A day on the beach, hiking trail, or other outdoor attractions can be unforgiving for your sunglass lenses and always leaves them with swirls and scratches. Now, the jury is still out on whether using a scratch remover for sunglasses lenses to restore the gloss of your bumped-up sunglasses is worth it. Getting the best replacement lenses for sunglasses takes time and money though, both of which can be scarce, especially while traveling. Having the best scratch fix for sunglasses while on the move is, therefore, a lifesaver for travelers.
Getting the best scratch remover for polarized sunglasses can be challenging because eyeglass manufacturers don’t make scratch removers. Scratch removers are not a permanent fix, but as long as they restore the shine of your sunglasses without distorting your vision, you have nothing to lose. We tested dozens of widely used scratch removers for polycarbonates, plastic, and glass surfaces and these ones didn’t disappoint.
Table of contents
- Optical Grade Cerium Oxide 8oz Glass Repair Powder
- Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating
- Turtle Wax 50935 Scratch Repair
- TechDiamond Tools Phone Screen Scratch Remover Kit
- Nexgen Surface Scratch and Swirl Remover
- QUIXX 2019 Acrylic Scratch Remover
- Rolite Ultra Fine Scratch Remover For Plastic & Acrylic Surfaces
- Smittys Glass Wax
- Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover
- Chemical Guys GAP11316 EZ Crème Glaze
- 3M Scratch Remover, 39044, 8 fl oz
- Chemical Guys COM_129_16 Scratch and Swirl Remover
- Polywatch Plastic Crystal Glass Polish & Scratch Remover
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Scratch Remover For Sunglasses Lenses
- How Do You Get Scratches Out of Expensive Sunglasses?
- How Do You Get Scratches Out Of Polarized Sunglasses?
- Does Sunglasses Etching Cream Remove Scratches?
Optical Grade Cerium Oxide 8oz Glass Repair Powder
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Best value for money. Optical Grade’s cerium oxide is a must-have whenever you are traveling with any type of lens because it is a natural colorless filler that eliminates swirls and scratches. The best thing about this powder is that it is light and easy to carry around. It only takes a minute to create a scratch remover paste after mixing it with water. Moreover, it is non-toxic, which means you can apply using your microfiber cloth without hurting yourself or the lenses.
We tried the scratch filler on different sets of black, silver, and fire-red Oakleys and the results were amazing. The trick is to apply as thin a layer as possible to avoid interfering with the iridium coating on the rest of the lenses. The scratch remover also restores camera lenses as well as binoculars and watches.
Pros
- The dry powder is light and takes up little space in storage.
- It is a multipurpose scratch remover that can be used on other appliances including binoculars.
- The scratch remover restores a durable gloss on different sunglasses without affecting polarization.
Cons
- Mixing with water is time-consuming
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Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating
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We thought this scratch remover was a step too far t first, but it proved to be the best scratch remover for polarized sunglasses in our collection. The Glidecoat marine ceramic coating is a lot more durable than other scratch removers offering a lasting solution for your favorite lenses. You just need to buff a tiny drop on your lenses and watch the scratches disappear and the gloss to return. Additionally, this scratch remover coats evenly without abrasives which protects the lenses.
The scratch remover is also UV treated, which blends in with the original treatment in the lenses. It is an invisible coat that restores the gloss without distorting the lenses to preserve visual clarity. Better still, this coating repels water, dust, and grease which prevents fog and odor on your lenses.
Pros
- The coat is easy to apply using a brush or microfiber cloth.
- It comes in a small bottle that is easy to carry around when traveling.
- The UV protection in the scratch remover enhances eye protection.
- Read the full specs on the official website
Cons
- The ceramic layer on the lenses can cause internal reflections on your lenses
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Turtle Wax 50935 Scratch Repair
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Turtle Wax 50935 Scratch repair is one of the most widely used scratch repairs by DIYers which is why we gave it a shot. It is a safe non-VOC-based scratch remover used to fill scratches and restore gloss on glass, plastic, and acrylic surfaces. We loved it because it relies on self-aligning micro fillers that patch up scratches with a simple rub. It is also colorless and therefore disappears completely after application which is why it is a good scratch remover for polarized sunglasses lenses.
Moreover, it can also be used on your camera and binocular lenses. The small 7oz bottle can fit in a small purse and is enough to give more than a dozen rubs which makes it a one-time purchase especially when you are on a long trip.
Pros
- The remover can be safely applied by hand or microfiber cloth
- The micro-fillers self-align to the lenses when rubbed in, restoring the original look of the surface.
- The scratch remover dries quickly after application saving your time
Cons
- The filler is only effective for shallow scratches
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TechDiamond Tools Phone Screen Scratch Remover Kit
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If you need something to patch up superficial scratches and discoloring on your sunglasses lenses, then the Techdiamond Tools phone screen scratch remover kit will suffice. This scratch remover for sunglasses lenses polishes scratches and is therefore unsuitable for polarized sunglasses. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t distort the structure because it has no fillers.
The package includes three different pastes that you can choose from depending on the depth of scratches but the 4000-grit paste was sufficient in our tests. The kit is also easy to use thanks to the syringe packaging that allows you to aim at the scratches when applying it. A clear glossy finish is restored after a simple rub making scraped lenses look as good as new.
Pros
- You don’t need special equipment to apply the scratch remover.
- The effects are more durable because it removes rather than fill in the scratches
- The scratch remover works on phone screens, cameras, and other travel gear.
Cons
- It Can’t be used to remove scratches on polarized sunglasses
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Nexgen Surface Scratch and Swirl Remover
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We tried this scratch remover from Nexgen on a pair of scraped Oakley Batwolfs and the scratches disappeared completely. It didn’t need much work either, just applying a drop of the polish on the lenses, wiping it off, and then rubbing it with a microfiber cloth. Nexgen surface scratch remover is totally colorless and therefore becomes invisible after application. Moreover, the colorless structure of this scratch remover for sunglasses lenses ensures that it doesn’t cause image distortion on your lenses.
We loved it more because it comes in a tiny 4oz bottle that can fit into any small space making it easy to travel around with. The small bottle is also sufficient for multiple uses including removing scratches on your phone screen, camera, and binocular lenses.
Pros
- The effects are long-lasting as the scratch remover also repels water, dust, and fog
- The remover is compatible with all colors of sunglasses including reflective-coated models
- The results are instant as the paste doesn’t take a long time to dry
Cons
- It is a superficial filler that limits its effectiveness to shallow scratches.
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QUIXX 2019 Acrylic Scratch Remover
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Best protection. As the name suggests, Quixx 2019 acrylic scratch remover patches up scratches instantly. It is another scratch fix for sunglasses that comes in a tiny tube that can fit in a tiny space with the rest of your gear. The biggest catch here is the instant reaction and durable effects of the scratch remover for sunglasses lenses. It leaves a thin film that only restores the gloss without creating reflections. Furthermore, the package comes with the microfiber cloth you need for the application.
For deeper scratches, you have to rub the remover multiple times letting it dry properly after each round. The end result in our tests on silver and fiery red sunglasses was always a glossy reflective surface just like new lenses.
Pros
- The remover spreads evenly leaving a uniform glass finish on the whole lens.
- It leaves a thin film of protective glass that protects the lenses from water, dust, and other elements.
- The effects last long and also protect lenses from further damage.
Cons
- It takes time to dry out properly when fixing deep scratches.
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Rolite Ultra Fine Scratch Remover For Plastic & Acrylic Surfaces
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If you are dealing with permanent scratching on the frame or lenses, then you need Rolite ultra fine scratch remover to rub off the scratches and restore the luster of your sunglasses. The remover polishes out the scratches removing swirls and smudges as well as all loose material from the surface. The best thing about this high-grit polish is that it restores the glossy finish even on mirrored sunglasses.
We used the small 4oz bottle to remove smudges on six different pairs of sunglasses lenses and got the same impressive results with each lens. Moreover, gentle rubbing with a regular microfiber cloth gets the job done, so no special equipment was required.
Pros
- The remover permanently removes scratches and smudges as it rubs them out
- It can be used to manage deeper scratches
- The small bottle is convenient to carry around as it takes up little space in storage
Cons
- The rubbing can affect the image quality on polarized lenses
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Smittys Glass Wax
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If you need a temporary fix for smugs and scratches on your glasses on a budget, then the Smittys glass wax is built for that. It is an anti-fingerprint and fog wax for sunglasses that also makes shallow scratches and peeling of coating on sunglasses lenses less visible. This is also a scratch preventive measure because the wax creates an oily film on your lenses that prevents fogging as well as scratches.
The protective film has lasting effects that make this the best scratch remover for fishing and sporting sunglasses. The slim design of the tube also makes it easy to package and carry around while traveling.
Pros
- The film is not permanent and therefore doesn’t affect the visibility of the sunglasses.
- The wax spreads evenly with a single wipe saving time
- It can be used to protect other glass and acrylic surfaces including phones and tablets
- Watch it tested by Pulse TV Deal on Youtube
Cons
- The layer only works on the lightest scratches
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Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover
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Best quality. If you need something that gives your lenses a whole new look despite the depth of scratches you have, then this is the scratch remover for sunglasses lenses to buy. The Carfidant scratch and swirl remover is one of the most popular scratch polishes in the world famed for its quick action. We used it as our ultimate scratch remover for stubborn scrapes and scratches including for polarized lenses and it didn’t disappoint.
The scratch remover comes in a small 8oz tube that can fit in a small side pocket alongside other eyeglass accessories for easy transportation. It is also super-easy to apply, especially with the sponge included in the package. We tested it on polarized lenses too and there was no visual distortion which is a plus.
Pros
- The remover dries quickly without leaving patterns on the lenses
- The strong grip of the fillers helps patch deep scratches on lenses
- The thin film corrects discolorization on the lenses restoring their original gloss level
Cons
- It is pricey considering it is only an 8oz bottle
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Chemical Guys GAP11316 EZ Crème Glaze
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The Chemical Guys EZ Crème Glaze has become one of the brand’s most popular scratch removers which is why we had to test it and the results were satisfactory. This is a filler-based scratch remover that can also be used on polarized sunglasses, camera lenses, and other glass and acrylic surfaces on your gear. We loved it because it doesn’t need much effort to get the restoration done, just a drop on the microfiber cloth and a quick rub on both lenses.
The paste is blue in appearance but it becomes completely invisible once you’ve rubbed it properly into the lenses. There were no sticky stains nor markings on the lenses after the rubbing either which made the scratched lenses look like a new set.
Pros
- The scratch remover fills in deep scratches as well
- It is easy to rub using a regular sunglass cloth
- The scratch filler repels dust and moisture improving the visual quality of the lenses
Cons
- The remover creates a glass film over the lenses which can cause internal reflection
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3M Scratch Remover, 39044, 8 fl oz
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This is another instant scratch fix for sunglasses that don’t need a buffing brush or any other special equipment to polish your lenses. It evenly polishes superficial scratches removing the worn-out scrapes and then restoring a glossy finish on the surface. You have to rub it across all the lenses to get the best uniform results. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t have wax or other abrasion-causing agents that tend to distort lenses.
We bought this one for non-polarized lenses, but it also worked perfectly for polarized Oakley Flak 2.0 lenses without causing image distortion. Considering the budget-friendly price over the instant shine and restoration, we found the 3M scratch remover 39044 to have good value for the money.
Pros
- The cutting effect leaves a durable glossy finish
- The slim bottle design makes storage easier
- The remover buffs evenly and disappears completely when wiped off preventing stains and wax
Cons
- It disrupts the structure of polarized lenses
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Chemical Guys COM_129_16 Scratch and Swirl Remover
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Unlike other scratch removers from Chemical Guys that work by filling in scratches, this one polishes them out leaving a shiny gloss in their place. It is also an instant action scratch fix for sunglasses that can be applied using a cloth or regular sunglass cleaning brush. It is not a scratch remover for polarized sunglasses since it rubs off rather than filling in the scratches. The Chemical Guys COM129-16 scratch remover only needs one round of rubbing to polish scratches off your lenses.
We loved it more because the 16oz bottle was more than enough for three different pairs of Oakley Flak2.0 lenses as well as a windshield and other travel gear. The polish didn’t leave patterns or a waxy texture on the lenses either which was another plus.
Pros
- It restores a glossy finish without causing internal reflection on the lenses
- The effects last longer because the scratches are permanently polished
- The bottle is slim enough to fit in small spaces for easier transportation
Cons
- It is not suitable for polarized lenses
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Polywatch Plastic Crystal Glass Polish & Scratch Remover
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Best Overall. Polywatch plastic crystal glass polish scratch remover is similar to lipgloss but for sunglasses and watches. It was the best instant scratch remover for sunglasses lenses in our samples with ease of application being its biggest advantage. Additionally, less than a drop of this scratch remover is sufficient for the whole pair of lenses which means the 5-gram tube is sufficient for multiple trips.
You can use the microfiber clothes supplied with each tube to rub over the scratches without making a mess. Moreover, the remover stays usable for a long time as long as you seal the tube whenever it is not in use. Watch it reviewed by Wetryanything on Youtube.
Pros
- The paste spreads evenly without abrasion Protecting the coating and polarization.
- The scratch remover disappears upon drying, leaving shiny lanes without marks.
- The small tube fits in most carry-on bags, making travel easier.
- The shiny coat left by the remover restores the original color of the lenses.
Cons
- Rubbing in the past requires more effort which can be tiring.
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Our Verdict!
We tested and reviewed all these scratch removers for sunglasses lenses with all types of travelers in mind which is why we have something for every type of lens on the list. Some of the scratch removers still stand out from the rest, so if you are not convinced, these are our four guaranteed top picks.
- Best value for money: Optical Grade Cerium Oxide 8oz Glass Repair Powder
- Best quality: Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover
- Best protection: QUIXX 2019 Acrylic Scratch Remover
- Best overall: Polywatch Plastic Crystal Glass Polish
How To Choose The Best Scratch Remover For Sunglasses Lenses
If you love your sunglasses enough to wanna repair the lenses when they are scratched, then you should be smart enough to choose the best scratch remover. The biggest risk is always ruining your lenses for good, which is why you have to match the right remover to your specific lenses. Here is a look at the factors that will determine whether a scratch remover saves or ruins your lenses.
Durability
Polishes permanently remove scratches and give the most lasting results. You can’t use them on coated and polarized light-sensitivity sunglasses though. You should therefore go for ceramic fillers if you have deep scratches that need permanent filling.
Type Of Lenses
Polarized lenses are sensitive to any film that will coat your lenses which is why you should use colorless scratch removers. You should also rub properly to ensure that the ceramic layer is insignificant.
Depth Of Scratches
If you have deep scratches and cracks, the best option might be to get replacement lenses for Oakley sunglasses rather than use a scratch remover on them. Scratch removers that fill in scratches, cover significant scrapes, and peeling better than scrubbers. You can always use scrubbers to remove superficial scratches on non-polarized lenses.
How Do You Get Scratches Out of Expensive Sunglasses?
The best option is to fill them in with a scratch remover for plastic and acrylic surfaces like the ones reviewed here.
How Do You Get Scratches Out Of Polarized Sunglasses?
By using a colorless filler-based scratch remover that fills in the scratches with a thin film. There are multiple options of the best scratch remover for polarized sunglasses lenses in the list.
Does Sunglasses Etching Cream Remove Scratches?
No.
