How to Fix a Scratch on an LCD Screen

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If your phone, computer, or television screen has a scratch on its screen, you can usually fix it yourself with a scratch repair kit.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Professional Scratch Repair Kit

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  1. Scratch repair kits work well on surface-level scratches, but deep nicks or chips in the plastic won't be affected by a scratch repair kit. [1]
  2. "Displex Display Polish" and "Novus Plastic Polish" are both quality scratch repair kits available from Amazon. Best Buy and Walmart tech departments may also have scratch repair kits in-store. [2]
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  3. Microfiber cloths, unlike paper towels or traditional napkins/cloths, won't scratch your screen during the buffing process.
  4. Scratches should be easier to see when the screen is dark.
  5. Usually, scratch repair kits require that you spray a solution onto the scratch and immediate area around it, then gently buff the scratch with a microfiber cloth.
  6. There should be a fine mist of solution on your screen.
  7. Do this until the screen appears dry.
    • You should move the cloth in circular directions rather than left-to-right or up-and-down. This works the solution into the scratch.
  8. If the scratch appears to be gone, then your repair worked!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Purchasing a New Screen Cover

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  1. If your screen is scratched to the point where it impairs the visual presentation--but the actual LCD display is unharmed--then purchasing a new screen cover is practical. If the LCD display has been damaged (parts of the screen are black or rainbow-colored), however, your item is likely beyond repair and you will need to purchase a TV/phone/computer.
  2. You can usually find the specific model number on the back of a TV or phone, or the bottom of a laptop. You'll need this number to make sure you purchase the correct type of screen.
    • Make sure you have your manufacturer's name as well (e.g., Sony or Toshiba).
  4. Higher price doesn't always correlate with higher quality, so look through your results carefully before deciding on a screen replacement.
    • For a more focused search, go to Amazon or eBay and type the same thing in.
  5. You may find that you're better off buying a new item anyway--if the combination of their services and the screen's price ends up being as much as a new TV, for example, you should consider just purchasing the new TV.
  7. Most tech departments (e.g., Best Buy) will replace your screen for you, though they often charge a considerable fee--another reason to purchase a mid-range screen replacement rather than the most expensive one.
    • Replacing your own screen cover is not recommended.
  8. Your screen should now be safe from future scratches!
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if it is a light scratch?
    Community Answer
    I found that rubbing some Vaseline on the light scratch on a monitor can get rid of it.
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  • Question
    How do I use the materials?
    Community Answer
    Power down your TV/phone/computer. Scratches should be easier to see when the screen is dark. Open your repair kit and read the instructions. Usually, scratch repair kits require that you spray a solution onto the scratch and area around it, then gently buff the scratch with a microfiber cloth.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How much would an iPhone 7 replacement screen cost?
    Community Answer
    It depends on where and how you get it replaced. Many local shops will do those repairs for $40-100 USD.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • If a scratch is small enough that you can repair it, consider leaving it alone. Trying to fix it might only draw more attention to it than is already present.
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      • Screen protectors are cheap ways to ensure your screen cover stays scratch-free.
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      Warnings

      • Never attempt a do-it-yourself scratch repair with anything other than a professional scratch repair kit. Vaseline, nail polish, toothpaste, or any other "quick fixes" will harm your screen.
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      • Though there are plenty of YouTube and internet tutorials on how to replace a screen cover yourself, you run the risk of permanently damaging your LCD display if you do.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.radtech.com/products/icecreme
      2. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/Displex-00300-Display-Polish/dp/B00CFLMIFC

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 3, 2016

        "Easy job, and I have a clear screen."
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