# Remove glass scratches: what actually works | Zcratch > Remove glass scratches without polishing paste or a repair shop: check scratch depth, optically fill grooves and learn how long the result lasts. Quelle / Source: https://zcratch.com/en/remove-glass-scratches --- ## Remove glass scratches — no grinding, no repair shop Scratches are visible because light breaks at the open groove. Instead of grinding glass away, Zcratch UV fills the groove with a resin that matches the refractive index — the scratch disappears optically while the glass stays untouched. ## The 30-second test: can your scratch be fixed? - Fingernail test: if your nail does not catch, the scratch is light to medium — excellent chances. - If your nail catches slightly, it is medium-deep — it becomes far less visible, but not always invisible. - A crack or split is not a scratch — only a glass replacement helps there. - Scratches only in the screen protector? Simply replace the film, no treatment needed. ## Why household remedies fail on glass #### Toothpaste, baking soda, polish These are abrasive. They remove material instead of filling the scratch. On hardened display glass with an oleophobic coating they destroy that coating first — the result is a hazy, matte surface and the scratch is still there. #### Automotive grinding pastes Made for thick car glass. Display glass is a fraction of a millimetre thick; any material removal changes the optics permanently and can reduce break resistance. #### Filling instead of grinding Zcratch UV is applied as a liquid, spread under a matching film and cured with UV light. Its refractive index is close to glass, so the scratch edge becomes optically neutral without removing anything. ## Stunning results! _Before/after comparison of a scratched and a repaired display._ ## Which glass can be treated? ## Suitable - Smartphone and tablet displays made of hardened glass - Apple Watch displays (Ion-X glass and sapphire crystal) - Displays with a tempered glass or plastic protector - Devices that are used in water after the application Not suitable: cracked or broken glass, camera lenses without a film on top, curved edges without a precisely fitting film. ## Kits for your device - [Smartphone & Tablet](https://zcratch.com/en/products/zcratch-kit-for-smartphones-tablets) - [Apple Watch](https://zcratch.com/en/products/zcratch-kit-for-apple-watches) ## Frequently asked questions about glass scratches ### Can scratches be removed from glass completely? The scratch is not physically removed — it is filled optically. Light and medium scratches are usually invisible afterwards; very deep scratches become far less noticeable. ### How deep may the scratch be? Rule of thumb: if your fingernail does not catch, the result is excellent. If it catches slightly, the scratch is strongly reduced. ### Does it damage the glass? No. Nothing is ground off and nothing is etched. The resin sits on top of the glass and can be removed without residue. ### Is the result permanent? The result lasts as long as the applied film stays on the device. When the film is replaced, simply repeat the application. ### Does it work on sapphire crystal? Yes. Apple Watch models with sapphire crystal can be treated too, because the resin works on the surface and does not alter the material. ### Can I use the device in water afterwards? Yes. Once cured the layer is waterproof and the device can be used as usual. [VIEW THE MANUAL](https://zcratch.com/en/pages/manual) ## FAQ ### Can scratches be removed from glass completely? The scratch is not physically removed — it is filled optically. Light and medium scratches are usually invisible afterwards; very deep scratches become far less noticeable. ### How deep may the scratch be? Rule of thumb: if your fingernail does not catch, the result is excellent. If it catches slightly, the scratch is strongly reduced. ### Does it damage the glass? No. Nothing is ground off and nothing is etched. The resin sits on top of the glass and can be removed without residue. ### Is the result permanent? The result lasts as long as the applied film stays on the device. When the film is replaced, simply repeat the application. ### Does it work on sapphire crystal? Yes. Apple Watch models with sapphire crystal can be treated too, because the resin works on the surface and does not alter the material. ### Can I use the device in water afterwards? Yes. Once cured the layer is waterproof and the device can be used as usual.