You can use sandpaper to smooth out scratches, remove shine, or create a frosted effect on glass. However, it’s essential to use the correct type of sandpaper. So what kind of sandpaper should you use on glass? And how do you get the best results?
To remove scratches from glass, use 3000, 5000, then 7000 grit or higher sandpaper. First, wet the glass and sandpaper and rub the glass in a circular motion. Repeat with finer pieces of sandpaper until the scratch disappears. Then, wipe away water and debris with a lint-free cloth.
Let’s look at whether sandpaper will scratch glass and what grit is safe to use. You’ll also learn how to polish glass and fix scratches using sandpaper and some safety tips to keep in mind.
Will Sandpaper Scratch Glass?
The short answer is yes; sandpaper can scratch glass, depending on the type of sandpaper and how you use it.
Sandpaper can be rough on surfaces like glass because it is an abrasive. So, the type of sandpaper you use will affect how likely it is to scratch the glass. For example, coarser sandpaper with bigger grits will cause more scratches than finer sandpaper that is less coarse.
The right type of sandpaper is crucial to avoiding scratches on your glass surface. And even then, you’ll need to take care while sanding and use the proper methods.
What Grit is Safe for Glass?
Grit is the term used to describe the abrasiveness of a material. The higher the grit number, the finer the abrasive particles are. For example, when sanding glass, use extremely fine grit sandpaper (on Amazon) to avoid damaging the surface.
Start with 3000 grit sandpaper and work up to 7000 or even 10,000 grit. 3000 grit will remove most surface scratches, while 7000 or 10,000 grit will create a smooth, polished finish.
Use either silicon carbide sandpaper or a diamond sanding pad for the best results. And always sand the glass while it’s wet to avoid scratches.
Silicon carbide sandpaper is ideal for wet sanding because it doesn’t break down as quickly as other types of sandpaper. Plus, it produces less dust, so there’s less of a chance that the abrasive particles will scratch the surface of the glass.
Diamond sanding pads are finer than silicon carbide and give an ultra-smooth finish. However, they’re more expensive and unnecessary unless you need to remove fine scratches or work in a tight space.
How to Fix Scratches On Glass
Using Sandpaper
To remove scratches from glass using sandpaper, you will need the following materials:
- Sandpaper in 3000, 5000, and 7000 grit or higher
- A spray bottle and water
- A lint-free cloth
- Water
- Protective glasses and gloves
Now that you have gathered all the materials, follow these steps:
- First, spray the glass with water and spritz 3000 grit sandpaper until thoroughly moistened.
- Rub the sandpaper over the scratch in a circular motion; you should immediately notice the scratch disappearing.
- Repeat the steps with finer grit sandpaper to remove any remaining scratches and smooth out the surface of the glass. Use 5000 grit, then finish with 7000-grit sandpaper, or even 10,000 grit, for best results.
- To minimize excessive friction, keep the glass well-lubricated with water throughout the sanding process, with more water as needed.
- Wipe away residual water and sandpaper particles with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Using a Polishing Compound or Repair Kit
If you only have minor hairline scratches, you can use a polishing compound (on Amazon) or a repair kit to remove scratches from glass.
- Put on your protective glasses and gloves.
- Apply the polishing compound to a clean, soft cloth according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll want to add a small amount of water to the compound before applying it to the glass.
- Rub the polishing compound into the scratches using a circular motion, applying gentle pressure until you see the scratches subside.
- Wipe away any residual polishing compound with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Inspect the glass for any remaining scratches and repeat the process if necessary.
- Once all the scratches are gone, clean the glass with a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to remove any polishing compound residue.
Using Toothpaste
If you don’t have a polishing compound or repairer kit, you can also try using toothpaste to remove minor scratches from glass. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and can work to buff out scratches.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a clean, soft cloth and rub it into the scratch using a circular motion. Wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth and inspect the glass for any remaining blemishes. Repeat as necessary.
How to Polish Glass Using Sandpaper
To polish glass with sandpaper, you’ll use the same process as removing scratches, but with a few key differences.
Instead of starting with 3000-grit sandpaper, use 7000-grit or higher. Because 7000-grit sandpaper is so thin, it will feel like rubbing a sheet of paper over the glass.
You can follow up with 10,000-grit sandpaper if desired; remember to keep the glass lubricated with water to avoid damaging it with too much friction.
When you’ve finished polishing, wipe away residual water and particles with a clean, lint-free cloth and buff the glass to a shine.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
There are a few safety considerations to keep in mind when using sandpaper on glass.
- Wear protective glasses and gloves to avoid injury from flying shards of glass or contact with abrasive particles if the glass should break.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. The sanding process will create dust that you’ll want to avoid inhaling.
- Always test a small, inconspicuous area of the glass before using sandpaper on the entire surface to see how well it removes the scratches and whether it produces any new ones.
- Avoid using sandpaper altogether if your glass has any coating, such as reflective or UV. The abrasive particles could damage the coating, making it less effective. Instead, have the glass professionally repaired or replaced.
- Finally, if you’re not confident removing scratches from the glass without damaging it, it’s best to leave the task to a professional. A professional glazier will have the tools and experience necessary to safely and effectively remove scratches from your glass.
