How to Remove Scratches from Smartwatch

Getting scratches on your smartwatch screen or body can be annoying and make it less visually appealing. Thankfully, there are several methods you can try to remove scratches from smartwatches at home.

Types of Smartwatch Scratches

Before removing scratches, it’s good to know the different types you might find on your smartwatch.

Minor Surface Scratches

Minor or superficial scratches only impact the top protective layer of your smartwatch screen or body. These tend to be hairline scratches or small scuffs on the surface.

Deeper Scratches

Deeper scratches cut through multiple layers of the glass or body, leaving more visible scratches or gouges. These tend to be more challenging to remove at home.

Can You Remove Smartwatch Scratches?

Many people wonder, can you repair a scratched smartwatch screen? Good news! Yes, You can usually remove small smartwatch scratches using things you already have at home.

You can’t fully fix deep gouges without replacing the glass or body, but you can improve surface scratches.

Supplies Needed

You likely already have the supplies needed to tackle many minor smartwatch scratches. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Microfiber cloth – Used for gently cleaning and polishing the smartwatch surface. Avoid using paper towels or tissues which could further scratch the glass or body.
• Toothpaste – The mild abrasives in toothpaste can help polish away surface scratches. Use a soft toothpaste, not gel varieties.
• Baking soda – Also has mild abrasive qualities to help gently smooth scratches when made into a paste.
• Plastic polish / Car scratch remover – Look for a plastic polishing compound or car scratch remover containing very fine abrasives to polish the surface without further scratching.

Also Read: Which Smartwatch Is Best Under 2000?

How to Remove Scratches from Smartwatch

Ready to learn how to get those annoying scratches off your smartwatch? Follow these methods to remove scratches depending on if you’re dealing with minor surface scratches or deeper scratches.

Method 1: Clean and Polish the Surface

Check The Best Microfibre Cloth

Sometimes, all you need for exceedingly minor, hairline scratches is a good cleaning and polishing. Here are the steps:

1. Rinse the smartwatch under warm water and gently clean the entire surface with a microfiber cloth. Do not use soap at this stage because it could leave behind residue.
2. Pat dry completely with a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Inspect for any lint or residue on the surface.
3. Use the microfiber cloth to gently buff the surface of the smartwatch, concentrating on scratched areas. The light polishing motion can help smooth over hairline scratches.
4. Check if the minor scratches have diminished or disappeared. Repeat steps as needed, focusing on stubborn areas. The gentle friction from the microfiber cloth helps “erase” very superficial scratches.

While this method works well for micro-scratches, it likely won’t make a big difference on deeper scratches. It’s best for maintaining your smartwatch and addressing very minor surface scuffs.

Method 2: Use Toothpaste

Toothpaste can work remarkably well for removing or reducing small-to-medium sized scratches from smartwatch screens and bodies. Here’s how:

1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste (not gel) directly onto the scratched area of the smartwatch screen or body using a cotton swab or microfiber cloth.
2. Using light pressure, gently rub the toothpaste into the scratched area using small, circular motions with the swab or cloth. The mild abrasives in the toothpaste lightly polish the surface to reduce the scratch appearance.
3. Rinse toothpaste residue off under running water while wiping the area gently with a clean microfiber cloth. Make sure to remove all toothpaste from the scratched area and watch the body.
4. Dry fully with a soft, lint-free cloth and inspect the area. Repeat the process concentrating on visible scratches to further improve appearance.
5. Once scratches have diminished via toothpaste polishing, finish by gently buffing the entire watch surface to restore shine.

Toothpaste polishing works well for minor to moderate surface scratches. The key is using very light pressure while rubbing – you don’t want to create any new scratches! Test first in an inconspicuous spot.

Method 3: Use Baking Soda

For deeper surface scratches that remain visible after toothpaste polishing, try gently rubbing the area with baking soda. Here’s how:

1. Make a paste by mixing a little water with some baking soda.
2. Using a cotton swab, gently apply the paste onto the scratched smartwatch surface.
3. Gently rub the paste on scratches in small circles to smooth and polish the surface.
4. Rinse paste residue off under running water, wiping the area gently with a clean microfiber cloth.
5. Fully dry the surface with a soft lint-free cloth. Inspect for remaining visible scratches.
6. Repeat the process if deeper scratches are still noticeable, concentrating paste on these areas. remember to keep polishing motions gentle.
7. Once satisfied with scratch removal, buff the watch surface with a microfiber cloth to restore the original shine.

The mild abrasives in baking soda combined with light buffing motions can help reveal deeper scratches disappear. But be cautious using any abrasives on smartwatch surfaces and avoid rubbing too aggressively.

Method 4: Use Plastic Polish/Scratch Remover

Check The Best Scratch Remover

For moderate to deep body scratches that remain after trying toothpaste or baking soda, reach for a commercial plastic polish or car scratch remover. These are specially formulated to remove scratches from plastic and acrylic surfaces without further damaging them. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a polish specifically made for plastic or plexiglass and confirm it’s safe for use on smartwatches. Carefully read product instructions.
2. Apply a small amount of polish to the scratched area per directions using a soft cloth. Avoid rubbing the product onto surrounding non-scratched areas.
3. Gently rub polish into scratches using circular motions, allowing the product to penetrate surface scratches.
4. Wipe residue away carefully with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using excess pressure.
5. Rinse the polished area under running water, patting dry with a microfiber cloth. Inspect for remaining noticeable scratches.
6. Repeat polishing if deeper scratches persist, concentrating on these areas exclusively. Follow product instructions carefully.
7. Once satisfied with the degree of scratch removal, buff the entire surface to restore uniform shine.

These polishes have small particles that remove imperfections from plastic surfaces, such as smartwatch bodies, without causing more harm. Exercise care by applying any liquid polish to watch surfaces.

Method 5: Apply a Screen Protector

If your smartwatch screen still has scratches, using a thin screen protector can cover them up. Here’s how to apply one:

1. Purchase a screen protector specifically designed for your smartwatch model. Carefully check product reviews first.
2. Make sure the watch and hands are completely clean and dry before application. This helps the protector adhere properly.
3. Carefully align the screen protector over the watch face per the included directions. Applying a thin cover properly aligned is key for good adhesion and optimal scratch hiding.
4. Use a tool or cardboard applicator to stick the protector smoothly, removing air pockets or bumps from center to edges.
5. Allow to set 24 hours before exposing to water or abrasives allow the adhesive to fully cure.
6. Enjoy a clear, scratch-free watch face! Replace the protector immediately if bubbling, peeling or new scratches occur to maintain scratch protection.

Check the Best Screen Protectors Here

Using quality screen protectors can hide scratches and stop new ones. It’s better to protect your smartwatch from scratches than trying to remove them, so take preventive measures.

Preventing Future Smartwatch Scratches

While you can utilize various techniques to reduce the look of scratches on your watch, preventing new ones from forming is ideal. Here are some key tips:

• Consider applying a screen protector to your smartwatch face if it didn’t come with one pre-installed. Quality protectors shield against everyday scratches.
• To prevent scratches, store your smartwatch in a case or bag when you are not using it. This is especially important when you are putting it in a purse or bag.
• Avoid wearing your smartwatch when engaging in sports, intense activity or tasks involving abrasive chemicals which can lead to scratches.
• Be mindful of the surfaces you place your watch on. Hard tables or countertops can damage screens and bodies compared to cushioned surfaces.
• Optional watch body covers can protect sides and backs from abrasions for extra scratch protection during rugged activities.

Following preventative precautions helps ensure your smartwatch maintains an unblemished, attractive appearance with minimal need for scratch removal.

When to Seek Repair for Smartwatch Scratches

Home methods can fix some smartwatch scratches, but professional assistance may be necessary for more severe ones. Specifically for:

• Deep scratches on screens penetrating multiple display layers. These often necessitate glass replacement to achieve a flawless face.
• Severe body gouges spanning large surface areas. Trying to remove these yourself risks damaging material or finish.
• Any scratches impacting performance such as digitizer functionality. Leave system repairs to qualified pros.
• Cracked screens which require glass replacement, not polishing. Attempting removal could shatter screens further.

We advise seeking professional repair whenever heavy scratches or cracks noticeably impact visibility, functionality, or your ability to use touchscreen features. Don’t risk harming water resistance or internal components by trying overzealous removal techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still, have some lingering questions about removing scratches from your smartwatch? Below are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How do you get scratches out of a digital watch?

You can reduce minor scratches on digital smartwatch screens using toothpaste polishing or plastic polish methods. Gently rub the paste or polish into scratches using a soft cloth and circular motions before rinsing. Avoid using excess pressure. Screen protection films also effectively hide superficial scratches.

Can toothpaste remove watch scratches?

Yes, toothpaste can reduce the appearance of minor-to-moderate scratches on smartwatch screens and bodies. The mild abrasives it contains work to gently “sand” down the edges of surface scratches making them less noticeable. Avoid gel varieties.

Do Smartwatches scratch easily?

Most smartwatch faces use advanced glass that designers have specifically designed for durability and scratch resistance. However, no watch surface is fully scratch proof. If you don’t use face/body protection, everyday use over time can cause unlucky scratches.

Can you polish scratches out of glass?

To remove small scratches on smartwatch screens, gently polish with toothpaste or plastic polish using soft, light motions. To prevent more harm, be careful and gently press when trying to remove deep scratches on a watch glass.

Conclusion

Dealing with scratches on your formerly pristine smartwatch can be vexing. But don’t despair – chances are you can greatly improve the look using substances already in your home.

Be gentle with your watch, don’t rub too hard, clean well, and use screen protectors to prevent damage. With some patience, most minor to medium smartwatch scratches can be remedied or at least reduced.

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