Do Glass Coffee Tables Scratch Easily?
A glass coffee table is a popular, modern choice for any living space.
The simple design goes well with any decor and this adds a cool, sophisticated, and classy edge to the interior.
Even though a glass coffee table is a convenient, suitable, and appealing option, you might have a few worries or concerns about whether a glass coffee table is worth investing in for your space.
If one of those questions includes whether glass coffee tables scratches easily, here’s a quick answer:
A glass coffee table can scratch easily if it’s made from inferior quality materials and if it does not have a protective layer or coating that helps make it resistant to scratches. However, most high-quality glass coffee tables are made from tempered glass which is a stronger and more durable material that makes the glass more resistant to scratches.
The simple trick to keeping a glass coffee table scratch-free is to take good care of it.
As long as you don’t drag objects directly on the surface or use the table without any coasters or placemats for cups, the table should still appear good as new.
To help enlighten and solve your concerns, here are the main things you need to know about a glass coffee table:
Table of Contents
Important Factors To Consider About Glass Coffee Tables
1. Quality Of Glass
The quality of a glass coffee table can somewhat predict how susceptible a glass is to being scratched and damaged.
Lower-quality glass tends to scratch easily but if you go with tempered glass (which is a popular choice), this will make sure your glass coffee table is stronger and more resistant to scratches.
Tempered glass, after it undergoes the process of heating and cooling, increases its strength and resistance to scratches, however, it’s not a completely scratch-proof option.
There is always the possibility of even tempered glass getting scratched if not cared for correctly.
2. Applied Finish
Some coffee tables come with a protective coat or film that adds an extra layer to protect the surface from scratches.
If you go with a coffee table that has this feature, it’s most likely that you can save yourself the trouble and worry whether your glass coffee will get scratched especially if it’s exposed to everyday use.
However, accidents can and do happen, so it’s important to practice proper care and maintenance to prevent any scratches from occurring.
How To Prevent Scratches On Your Glass Coffee Table
Glass is quite a tricky one and it’s very easy for the surface to get scratched over the years.
However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to avoid this from happening.
To keep your glass coffee table in good condition, there’s one easy and simple rule you can create for yourself and others – never place sharp or rough objects like keys or utensils directly on the surface.
Trust me, if there’s only one guideline you need to follow, it’s this one.
If you have young children or pets, it’s also important to be mindful of their toys or claws potentially scratching the table.
It’s also important to supervise if you have kids or pets in the space.
Toys can be another common item that could potentially scratch the glass table as well as a pet’s sharp claws.
For the time being, you’ll probably have to use a glass protector or consider another coffee table.
Consider using protective coasters or placemats on the table when setting down drinks or food to prevent any accidental scratching.
With that said, here are a few useful tips you can use to prevent the glass from getting scratched:
Glass Protector
Invest in a quality glass protector that will prevent scratches from occurring on the actual surface.
This is especially useful if you have pets or kids around as mentioned above. A glass protector can also prolong the life of the glass coffee table.
Table runners or cloths can also be used as an extra layer of protection between the surface and the objects however the only downside is that it may block the glass surface effect.
You could always remove the cloth when the table is not in use.
Avoid Placing Rough Objects
One of the easiest ways for a glass coffee table to get scratched is to place abrasives or objects with a rough surface directly on the surface.
Ceramics in particular tend to have a rough edge and this can scratch the table especially if it’s dragged or placed down abruptly.
If you do have to use ceramics, make sure there are coasters or a rubber pad to prevent this from occurring.
Coasters and Placemats
For any coffee table, it’s necessary to have coasters and placemats especially if the coffee table will be exposed to food and liquids.
You also don’t want cups or glasses to scratch the coffee table and using coasters can be incredibly useful to avoid this.
I recently made these cute coasters covered in yarn.
This would be a great handmade piece to prevent scratches but also add a cute pop of color to the table!
Clean Regularly
Creating and sticking with a cleaning routine is a great way to keep a glass coffee table in good condition.
This can remove dirt and dust from accumulating and causing damage to the surface. Never use any harsh cloth to wipe the table.
Opt for a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth to remove the dust from the surface. You also have to be careful with the products that you use.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and go with a gentle glass cleaner instead. Use mild dish soap and a cloth with damp warm water to gently wipe the surface if you need a cleaner finish.
To keep the glass coffee table dust-free, simply use a feather duster or microfiber cloth once daily or every two days if you live in a dusty area.
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing scratches.
This is a general guideline but it can definitely help reduce the potential risks of accidental scratches occurring on the glass surface.
If you practice and follow these tips, you can maintain the quality of your glass coffee table.
How To Fix A Scratched Coffee Table
At some point, you’ll probably have to deal with a scratch or two.
With wear and tear, this is totally normal and expected to happen.
A scratch on your coffee table can be rather disappointing but there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage.
However, like with all remedies and solutions, it’s best to try a small area to test your surface.
Not all tables are the same and playing it safe will ensure no further harm is done.
So, before you slap the remedy on the scratch, test a small area, leave it for a while, and then see. If there are no issues, go ahead with confidence:
Here’s what you can try:
Toothpaste
There are many home remedies that could potentially remove scratches from a glass surface. In this case, it’s toothpaste. Here’s how it works. Take a small amount of toothpaste (go with non-gel toothpaste) and gently apply it to the scratch. Rub the toothpaste in circular motions using your finger or a soft cloth. Wipe away with a damp cloth to remove the paste and then follow up with a clean dry cloth. This should reduce the appearance of minor scratches.
Baking Soda
Baking soda seems to be like that one magic ingredient you can use to solve many problems. In this case, apply a paste of baking soda and water onto the scratch and rub it in gently. Remove with water and dry with a clean cloth. This mixture is said to be of great help for removing minor scratches.
Repair Kit
There are glass scratch repair kits you can purchase that will help buff out light scratches. However, do pay extra care when following up with these kits by reading the instructions carefully.
In most cases, minor and surface scratches can be easily fixed or reduced but big scratches could be a challenge.
It might be necessary to consult a professional who has experience in dealing with this sort of thing as they may point out an easier or quicker solution depending on how severe the scratch is.
Conclusion
A glass coffee table can be a durable, strong option that is great for daily use contrary to belief.
Scratches depend on many factors. As long as you go with quality tempered glass and the glass is maintained and cared for, this should prevent any scratches from occurring.
Handle the glass table with care and this table should last you years to come!
If you keep track and follow up with the ideas and suggestions listed above, feel free to go ahead and get yourself a stunning and cutting-edge glass coffee table for your space.
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