How to Fix Scratched Glass Like the Pros

For centuries, craftspeople who work with glass have relied on a rare-earth compound called Cerium Oxide to polish and remove light scratches from glass of all types. They still do. And you can, too. No material is more effective, versatile or easier to use for simple glass polishing, restoration and scuff, scratch and stain removal.

Cerium Oxide powder is also a less expensive alternative to most pre-mixed polishing compounds currently on the market. It mixes easily with water into a slurry and a little goes a long way. And if there's some slurry left over when the job is done, you don't throw it out. Just let it dry out and you can re-use it later simply by adding water.

If you're a do-it-yourselfer with even modest skills, all you need to restore lightly scratched windows, tabletops, mirrors, auto glass or even headlights like a pro is a bit of Cerium Oxide, a felt buffing wheel and an electric drill to attach it to.

If you have grime on your glass or stains on a shower door caused by hard water and they don't come off with household cleaners, Cerium Oxide will take care of the problem.

First of all, what is a "light" scratch? The rule of thumb (literally) is that if you can distinctly feel a scratch in your glass with a fingernail, it may be too deep to polish out and the risk of trying to do so yourself is probably not worth it. However, if you have a hazy mass of shallow scratches caused by keys or coins, it's Cerium Oxide to the rescue.

Cerium Oxide and a felt buffing wheel about three inches in diameter are readily available online. Remember, you don't need a lot. Here's how to do it:

• Clean the area you're going to work on, using a lint free fabric or paper cloth

• Get two small plastic tubs, a pint to a quart in size and fill one halfway with water

• Place the buffing wheel into the water to let it get thoroughly damp, but not dripping wet

• Scoop a couple TBSP of Cerium Oxide into the other tub and add a splash of water

• Use a plastic spoon or knife to stir the mixture and keep adding small amounts of water until the slurry reaches the consistency of heavy cream. (It's perfectly safe to check with your bare finger. And don't worry if there are small particles that don't completely dissolve.)

• Attach the dampened polishing wheel to your electric drill and dip it into the slurry

• Place the polishing wheel on the work area and rev up your drill

• Keep the pad moving constantly side to side and in a circular motion

• Keep buffing until the slurry is ALMOST dry (CAUTION: Be sure not to buff the glass when it is dry. This can cause the glass to overheat and crack.)

• When the slurry has dried, wipe it off

• If the glass has not been cleared up to your satisfaction, just repeat the buffing process with the slurry-dampened pad

That's all there is to it. And don't forget, the slurry can be stored until it is dry and then re-activated just by adding water. Happy polishing!