Glass tables are incredibly beautiful and elegant home decor items, but it can feel sorely disappointing when you need a glass table repair.
A glass table is a popular choice among homeowners because of its sleek and modern appearance that complements various home and decor styles. Glass-top dining tables, coffee tables, and desks can be functional yet exciting additions to any home or office space.
When you invest in the glass table of your dreams, you want it to look good for years. But the unfortunate reality with glass is, like other materials, it could scratch, chip, or incur other types of damage. This often feels frustrating and looks unsightly, whether these scratches are deep and noticeable or superficial and hardly there.
Today, we’re discussing these issues, their severity, whether or not they’re permanent, and what you can do to prevent and minimize scratches on your glass furniture in the future.
Continue reading below to learn more.
Perks of a glass table
Many homeowners opt for a glass table for a timeless and ethereal look in their space. While some people are concerned about the fragile nature of this material, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks:
- Glass tables are incredibly durable despite being inherently fragile
- Glass tabletops are easy to clean and disinfect
- Glass toppers are added to wooden surfaces to protect them from stains and scratches
- Glass is transparent, creating the illusion of more space and light
- Glass tables have a weightless and uncluttered appearance
- Glass tables are easily adaptable to complement any style
- Glass table repair is relatively easy.
- Glass tables surfaces will not trap harmful bacteria or stain
Tabletop glass: The nature of glass
Before we dive in, it’s essential to understand that all types of glass are, on some level, prone to scratching. This is because glass is a brittle, rigid material that could be easily damaged by sharp or abrasive objects. It is the nature of glass. However, the degree to which glass surfaces will scratch depends entirely on the type of glass and its finish.
Glass type — There are many different types of glass that are often used for table tops, such as laminated glass, standard float glass, and tempered glass. Tempered glass is the most scratch-resistant and durable option due to being treated with a special chemical and heat process that makes it about four times stronger than standard glass.
Laminated glass is also an excellent choice for tabletops because it is made by layering plastic between two sheets of glass, making it more resistant to scratches and breaks. Stand float glass is the least durable of the listed options is the most prone to scratching and breaking than laminated or tempered glass, and is not ideal for most tabletops.
Glass finish — Hand in hand with glass type, the finish also affects the scratch resistance level of tabletop glass. The most scratch-resistant option is a polished finish, thanks to its smooth, shiny surface that is less prone to damage. A matte-finish glass tabletop is less scratch-resistant because it has a rough surface that is more sensitive to abrasions.
Tempered or hardened glass has a more durable finish, making it more scratch-resistant than untreated or annealed glass. However, even hardened glass is still susceptible to scratches if subjected to sharp or abrasive objects.
Are glass table scratches permanent?
The great news about scratches and other abrasions is that they are not permanent. While they may hinder the aesthetic and appearance of your table, a simple glass repair for the table will make it look as good as new!
There are a few at-home ways to address glass table scratches:
- Paste wax – Paste wax is an excellent option for tabletop scratches that have been used for centuries to repair and smooth wooden furniture. It is also very effective at filling in minor scratches on glass surfaces.
- Toothpaste – To remove surface scratches quickly and conveniently, gently rub a pea-sized amount of toothpaste over them. Apply the product gently in circular movements until you’re happy with the results.
- Metal polish – Metal polish is another effective, yet easy way to reduce the appearance of superficial scratches on glass surfaces. Clean your surface, and then use a soft cloth to rub in the polish gently.
- Clear nail polish – Applying a thin layer of clear nail polish to any affected areas could be effective. Remember to remove the excess with a microfiber cloth.
- Jeweler’s rouge – Jeweler’s rouge is an abrasive powder developed by the jewelry trade to shine and buff precious, soft metals such as silver and gold. This product has a similar effect on glass surfaces to buff away minor scratches.
Preventing glass table scratches: 7 Ways to avoid glass table repair
If you own furniture, you know precisely how much daily wear and tear it takes, and your glass tables are no different. Here are a few things to implement to protect your glass tabletops from scratches:
- Clean and polish surfaces regularly
- Use a reasonable amount of gentle, non-abrasive cleaner
- Do not place hot items directly onto the tabletop
- Adorn it with a protective runner or tablecloth
- Use coasters or placemats whenever you set something on the surface
- Do not let kids play with toys directly on the table
- Watch out for pets that might claw at the surface
What if the DIY approach doesn’t work?
Unfortunately, an at-home DIY approach is not always enough for severe scratches, and the scratches on your glass tabletop remain. Thankfully, all is not lost in these instances; a skilled and experienced professional glass table repair company will help remove any existing scratches with expert techniques, equipment, and products.
Glass repair for table: Murray Glass is here for you
Before continuing your Google search “glass repair for table,” let the experts at Murray Glass help with your glass table repair. Whether you need a simple scratch repair or a total glass tabletop replacement, our team of trusted and skilled professionals is here to help.
If your glass tabletop is scratched or otherwise broken, there’s no need to worry when you have the Murray Glass team by your side. We are Utah’s leader in glass and mirror repair—there’s no creak, chip, or crack we can’t handle.
Our knowledgeable team understands that accidents and breaks happen, and your glass tables are not exempt. That’s why we care and are committed to doing everything we can to carefully and thoughtfully repair your glass tables and make them as good as new.
Murray Glass is Northern Utah’s premier glass and mirror repair company and services areas in Salt Lake County, Utah Country, Weber, Summit, and Tooele Counties. Contact the Murray Glass professionals today to learn more.