removing fine scratches from glass tank
 

is there any real way to remove fine scratches from a glass tank? I have some really fine scratches on my tank that is currently empty and I would like to get rid of it if possible. let me know if you have any secrets.

Can you feel them with your nail ?

If you can there is almost no way, so the 40 odd glass guys I talked to said.


Wendell

I was going to try these guys at one point in time....product looks good

http://www.gtglass.com/scratchRemoval.htm

If Wendell says it can't be done I'd say it can't be done. I think instead of removing the scratch you'd have to fill it first with something then polish the filler. Trying to grind it out or polish it out would only compromise the glass and give you a weak spot.

You could try something like speedy auto glass, try to find out what they use to repair car windshields but it may not be reef safe or suitable for underwater use.

I've tried using two part epoxy on glass and found it didn't stick, water got behind it and it lifted off so don't waste your money on that.

Doug

FWIW

This doesnt work either.

http://www.seenontv.com/prod-pages/gs27.htm

http://www.bostonaquariumsociety.org.../scratches.htm

Looks like this should work.

I think you can buff the scratches out, but the problem is that you create a "lens" from the depression in the glass where you've removed the material. That creates a visible "wow" in the glass that is more noticeable than the scratch, in most cases. If they're not deep enough to feel, then buffing them out won't usually remove enough material to create a distortion.

NICE if that stuff works as desribed that is sweet!!! thanks for the link

Let me know if and where you find any - I would be interested in some. I looked at Canadian tire for any glass product that contained some of that compound, but I didnt find any. I think that I put a few scratches on my new-to-me tank while cleaning it out...

Polishing Glass
 

Look under "lapidaries" in the yellow pages. They carry cerium oxide and many other polishing compounds for working with glass.

I have ground a few telescope mirrors in my life and use many types of grinding media for working with the glass blank. Last of which is cerium oxide, to finely polish the mirror before coating it.

You can remove the scratches. but be prepared for many hours of work. I do believe the lensing effect of grinding out scratches on the inside of the tank may disappoint as well.