Is there a way to repair scratches on scanner glass?

Sugarflower · Post by **Sugarflower** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:01 pm

Tonight I just noticed a 1 inch long scratch on the surface of our scanner. This is so upsetting since we've only had it for a couple of months or so. It looks as if someone actually took something sharp and scratched it. I don't ever remember placing anything on the scanners surface that could make a scratch this bad.

Is there ANYTHING at all that can be done about repairing it? I've heard of something like a liquid or sealant that can fill in scratches on surfaces but I don't know if it will work. This is so depressing for me.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:02 pm

But you don't know much about something like a liquid or sealant that can fill in scratches on surfaces but he or she do not know if it will work?

hyelakingsfan · Post by **hyelakingsfan** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:12 pm

Well i cant think of anything to repair it, however, what you can do is fix it on photoshop.

blueheaven · Post by **blueheaven** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:24 pm

You might want to try a high quality glass cleaner, such as Brillianize or Monster Screen cleaner. It does a good job of clearing those little scratches and scuffs on glass and plastic.

Moop · Post by **Moop** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:27 pm

If all else fails, you should be able to replace the glass without much difficulty.

Sugarflower · Post by **Sugarflower** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:40 pm

Moop wrote:If all else fails, you should be able to replace the glass without much difficulty.

There is a way to replace glass in scanners?

I didn't think that was possible. I wouldn't even know how to take it apart since I don't see any screws or anything like that holding it together.

I might visit one of those copier places that have scanners and ask what I could place on the scratch.

Moop · Post by **Moop** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:05 pm

There is a way to replace glass in scanners?

Yep, I've done it. It should be possible on most scanners. None of them are just one solid piece of plastic; if you can't figure out how to take yours apart, maybe your local computer dealer can help...?

Or is it still under warranty? If so, the manufacturer may be willing to replace it for a nominal fee.

frozentime · Post by **frozentime** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 6:14 pm

You can buy hand polishing compounds, but there is kind of a skill to it, and it is easy to mess up..... or at least not get the results that satisfy you. Some polish compounds do less polishing and actually fill in the scratches. These compounds tend to have a similar enough refractive index that the scratch looks like it disappears. Still, I would be a little afraid to do this unless you can find a good commercial product made specifically for glass surfaces still contained in a package. I don't know any specific brands off the top of my head, but maybe someone I work with does. Most of our glass polishing is done by vendors, due to the quality needed.

I believe someone here mentioned replacing the glass. If you can get it out, before replacing it, you might want to just try flipping it upside down. Most scanners have a limited depth of focus, and scratches are generally smaller than they look. It may be that this will give you good enough results. If that doesn't work, you needed to take it out to replace it anyway, so there isn't much risked.