Maya Ellison
Scratches on a cell phone screen are a common issue that can range from surface-level damage to severe failure of the device. While severe scratches usually require a screen replacement, there are several DIY methods to remove and fix mild scratches at home. This article will explore various techniques to polish a plastic cell phone screen, from using household products like toothpaste to commercial screen polishes and discuss the pros and cons of each approach.
Characteristics and Values Table for Polishing a Plastic Cell Phone Screen
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scratch Removal Techniques | Toothpaste, Erasers, Magic Erasers, Screen Protector, Self-Healing Phone |
| Toothpaste Type | Non-gel, pasty texture |
| Toothpaste Application | Dab on screen, soft cloth, cotton swab, or soft-bristled toothbrush |
| Toothpaste Motion | Circular |
| Toothpaste Removal | Slightly damp cloth, dry microfiber cloth |
| Eraser Type | White rubber, pencil eraser |
| Eraser Motion | Left to right, up and down |
| Screen Protectors | Tempered glass, matte, gloss |
| Commercial Solutions | Cerium oxide polish, Turtle Wax, 3M Scratch, Swirl Remover, Silvo, Brasso |
| Coating | Oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprints |
| Caution | Polishes may remove screen coating, causing larger scratches |
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What You'll Learn
Use toothpaste
Toothpaste is a common household item that can be used to remove scratches from plastic phone screens. It is designed to be abrasive, which is why it works well for cleaning teeth and can also be used to fix plastic scratches.
Firstly, make sure you use a toothpaste with a pasty texture, not a gel-based toothpaste. The toothpaste should also be abrasive enough to be effective. Check the box if you are unsure. You can also use baking soda, which has similar abrasive qualities to toothpaste. If you would like to use baking soda, make a paste with two parts baking soda and one part water.
Once you have your toothpaste, apply a small amount to a soft cloth, cotton swab, or soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently rub the paste over the scratched area of your plastic phone screen in a circular motion until the scratch fades.
After this, wipe the screen with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove any excess toothpaste. Finish up by wiping the screen with a dry microfiber polishing cloth to renew the look of your phone.
While toothpaste can be effective for removing small surface scratches, deeper scratches may require a more powerful solution. Toothpaste should not be used on glass screens as it can damage the oleophobic coating, which repels oil and prevents fingerprints.
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Try a magic eraser
If you have scratches on your phone's plastic screen, you might want to try using a magic eraser. Magic erasers are sponges that can easily wipe out small scratches on your phone screen in just a few seconds.
To make your own magic eraser, follow this simple tutorial:
- Take a white rubber eraser or the type that's found at the end of a pencil.
- Simply rub the scratch left and right with the eraser for about 60 seconds.
- Then, rub it up and down for another 60 seconds.
The friction softens the eraser, and it fills in the scratch. Just be careful not to press down too hard.
If you don't want to make your own magic eraser, you can purchase a pre-made one. These are inexpensive and easily available.
While magic erasers can be effective for removing small scratches, it's important to note that they may not work for deeper or more severe scratches. In such cases, you may need to consider professional screen repair or replacement services. Additionally, some phones are now branded as ""self-healing" devices, with plastic that can repair moderate scratches on its own. So, if you're prone to scratches, consider this option for your next phone purchase.
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Apply baking soda and water paste
If you want to polish your plastic phone screen with baking soda, you'll first need to mix it with water to create a paste. The general ratio is two parts baking soda to one part water, but you can adjust this as needed to achieve a thick paste. It's important to note that toothpaste, which is also recommended for polishing plastic, should not be used on phone screens as it can leave abrasion marks.
Once you've made your paste, use a cotton ball, cloth, or clean toothbrush to apply it to the screen. Work the paste into the scratches in small, circular motions. You can occasionally rinse off the paste to check your progress. If the scratches are still visible, apply more paste and continue rubbing the area.
After you've removed the scratches, rinse the paste off your screen and dry the screen with a soft towel. You can also try buffing the screen with a polishing compound or a buffing wheel to remove oxidation and make it shine.
While this method can be effective for removing light scratches, deeper scratches may require a different approach, such as using fine-grit wet sandpaper or a plastic polishing compound. It's important to be cautious when using any abrasive substance on your phone screen, as it can potentially cause damage if not done carefully.
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Use a car scratch removal cream
Car scratch removal creams, such as Turtle Wax, 3M Scratch, and Swirl Remover, can be used to minimize and get rid of minor scratches on your phone screen. This method is best used for plastic screens, as glass screens require a more heavy-duty solution, such as cerium oxide polish.
To use a car scratch removal cream, start by applying a small amount of the cream to a clean, soft cloth. Gently wipe the cream onto the scratched area of your screen in a swirling motion. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don't want to cause further damage to your screen.
After applying the cream, use a fresh, slightly damp cloth to wipe away any excess product. Finally, dry your screen with a microfiber polishing cloth.
It is important to note that using car scratch removal creams on your phone screen comes with some risks. Some polishes can remove the screen coating, resulting in larger scratches or reduced functionality. Always use these products with caution and at your own risk. Additionally, if your phone has severe scratches, it may be best to consult a professional or consider screen replacement.
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Buff with a pencil eraser
If you're looking to remove scratches from your plastic cell phone screen, one method is to buff the screen with a pencil eraser. This method is effective for minor scratches.
First, ensure that the eraser is new and free of any graphite markings. You don't want to risk transferring any graphite onto your screen.
Next, gently rub the eraser over the scratch, moving it left and right for about 60 seconds. Then, repeat the process, this time moving the eraser up and down for another 60 seconds. The friction will soften the eraser, causing it to fill in the scratch. Be careful not to press down too hard on the screen.
Once you're done, check the screen for any leftover residue or eraser shavings. Remove any remaining marks with a soft, dry cloth.
Finally, consider applying a new oleophobic coating or installing a screen protector. This step is important because the polishing process may have removed the original oleophobic coating, which is designed to protect your screen and make it scratch-resistant.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try buffing out scratches with toothpaste (not gel-based) and a soft cloth, cotton swab, or soft-bristle toothbrush. Gently rub the paste over the scratched area in a circular motion until the scratch fades. Then, wipe your screen clean with a slightly damp cloth and finish with a dry microfiber cloth.
Yes, you can try using an eraser. Simply rub the scratch left and right with the eraser for about 60 seconds, and then rub it up and down for 60 seconds.
Car scratch removal creams such as Turtle Wax, 3M Scratch, and Swirl Remover can minimize and get rid of minor scratches. Simply apply the cream to a clean, soft cloth and wipe your screen in a gentle, swirling motion.
Yes, you can use a cerium oxide polish. This can be bought as a soluble powder or in pre-mixed form. Mix about 100g of the powder with water to create a paste with a creamy consistency.
If the scratch is significant, you may need to replace the screen. Apple, for example, charges $29 to replace your screen if you have AppleCare+. If your warranty is expired, it will cost around $129-$379, depending on your iPhone model. You can also look for reputable third-party local businesses that may offer this service for less.
