Buff light scratches with toothpaste or cerium oxide; deep gouges need pro repair.
If you have ever asked how do you fix a scratched mirror, you are not alone. I have restored bathroom mirrors, closet doors, and antique vanities for years. In this guide, I break down real, tested steps. You will learn which scratches you can fix, which ones you should not touch, and how to finish with a clear shine that lasts. Read on to see how do you fix a scratched mirror the right way.
What causes mirror scratches and how to spot them
Most mirror scratches come from grit, rings, watch bands, harsh pads, or poor cleaning. Some marks are only on the surface. Others cut deeper into the glass.
Use a bright flashlight at a low angle. Move it side to side. If the mark fades as you change angles, it may be a scuff you can buff. If it catches a fingernail, it is deeper. This test helps you decide how do you fix a scratched mirror with the least risk.
Not all damage is on the front. Dark streaks or black spots under the glass point to failed silvering. Polishing the front will not fix that.
Should you fix it or replace it
Use this quick guide to choose.
- Clean the mirror with glass cleaner and a soft cloth.
- Run the fingernail test. If your nail does not catch, try a mild polish.
- If your nail catches but only a little, use cerium oxide and a felt pad.
- If you can feel a groove, call a glass pro or consider a replacement.
- If the back coating is damaged, look into resilvering or replacing.
This simple flow will save time and cost. It also shows when how do you fix a scratched mirror at home is safe and when it is not.
Tools and materials you may need
Pick what fits your scratch level.
- Microfiber cloths
- Masking tape
- Distilled water
- Non-gel white toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Cerium oxide powder
- Felt polishing pad or wool pad
- Low speed drill or dual action polisher with variable speed
- Glass polishing compound or kit
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask
Having the right tools makes how do you fix a scratched mirror much easier and safer.
Methods for light surface scratches
Start mild. You can always step up.
- Toothpaste method. Use non-gel white toothpaste. Dab a pea-size amount on a soft cloth. Rub in small circles over the scratch for 30 to 60 seconds. Wipe clean. Repeat up to three times.
- Baking soda paste. Mix a small amount with distilled water to form a thick paste. Apply with light pressure in circles. Rinse and check.
- Glass polish. Use a fine glass polish on a microfiber cloth. Work slow and keep the area clean.
I use these on bathroom mirrors with scuffs from makeup brushes or cleaning pads. They work when the mark is very thin.
Methods for moderate scratches
When the nail just starts to catch, you need more bite.
- Cerium oxide polish. Mix the powder with water to a creamy slurry. Use a felt pad and slow speed. Keep the area damp and cool. This is the most effective way I have found to lift moderate scratches from soda lime glass.
- Liquid glass polish kits. Some kits include a premixed cerium oxide compound. These save time and reduce guesswork.
- Resin fill for chips. A tiny chip can be filled with clear glass resin. Cure with UV light. Then do a light polish to blend.
If the silvering is damaged on the back, polishing the front will not help. In that case, fixing how do you fix a scratched mirror may mean resilvering or replacing the panel.
Step-by-step: how to use cerium oxide like a pro
This is my go-to process for most visible scratches.
- Prep the area. Clean the mirror with glass cleaner. Tape around the scratch to keep slurry off the frame or wall.
- Mix the slurry. Add a little distilled water to cerium oxide powder. Aim for a yogurt-like thickness.
- Pad and speed. Attach a felt pad to a dual action polisher or drill. Use low speed. High speed can heat the glass.
- Work the scratch. Keep the pad flat. Use light, even pressure. Move in overlapping circles. Keep the slurry wet. Do 30 to 45 seconds per pass.
- Cool and check. Wipe clean. Let the glass cool. Check with angled light. Repeat in short passes until the scratch fades.
- Finish. Clean with isopropyl alcohol. Then give a final wipe with glass cleaner.
Do not over-polish one spot. You can cause a slight dip or distortion. Slow, even work is the key to how do you fix a scratched mirror without leaving waves or haze.
Safety first and mistakes to avoid
Glass can crack from heat or stress. Work cool and slow.
- Do not use a high-speed grinder.
- Do not press hard or stay in one spot.
- Do not use harsh abrasives like sandpaper.
- Ventilate well and wear a dust mask when using powders.
- Keep slurry away from wood frames and paint.
These tips come from hours at the bench and a few hard lessons. They also protect the mirror while you learn how do you fix a scratched mirror with confidence.
Care and prevention after the repair
Keep your mirror looking new with a few easy habits.
- Use only soft microfiber cloths for cleaning.
- Rinse grit away before you wipe.
- Avoid ammonia near antique or edged mirrors.
- Keep jewelry and metal tools away from the glass.
- Add a small tray for keys, combs, and makeup tools.
Prevention is the long-term answer to how do you fix a scratched mirror less often.
Cost, time, and when to call a pro
Here is what to expect from each fix level.
- Light scratch kit. Toothpaste or polish costs a few dollars. You need 10 to 20 minutes.
- Cerium oxide setup. Expect a modest cost for powder and a felt pad. Plan 30 to 60 minutes for a few passes.
- Pro repair. A glass tech may charge a service fee, but it saves risk on large wall mirrors.
- Replace or resilver. If the scratch is deep or the back coating is damaged, this may be best.
If the mirror is tempered, very large, or part of a wardrobe door, call a pro. That choice can be the smartest way for how do you fix a scratched mirror in tricky cases.
Real-world example from my shop
A client had a closet mirror with two long marks from a metal hanger. The nail barely caught. I taped off the edges, mixed a fresh cerium slurry, and used a low speed polisher. Three light passes and a cool-down between each did the trick. The glass had no waves, and the marks were gone unless you knew where to stare.
At home, I used toothpaste on a vanity mirror after a move. One minute of light circles and a clean wipe cleared the scuff. Both wins show how do you fix a scratched mirror changes with depth and size. Match the method to the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions of how do you fix a scratched mirror
How do you fix a scratched mirror at home fast
Try non-gel white toothpaste or a fine glass polish on a soft cloth. Work in small circles for one minute, then wipe and check.
Does baking soda really remove mirror scratches
It can help with light scuffs. Make a thick paste with water, rub gently, and rinse well.
Is cerium oxide safe for mirrors
Yes, when used with low speed, light pressure, and water to keep it cool. It is the most effective way to reduce moderate scratches.
When should I stop and call a pro
If your fingernail catches deeply or the scratch is long and in a key sight line, get help. Also call if the mirror is very large or tempered.
Will polishing cause distortion or haze
It can if you overwork one spot or use too much heat. Keep passes short, use low speed, and check often.
Can I fix scratches on the back silver coating
No. Front polishing cannot repair damaged silvering. Consider resilvering or replacement for back-side damage.
What is the best kit for beginners
A basic glass polishing kit with cerium oxide and a felt pad is ideal. It removes guesswork and includes the right grit and tools.
Conclusion
You can handle many mirror scratches at home with simple tools and a calm pace. Start with light methods, step up to cerium oxide when needed, and know when to stop. That approach is the smart answer to how do you fix a scratched mirror without stress or damage.
Try one method today on a small spot and build your skill. If you want more guides like this, subscribe for future how-tos, or leave a comment with your mirror challenge.
Table of Contents