A scratched sliding door, a pane scarred by a razor blade during a remodel, dog scratches at nose height on the slider — most homeowners assume that glass is done for. It usually isn't. Our technicians resurface the damaged area with a progressive, feathered polishing system and finish with an optical-grade cerium polish, so the scratch disappears without the fun-house distortion DIY kits leave behind — typically for a fraction of what replacement costs. And in South Florida's coastal counties, replacement isn't just a new pane: code generally requires an upgrade to impact-rated glass, plus a permit. Restoration needs neither.
How we do it: We work the scratch with progressively finer abrasives, expanding a feathered work zone at every stage so the repair blends invisibly into the surrounding glass, monitoring surface temperature throughout — heat discipline matters, especially on tempered and impact glass. Then we sight-check the pane against a lined background before we call it done. We handle sliders, entry glass, shower doors, and window panes on both coasts.
Honesty first: mineral haze and sprinkler staining are a different problem — often a cleaning fix, not a polishing one — see our hard water stain removal service. And if a pane is cracked, or fogged between the panes, we'll tell you straight that replacement is the honest answer. Every job starts with a free assessment — send us a photo, or have us look while we're already there cleaning. Learn more on our glass scratch removal page.
Frequently asked questions
Can scratches really be removed from glass?+
Yes, in most cases. Surface scratches polish out with an optical-grade cerium finish; deeper scratches are resurfaced with a progressive feathered process. Even many scratches that catch a fingernail can be professionally restored — we confirm with a free assessment first.
Is restoration really cheaper than replacing the pane?+
Typically yes — industry-wide, restoration often runs 50% or more below replacement. In South Florida's coastal counties the gap widens further: replacement generally requires code-mandated impact-rated glass and a permit; restoration needs neither.
What can't be fixed?+
Cracks and chips (structural — replacement only), fog between the panes of a double-pane window (a failed seal polishing can't reach), and scratches on the coated face of Low-E glass. We'll always tell you when replacement is the smarter spend.
Will the repaired spot look distorted?+
Not when it's done right. We feather an expanding work area instead of grinding one spot, finish with a cerium polish, and sight-check the pane against a lined background before we call it done.
How long does it take?+
Light scratches take about an hour per pane; deeper damage takes longer. Either way it's a single on-site visit — no tear-out, no boarded-up opening, no waiting weeks on a fabrication order.