Maya Ellison
Plastic sunglass frames are lightweight and come in a variety of colours, making them a popular choice. However, they may not always fit properly and may need adjustments. Luckily, it is possible to bend plastic frames to better fit your face. This can be done at home without needing to visit a professional. All you need is a little heat and a little pressure to bend the frames. It is important to be careful when making adjustments, as too much force can damage the frames.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required tools | Hair dryer, sink/bowl, water |
| When to adjust | Frames are too tight at temples, frames are sliding down face, frames are rubbing against ears, frames are sitting too high on nose |
| How to adjust | Heat the desired area with a hair dryer or hot water, carefully bend the frames, set the new position with cold water |
| Tips | Check for damage before adjusting, be careful not to apply excessive force, maintain the natural curve shape behind the ear, repeat adjustments as needed |
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$9.99
$9.99
What You'll Learn
Heat plastic frames with hot water or a hairdryer before bending
To adjust the fit of your plastic sunglass frames, you can use hot water or a hairdryer to heat up the frames before bending them gently into the desired position. This method can be used on the nose pads, arms, and the area behind the ears.
If you are using hot water, submerge the part of the frame you want to bend in water at a temperature of at least 95°C for 30-60 seconds. If the frames are adjustable, the plastic will soften and become pliable. You can then carefully bend the frames to better fit your face. Run the frames under cold water to set the new position.
If you are using a hairdryer, switch it on and direct the hot air towards the part of the frame you want to adjust. Be very careful not to get too close to the plastic, as hot air can cause the frames to soften and bend, and the hairdryer may be too hot and cause the plastic to crack. Once the plastic is soft enough, carefully bend it into the desired position. Set the new position by running the frames under cold water.
When adjusting the arms of the frames, you can also use the hairdryer to heat up the plastic, straighten out the existing bend, and then use cold water to set the arm in a straight position. Place the glasses on your face and mark where you need to bend the arm. Reheat this area with the hairdryer and bend the arm so that there is a slight curve behind your ear. Use cold water to set the new bend.
It is important to be cautious when using these methods, as too much force can damage the frames. Small adjustments are best, and you can always go back and repeat the process if the frames are still uncomfortable.
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Adjust the arms to fit around your ears
Adjusting the arms of plastic sunglass frames to fit around your ears usually involves applying heat and gentle pressure. Here's a detailed guide:
Firstly, identify the area that requires adjustment. The arms of your sunglasses should bend slightly over the ear area, helping to hold them in place when you tilt your head down. If the bend in the arm starts before or significantly after your ear, adjustments are necessary.
Before applying any force, it's important to soften the plastic. One method is to run the arm under warm or hot water for 20 to 30 seconds. Ensure that the water doesn't come into contact with the lenses, as this could damage them. Alternatively, use a hairdryer to heat the specific area that requires adjustment.
Once the plastic is pliable, gently bend the arm to the desired position. If the sunglasses are too loose, bend the arm inwards to make them tighter. Conversely, if they are too tight, bend the arm outwards to loosen the fit. Always make small adjustments to avoid overcorrection.
After shaping the arm, use cool or cold water to set the new bend. Place the sunglasses on your face to test the new fit. If further adjustments are needed, repeat the process.
It's important to note that some frame materials are resistant to adjustment, including titanium, memory plastic, and aluminum alloy. Additionally, while these methods can be effective, there is a risk of breakage. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with the process, consider seeking professional assistance from an optician or optical store.
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Bend the nose pads to sit comfortably on your nose
To bend the nose pads of plastic sunglasses so that they sit comfortably on your nose, start by holding the bridge of the frame with your non-dominant hand, being careful not to put pressure on the lenses. Then, use your dominant hand to make the adjustments.
If your sunglasses are sliding down your nose, you can adjust the nose pads by heating them with a hairdryer or by running them under hot water for 2-3 minutes. Then, gently bend the nose pads towards your nose, tilting the top portion of the nose pad inwards. You can also use your thumbs and index fingers to make these adjustments. Place your thumbs on the underside of the nose pads and your index fingers on top of the bend. Gently push downwards with your index fingers while your thumbs push up.
If the nose pads are sitting too high on your nose, push them outwards, tilting the top portion of the nose pad away from your nose. You can also use pliers to make these adjustments, as they provide a better grip and reduce the risk of damage. Line up the gap on the pliers with where the frames connect to the nose pad and squeeze the handles together.
Check the symmetry of the nose pads by holding the sunglasses up at eye level. If they are uneven, bend them into the correct position so that the nose pads are symmetrical. After making adjustments, test the fit by trying on your sunglasses and checking how they feel and look in a mirror. If they are still uncomfortable, repeat the process and make small adjustments until they fit comfortably.
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Loosen or tighten the frames by pushing or pulling the outer edges
Plastic sunglass frames can be adjusted to better fit your face. However, it is important to note that plastic frames can become brittle with age, so it is crucial to check for any damage, such as fine cracks or discolouration, before attempting any adjustments. If there are no signs of damage, you can proceed with the following steps to loosen or tighten the frames by pushing or pulling the outer edges:
Loosen the Frames:
Firstly, heat the frames. You can do this by filling a sink or bowl with warm water and submerging the frames for at least 20 seconds, or by holding the frames under a stream of warm running water. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer, holding it at least 10 inches away from the frames and moving it around for at least 20 seconds.
Once the frames are heated, hold them so that the lenses face towards you. Curve the frames out by pushing in on the centre and pulling the outer edges towards you. You can also loosen the frames by bending the temple arms up. To do this, hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you, and place your four fingers under the temple, with your index finger resting at the natural temple bend to support the frames. Use your right hand to slowly and gently push the temple end up. Make sure that all adjustments are slight, and check that both sides look equal.
Tighten the Frames:
As with loosening the frames, the first step is to heat them using warm water or a hair dryer. Then, hold the frames so that the front of the lenses are facing away from you. Use your thumbs to grip the centre, inside of the frame, and pull in the outer edges of the front towards you with your fingers. To further tighten the frames, bend the temple arms down. Hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you, and place your four fingers under the temple, with your index finger resting at the natural temple bend. Use your right hand to slowly and gently push the temple end down. Again, ensure that all adjustments are slight, and check that both sides are even.
After making adjustments, place the glasses on a flat surface to cool, then try them on to test the fit. You can always repeat the above steps until your glasses are comfortable.
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Check for damage, cracks or discolouration before bending
Before bending plastic sunglass frames, it is important to check for any damage, cracks or discolouration. This is because bending can cause further damage to the frames, especially if they are already weakened or compromised.
Plastic frames can be adjusted by applying heat and pressure, but if there are cracks, the application of heat may cause the frame to snap or break further. It is also important to identify the type of plastic used in the frames, as some plastics are more prone to crystallization, becoming brittle due to age or extreme temperatures. If the plastic has become brittle, it will be more susceptible to damage during the bending process.
Discolouration may be an indicator of degradation in the plastic, or it could be a sign that the frame has been exposed to excessive heat in the past. If the frame has already been weakened by heat, bending it could cause further damage. It is also important to note that some plastics are more challenging to repair than others, so if the discolouration is due to the type of plastic, it may be best to consult an expert technician for advice.
Checking for damage, cracks or discolouration before bending plastic sunglass frames is crucial to avoid causing further damage or compromising the structural integrity of the frames. Small cracks or signs of degradation may not be visible to the naked eye, so it is recommended to handle the frames gently and carefully during the inspection process.
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Frequently asked questions
If your sunglasses are slipping down your nose, you may need to bend the temples (arms) down. If they are rubbing the back of your ears, you will need to bend the temples up.
First, you need to heat the frames. You can do this by running them under hot water or using a hairdryer. Then, hold the frames so the lenses face away from you and use your thumbs and fingers to pull the outer edges towards you.
It is important to check your frames for any damage before attempting to bend them. Look closely for fine cracks or discolouration. If there are any signs of damage, do not try to reshape them. You should also be careful not to apply excessive force when bending the frames.
