Scratched Glass: Should You Polish or Replace?

The complete guide to making the right choice for your property

If you've discovered a deep scratch, weld splatter, or acid etching on your windows, your first thought is likely: "How much is a new window going to cost me?"

At R13 Window Dr Ltd, we help homeowners and commercial property managers save thousands of pounds by offering a smarter alternative: Professional Glass Polishing.

In this guide, we break down why restoration is often the superior choice over replacement for scratched glass.

Real Results: Commercial Shopfront Graffiti Removal

BEFORE
Commercial shopfront window with graffiti scratches and acid etching from vandalism in Crystal Palace London
AFTER
Restored commercial shopfront window after graffiti scratch removal - crystal clear glass Crystal Palace

Commercial shopfront in Crystal Palace - graffiti scratches and acid etching from vandalism completely removed

1Cost Efficiency (Save up to 80%)

The most immediate benefit of glass polishing is the price tag. Replacing a specialist glass unit—especially large shopfronts, toughened safety glass, or double-glazed sash windows—is expensive.

When you replace a window, you aren't just paying for the glass; you are paying for the manufacturing, the delivery, the specialized labor to remove the old frame, and the disposal fees.

Glass scratch removal typically costs a fraction of a replacement (often saving you 70-80%), making it the most cost-effective way to restore clarity to your views.

2Zero Lead Times

In the current market, ordering a new bespoke glass unit can take weeks, if not months. During that time, your property looks neglected or remains unsecure.

Our on-site glass restoration is usually completed within a few hours. We come to your location in London or the surrounding areas, assess the damage, and polish the glass back to its original optical clarity on the same day.

3The "Invisible" Repair

Many people worry that polishing glass will leave "waves" or distortion. While DIY kits can cause this, our professional-grade glass polishing system ensures a perfectly flat, distortion-free finish.

Whether it's construction debris, limescale buildup, or graffiti etchings, we restore the surface so it looks brand new.

Luxury Property: Walk-On Glass Restoration

BEFORE
Walk-on glass floor with heavy scratches from foot traffic before restoration Belgravia luxury property London
AFTER
Restored walk-on glass floor after scratch removal - crystal clear finish Belgravia luxury property London

Luxurious property in Belgravia - walk-on glass scratches from foot traffic completely restored to pristine condition

4Sustainability & The Environment

Construction waste is a massive global issue. Every time a window is replaced, the old glass often ends up in a landfill.

By choosing to restore your glass, you are reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable, circular economy.

Is your glass a candidate for polishing?

Most surface damage can be completely removed. We specialize in:

Construction Damage

Scratches from render, cement, or sandpaper.

Vandalism

Acid etching and "tagging" on shopfronts.

Environmental Wear

Stubborn limescale and mineral deposits.

Don't replace it—restore it.

Get a Free Quote Today

Contact R13 Window Dr Ltd for a free quote on glass scratch repair.

Ready to Restore Your Glass?

Let us show you why we're London's leading specialists in glass restoration. Same-day service, 70-80% cost savings, zero distortion guarantee.

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