How To Remove Scratches From Smartwatch Crystal (4 Effective Methods)

Are you annoyed with the abrasion on your watch display? Searching for how to remove scratches from a smartwatch? 

There are several methods to remove scratches from the face of a watch. All of them depend on the severity of the scratches and the type of watch face material. 

Initially, You will find two simple solutions:

1. Use a small amount of toothpaste on a soft cloth. You have to gently rub it on the scratched surface in a circular motion. 
2. Use a polishing cloth designed explicitly for watch faces. 

There are two more solutions for removing scratches from smartwatches. We will discuss all the methods briefly. 

If you follow these steps, you can permanently remove scratches from your screen. A few steps may be involved, but the end result will be well worth it. We assure you that you’ll get all the scratch-related solutions here.

What Causes a Smartwatch Screen to Get Scratched? 

A few different reasons might cause a scratch on your smartwatch screen.

For instance:

• Accidental drop on a hard surface.
• Interacting it with other hard things (like keys or money) while storing it.
• Wearing it when engaging in abrasive tasks (such as landscaping or cooking).
• Scrubbing it down with a strong cleaner.

Different Smartwatch Faces

Way before smartwatches, Until the 1980s, acrylic was often utilized even on luxury watch faces. These days, more and more people are interested in mineral crystals. Later on, we got the smartwatches, and the materials have changed as well.

Other ordinary glasses used on smartwatches are sapphire glass or gorilla glass. These materials provide a high-quality display and are resistant to scratches. The synthetic substance sapphire glass is exceedingly hard and scratch-resistant. The chemically reinforced glass known as “Gorilla Glass” is similarly durable.

The more resistant the watch face, the more severe the abrasion might be. Acrylic is more accessible to fix. However, if you’ve merely scraped the top of a crystal or sapphire, you could fix it. Conversely, severe scratches may lead you to get the watch repaired or replaced.

Understanding Your Smartwatch’s Scratches 

If you can identify the type of scratch, you can decide better how to fix it. 

Some essential considerations are as follows: 

1. What’s the Depth of the Scratch?

Scratches vary in harshness. Some may just affect the outside layer of the screen or housing, whereas others might go far deeper. Before making any repairs, it is crucial to determine the harshness of the scratches. 

2. Where is the Scratch?

The appearance and possible effect of scratches on your smartwatch’s operation may also be affected by their placement. The sensitivity of touches and heart rate tracking might be affected by scratching on the display or close to the sensor. 

3. Materials for Scratches and Scrapes 

The outer layer used for your smartwatch can differ with choices, including glass, polycarbonate, or ceramic. Different materials may have varied degrees of resistance to scratches, so it’s vital to understand the unique qualities of your watch to identify the best technique for repair. 

4. Value Reduction or Increase 

Scratches on the smartwatch might make it challenging to sell or exchange in the future. But taking care of them can keep it looking as good as new. 

5. Should You Fix It Yourself or Hire a Professional?  

You can repair the abrasion yourself or get aid from an expert, depending on how severe it is and its type. Repairs done professionally could require a screen or case replacement, or do-it-yourself techniques might involve utilizing common home materials or specialist equipment. 

How to Remove Scratches From Watch Crystal (4 Effective Methods)

If you proceed incorrectly, the output might result in a hazy, murky watch face with a wrongly buffing compound. Don’t freak out if your smartwatch has a few superficial scuffs. 

Fortunately, these scrapes may be treated and reduced in severity with relative ease. Here, we’ll show you how to clean the smartwatch, so it appears like new again.

⚙ Getting Prepared to Fix a Scratch 

It’s important to have all of the required equipment available before attempting to remove scratches. 

• A microfiber cleaning cloth 
• Cotton swabs 
• Gentle cleaning solutions 
• Some common products like toothpaste or baking soda (whichever is required)

Furthermore, turning off your wristwatch before cleaning it will avoid any accidental input. 

Let’s see some methods to fix abrasion on a smartwatch and pick anyone that suits you best. 

Method 1: Use Microfiber Cloth Along With Water 

• Soften the microfiber cloth by dampening it with water. Use a lint-free cloth made from microfibers. Ensure the fabric is not dripping wet since excess humidity might harm the smartwatch.
• To begin fixing the smartwatch’s scratched screen, find the specific location that needs fixing.
• Place the moist microfiber cloth over the scraped area and gently push down. Rub the cloth over the scrape in gentle, circular strokes to remove any debris. Use less force, or you might make things worse.
• Keep rubbing. Using a circular motion, keep massaging the abraded area for a couple of minutes. The scratch should be less noticeable after a little polishing.
• Recheck the smartwatch to see whether the scratch is less evident shortly after wiping over a few moments. This procedure should assist in concealing a scratch if it is just superficial.

Method 2: Applying Toothpaste 

• Pick any non-gel toothpaste containing mild abrasives. You may use Colgate toothpaste since it is readily accessible in most homes.
• Cover the scratch with toothpaste. A drop of toothpaste applied immediately to the scraped spot of the wristwatch should do the trick. Use enough toothpaste to cover the scrape completely.
• Use circular movements to rub. Put some toothpaste on a cotton ball or your finger and use it to massage it over the scrape. Use gentle, circular strokes and very little pressure. Keep going like this for a while.
• Clean the smartwatch. After scrubbing toothpaste over the scratch, you should wash the smartwatch with running water. In any instance, be sure that you completely eliminate all traces of toothpaste.
• Microfiber cloth drying. After washing, dry your smartwatch using a clean microfiber towel. Examine the damaged area to see whether it has improved.

Please Beware: 

Keep in mind this method is only suggested if you own a completely waterproof smartwatch. Otherwise, you must gently wipe off the remaining moisture using a microfiber towel.

Method 3: Applying Baking Soda 

• Make a paste out of baking soda and water by combining the two in a tiny container. The paste ought to resemble toothpaste in texture.
• Apply the paste to the scraped part of your smartwatch, either with a cotton ball or your fingers. Make sure the paste fills up the whole scratch.
• Baking soda solution is put on the damaged area, and the region is rubbed in a circular manner, which is the third step. The scratch paste should be rubbed in gently. Keep going like this for a while.
• Wash the paste off your smartwatch once you’ve worked it into the scratch. Be careful to scrub away any remaining baking soda mixture.
• Dry and Inspect. With a clean microfiber towel, dry the smartwatch and check it over. Check the scrape to see whether its visibility has diminished. If necessary, start again.

Please Beware: 

These techniques might cause more harm to the smartwatch if not performed carefully and delicately. Seek expert help or check with the manufacturer for recommended repair methods if the marks are severe or deep.

If you’ve tried the aforementioned solutions and still see scratches, you may try the ones below. Please use caution, as improper use of these techniques might cause irreparable harm to your wristwatch.

Method 4: Apply A Scratch Removal Polish 

• Choose a polish that claims to remove scratches, ideally one made especially for use on electrical gadgets. Check to see whether the material is suitable for your smartwatch. If there are any particular instructions, they should be found in the product’s manual.
• Apply a tiny bit of polish. Get a dry microfiber towel and pour just a little of the polish on it. Always remember that a little goes a long way, so don’t go crazy.
• Concentrate on the damaged spot. Locate the damaged location on your smartwatch and treat it accordingly. Apply the polishing cloth to the scratch.
• Apply pressure softly while rubbing the cloth over the scratched area in circular movements to distribute the polish. When applying the polish, do it with light, circular movements. Keep going like this for a while.
• Examine the outcomes. Once you’ve polished the scratch away, check out the smartwatch for a bit. See whether there’s been any improvement in the scratch’s visibility or if it’s gone away altogether. 

Choosing the Right Polishing Solution

You can use diamond polish or Cerium Oxide compound as abrasion removal polish. Experts recommend using diamond paste to polish, but you should do it at your own risk. You can tell how abrasive a polish is by looking at its grit number—just as with sandpaper.

If you want a smooth finish while polishing wood or metal, use a coarser grit at first. For a clear finish, start rubbing using a 3-micron diamond paste and end at a 0.25-micron diamond paste. If you’d like to clean even more, you can buy 0.1 microns of diamond paste.

On mineral-based or sapphire crystal watches, generally, you’ll prefer to apply diamond paste, although PolyWatch tends to provide fantastic work on acrylic at less money. Users have conflicting opinions, nevertheless.

Diamond pastes are more reliable, although some people swear by products like Brasso (renowned for metal band polishing) and Displex (which some believe are for wiping marks on watch faces).

Removing Scratches On Cases & Bands 

You may use sandpaper or a polishing compound to remove scratches from your smartwatch casing or strap.

• Sandpaper with a finer grit should be used first for minor scratches, then with a medium grain. Rub the scrape in an upward direction until it’s gone. Use a clean cloth to remove any lingering sanding dust.
• Use a polishing product on deeper scratches if necessary. The scrape may be removed by applying the compound and rubbing it in a circular motion. Use a clean towel to remove any excess compound.
• If the scrape is still evident, continue steps two and three until it is no longer noticeable. A toothbrush may also be used to remove the scratch. 
• Use baking soda and water to clean your toothbrush. Apply baking soda on the scratch and gently scrub it with the toothbrush. 
• Get rid of the grime by rinsing it with water and drying it with a fresh towel.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Smartwatch Safe from Scratches?

Protecting your wristwatch from further scratches requires taking the following measures:

• Screen Protectors: Invest in a premium screen protector to safeguard your smartwatch. Protect the smartwatch against scratches, fingerprints, and smudges by adding a second layer of protection. Most importantly, they are custom-made to match your watch model, so you know they’ll fit perfectly and provide the best possible protection.
• Protective Case: Protecting a smartwatch with an enclosure or bumper is a superb way to avoid damage from drops and scratches. These covers are intended to completely encase the smartwatch, including the bezels and corners, protecting them from damage.
• Put the watch on your “off” hand. It may seem strange at first, but making just one little tweak may go a long way toward preserving the pristine condition of your smartwatch. 
• Everyday cleaning routine. Adopting a regular cleaning program is one of the best ways to keep your smartwatch pristine and free of annoying scratches. Maintaining the stylish look of your smartwatch only takes a little bit of time every few days. 

What Are Some Diy Methods To Remove Scratches From A Smartwatch?

To remove scratches from a smartwatch using DIY methods, you can try toothpaste or baking soda. Apply toothpaste or a paste made from baking soda and water to the scratched area, then gently rub in circular motions with a soft cloth.

Another option is using baby powder by applying it to the scratch and rubbing it with a soft cloth. For deep scratches on certain watch crystals, you can use fine-grit sandpaper in a circular motion, followed by polishing with a soft cloth. It’s always a good idea to test these methods on a small area first.

How Can You Prevent Scratches On Your Apple Watch Screen In The Future?

To prevent scratches on your Apple Watch screen in the future, there are several measures you can take:

1. Apply a screen protector: A screen protector can act as a shield, protecting your Apple Watch screen from scratches. Choose a high-quality screen protector specifically designed for your Apple Watch model.

2. Use a protective case: Consider using a protective case to cover your Apple Watch when not in use. This can provide an extra layer of protection against scratches, especially if you engage in activities that may expose your watch to potential damage.

3. Be mindful of your activities: Avoid wearing your Apple Watch during activities that may increase the risk of scratches, such as intense workouts, contact sports, or manual labor. Remove your watch or take extra precautions to minimize exposure to potential scratches.

4. Store your watch carefully: When you’re not wearing your Apple Watch, store it in a safe place to prevent accidental scratches. Consider using a dedicated watch case or storing it in a soft pouch to avoid contact with other objects that could potentially cause damage.

5. Clean your watch properly: Use a microfiber cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth to clean your Apple Watch regularly. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the screen.

Can using a screen protector prevent scratches on your Apple watch screen?

Yes, using a screen protector can help prevent scratches on your Apple Watch screen. A screen protector acts as a protective layer that absorbs the impact and prevents direct contact between the screen and external objects. It creates a barrier that shields the screen from scratches, smudges, and other damage. By applying a screen protector to your Apple Watch, you can add an extra level of protection and preserve the pristine condition of your screen.

Wrap Up

Scratches on your smartwatch are annoying. But you can fix them with the appropriate equipment and methods. In this guide, we’ve shown you how to remove scratches from smartwatches using tried-and-true home cures. 

We desire that you take some practical knowledge away from this.  And that your watch returns to its former splendor. Do you have any experience with these strategies? Leave your thoughts in the section below!
To learn more, check out our other guide on how to repair a smartwatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

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