Most people among the general public will be able to recognise a magnifying glass by sight. Nonetheless, this is not the same as understanding all the ins and outs of one. This is especially the case when it comes to the maintenance of a magnifying glass. That’s why now is a good moment to discuss how to remove scratches from a magnifying glass, to help optimise and prolong its use.
Recognise the Difference Between Restore and Replace
The first step in looking to improve the appearance of a magnifying glass is to recognise the distinction between a magnifying glass that can be restored, and once that must be replaced. There’s no disputing that a magnifying glass which needs to be restored can indeed have that task achieved – more on that in a moment – but if a magnifying glass has been cracked, then replacement instead of restoration will be necessary. This is because not only can a cracked magnifying glass not be expected to work properly, but it could pose a health risk to the user given the potential for the sharp area of the crack to cause harm if it comes into contact with the user’s body.
Materials to Utilise
The first step in looking to repair a scratch is to clean the surface of the magnifier – on both sides – with a microfibre cloth. This will help ensure no dirt particles wedge themselves into any scratch(es). Just as a toothbrush is a trusty tool for maintaining dental health, so too is it very helpful when it comes to repairing scratches in a magnifying glass. This is owing to the nature of the bristles and how comprehensive they can be in filling into crevices that exist on a magnifier’s surface.
Liquids to Utilise
Once the surface has been cleaned with a magnifier and a toothbrush is in-hand, it’s then time to apply some toothpaste to the toothbrush for use. The precise amount is informed by the size of the magnifier, but as a rule of thumb ‘less is more’ is the case when it comes to utilising the correct amount of toothpaste. The toothpaste should be applied to the glass and gently brushed into the crack. If the scratch is not removed in the first instance, it can be prudent to take pause for a few minutes, and then repeat the process once again. In turn, brushing at the scratch from different angles – instead of just doing so in a uniform line – can help remedy the scratch more effectively.
Conclusion
Dealing with scratches on a magnifier is never going to be fun, but fortunately there are ways to look to address them. To recap, the first step is to establish that the magnifier is not requiring replacement due to severe damage, and is instead a good candidate for repair. Then, it’s necessary to clean the surface with a microfibre cloth. Thereafter, utilising a toothbrush and toothpaste – and brushing from various angles rather than in a uniform way – to complete the key step in the process is the way in which removing scratches can be pursued.
