key is being patient and working slowly on just the problem areas.

Table showing polishing products for glass shower doors

Product	Benefits
Plastic polishing compound	Specially formulated for use on acrylic and plastic surfaces. Less abrasive than auto polish.
Glass scratch remover	Contains micro-abrasives designed to gently smooth glass. Won’t cause additional scratching.
Cerium oxide powder	Ultra-fine polishing agent that can remove light scratches from glass.
Toothpaste	Mildly abrasive texture helps erase fine scratches. Use on limited areas.
Metal polish/jewelry polish	Less abrasive formulas can minimize light glass scratches. Avoid ones with ammonia.

How to repair deep scratches on glass shower doors

For deeper, more pronounced scratches on glass shower doors, simple polishing is often not enough to achieve satisfactory results. In these cases, more intensive scratch repair techniques are required.

Use a glass scratch removal kit

Specialized glass scratch removal kits contain concentrated liquids formulated to “fill in” deeper scratches and make them less visible. Popular options include:

• Glass Scratch Removal System – Contains a cleaner, sealant, and polisher to treat scratches.
• Glass Scratch Be Gone – Two-step process to fill scratches and blend with surrounding glass.
• Scratch Out – Uses microscopic particles to fill scratches and resurface the glass.

These products chemically react with the glass to smooth over the scratch depression for a more uniform surface. Follow the brand’s instructions closely when using the liquids.

Wet sand the glass with fine grit sandpaper

Using 500 to 3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, you can gently “sand” out the scratch. This abrasively wears down the raised edges to make it flush with the door again. Steps include:

1. Apply water liberally to the scratch and sandpaper.
2. Rub the sandpaper over the scratch using small circular motions.
3. Start with 600 grit and work up to finer sandpaper as needed.
4. Rinse the door and check that the scratch has blended into the glass more.
5. Take care not to sand too aggressively as this can damage the surrounding glass.

Combined with a polishing compound, wet sanding can visibly reduce the look of deep bathroom glass scratches. However, this permanently removes some glass material in the process.

Apply glass scratch filler putty

For narrow, localized scratches you can use a glass scratch filler putty to essentially coat over the scratch and fill it in so it’s less obvious. The putty dries transparent to hide the scratch. This generally offers temporary scratch coverage rather than permanently removing it. Steps for using filler putty include:

1. Read product instructions and only apply to clean, dry glass as directed.
2. Knead the putty and press it thoroughly into the scratch using a plastic applicator.
3. Remove any excess putty with a razor and let the material cure per the manufacturer directions.
4. Buff gently with a nylon scrub pad to blend putty level with the glass surface.

The filler putty method works best for thin scratches and may need reapplying over time. Check labels for suitability with shower doors.

Preventing future scratches on glass shower doors

To avoid needing intensive repairs for shower glass scratches again, implement these preventive measures:

• Useonly soft microfiber cloths or sponges to clean the glass – Avoid abrasive pads.
• Rinse soap residue thoroughly – Soap scum is scratchy when dry.
• Inspect metal squeegees for rough edges that could scratch.
• Apply car wax or sealant to create a scratch-resistant barrier.
• Keep metal accessories from contacting the glass.
• Install peel-and-stick abrasion pads on door handles if needed.
• Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and opt for ammonia-free glass cleaner.

Being gentle when cleaning and aware of potential scratching hazards can prolong the scratch-free life of glass shower doors. Getting into a frequent habit of wiping down and drying the doors after showering helps too.

When to call a professional for glass shower door scratches

In some situations, it’s best to have shower door scratches repaired professionally rather than attempting DIY methods. Recommended times to call a glass company include:

• You try polishing and scratch removal but the scratches remain highly visible.
• The scratched area is in a hard to reach spot like high or low on the door.
• The scratches cover a large area of the glass rather than a small localized section.
• The scratched glass seems compromised or weakened in integrity.
• There are many deep scratches causing visual obstructions.
• You don’t have the time or patience for intensive polishing and repairs.

Shower door glass professionals have specialty tools, sealants, and polishes designed for scratch removal. They can assess if the door needs replacing. Often they can restore severely scratched glass to like-new condition.

Cost to repair vs. replace shower glass

Repair Method	Estimated Cost
DIY polishing supplies	$20-$50
Professional scratch removal service	$100-$300
Glass scratch repair kit	$25-$40
Replacing single glass shower door	$200-$500
Full shower door glass replacement	$600-$1500

Minor scratches can often be repaired affordably whereas extensive damage may warrant new glass. Get a professional estimate if unsure whether replacing or repairing is more cost-effective.

Conclusion

Scratches on glass shower doors can frequently be removed or reduced yourself using the proper polishing techniques. For more stubborn scratches, specialty scratch removal products or professional services may be needed. Being gentle when cleaning and wiping down doors helps prevent future scratches. With some perseverance, those annoying glass shower scratches can typically be remedied.