Restore Scratched Glass: 600?1000?2000?3000 Grit

Glass tabletops, windows, or watch faces often pick up scratches over time. Instead of replacing, you can restore clarity by progressive sanding: 600 ? 1000 ? 2000 ? 3000 grit, followed by polishing compound. This sequence removes surface scratches and haze, leaving glass clear again.

Why Sand Glass

Scratches scatter light, making glass dull. Polishing alone won’t remove deep marks. Progressive sanding cuts evenly, each grit refining the last until the glass surface is smooth enough for compound to restore transparency.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 600, 1000, 2000, 3000 grit
• Sanding block or orbital sander with pad
• Spray bottle with water + soap
• Glass polishing compound (cerium oxide)
• Felt buffing pad
• Microfiber towels
• PPE: gloves, respirator, safety glasses

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 600 grit — Removes deeper scratches.
• 1000 grit — Refines sanding marks, begins clarity.
• 2000 grit — Smooths to satin transparency.
• 3000 grit — Pre-polish clarity, ready for compound.

Step-by-Step: Glass Restoration

1. Clean glass. Wash thoroughly—grit left behind causes more scratches.
2. Sand with 600 grit. Use 600 grit (25-pack) wet until scratches level out.
3. Step to 1000 grit. Switch to 1000 grit (50-pack). Sand lightly until surface looks clearer.
4. Refine at 2000 grit. Move to 2000 grit (100-pack). Glass should appear satin and smoother.
5. Final sanding at 3000 grit. Finish with 3000 grit (25-pack). Surface should now be semi-transparent.
6. Polish. Apply cerium oxide compound with felt pad until glass regains clarity.
7. Inspect. Check under bright light—repeat fine grits if haze remains.

Special Cases

Deep scratches: May require starting coarser (320–400 grit).
Tempered glass: Sand gently—too much heat or pressure weakens it.
Watch crystals: Acrylic ones need different approach—lighter grits only.

Pro Tips

• Always sand wet—glass overheats and cracks if dry.
• Use light, consistent strokes to avoid distortion.
• Work in circles for even scratch removal.
• Replace sandpaper often—glass wears it down fast.
• Finish with compound for true clarity.

Aftercare

• Clean glass with microfiber only—avoid abrasive cloths.
• Apply glass protectant to reduce scratches in future.
• Touch up with 3000 grit + polish if small marks return.

FAQs

• Can toothpaste polish glass? Works only for micro scratches—progressive sanding is needed for deeper ones.
• Why stop at 3000 grit? Beyond that, polishing compound achieves better clarity.
• Will sanding weaken glass? No—removes only superficial microns.
• Can this fix windshield scratches? Light scratches, yes—deep cracks require replacement.

Video: Glass Scratch Removal

Closing: With 600 ? 1000 ? 2000 ? 3000 grit sanding plus cerium oxide polish, scratched glass regains clarity and looks new again.