Flat-screen televisions are in trend, and they are pure aesthetics. However, a deep wound or scratch on your expensive flat-screen television is nothing less than an ugly scar. While a deep scratch might prevent you from experiencing a soothing view on your TV, the mark doesn’t go away on its own.
Moreover, that one scratch might damage the entire television screen in no time if you don’t treat it soon.
Is it possible to fix a deep scratch on your TV? Yes, you can cover up the scratch to an extent in case the scar isn’t too deep and wide.
Let’s have a look at probable solutions on how to fix a deep scratch on a flat-screen TV and additional preventive maintenance.
6 Ways to Eradicate Scratches from Flat-Screen TVs
A single, deep scratch might irritate your TV experience. Any unwanted accident or collision might give the TV a scratch. This basically happens for a TV on a shelf or table. That’s why it’s important for a TV to have a fixed location.
Additionally, children might accidentally scratch your TV screen if they can reach it. We recommend that you should mount your TV on a wall where children can’t reach it. On the other hand, using the wrong material or cleaner might also damage the screen while cleaning.
However, you can deal with mild scratches at home and that too, without expert intervention. Check out the following methods on how to fix a deep scratch on a flat-screen TV.
Start with Toothpaste or Petroleum Jelly
This might sound insane, but many users have covered up minor scratches on flat-screen Plasma TVs with these two household materials.
Coating the scratch with your toothpaste or petroleum jelly. This can minimise the depth of the scratch and make the scratch appear less deep and hence, less noticeable.
However, you must take a few safety measures before applying toothpaste or petroleum jelly. Follow the instructions for a safe solution:
- Power off your flat-screen television and unplug its power cable from the electric outlet.
- Next, take a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the scratch area until it’s clean. You can also use an approved cleaner or spray some water on the TV screen to clean it.
- After that, apply a coat of toothpaste or petroleum jelly over the scratch.
- Now, wipe out the excess toothpaste or petroleum jelly with a microfiber cloth. You can rub that toothpaste or jelly so that it sits on the scratch and make it less visible. Keep rubbing for a couple of minutes to achieve smoothness.
You might have to repeat the same procedure to minimise the depth of the scratch. This solution fits the best for mild and fewer scratches.
Try Isopropyl Alcohol
For this fix, you must prepare a solution with 90% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Mix these two liquids in a 1:1 ratio.
Additionally, use a clean container to combine these two ingredients so that no other chemical substance can interfere with the required solution.
Now, you can follow the guidelines below:
- Start with turning the TV off and unplugging it from its power source.
- Clean the screen surface with a microfiber cloth and cleaner, if required.
- Next, spray the crafted solution over the target area or scratch the TV screen.
- Then, use a cloth to rub the solution in a circular motion on the TV screen.
- Make sure that you don’t rub the screen or over the scratch vigorously. This might worsen the situation, and your TV might get a crack on the screen.
- Then, apply some petroleum jelly to the scratch to minimise its depth. As a finishing touch, pour some isopropyl alcohol mixture on the cloth and wipe the area with the cloth.
Use Some Auto Rubbing Compound and Lacquer
If you still can’t achieve anything with the above-listed methods, then this solution might be helpful for you.
All you have to do is to replace the isopropyl alcohol with an auto-rubbing compound and lacquer altogether on the TV screen.
Here’s what you need to do to execute:
- Shut down the television. Ensure that you remove the power plug from the wall outlet.
- In addition, clean the TV’s screen surface with a clean and soft cloth.
- Next, pour some auto-rubbing compound over a cloth and rub the scratch with the cloth.
- Clean the target area with the previously prepared isopropyl alcohol mixture after rubbing the compound.
- Let the TV screen completely dry before you proceed to the next step.
- After that, you need to spray the lacquer only on the scratch. Be extra careful so that the lacquer should not be on the remaining screen.
- Allow the scratch to dry up and check if the issue still persists.
Rub the TV Screen with a Pencil Eraser
Remember that this might work for mild scratches on your LED flat-screen TV. Arrange a soft pencil eraser and continue with the steps, one by one:
- Power off your television. For extra precaution, remove the TV’s power plug from the electrical outlet.
- Treat the scratch with the isopropyl mixture beforehand. This will clean the surface, and it will be easier to perform the next step.
- Use a soft pencil eraser to rub the screen or scratch gently. Repeat the step if required.
- Once you get the desired smoothness, you can wipe the surface clean with a soft microfiber cloth.
Attempt with a Scratch Repair Kit
Perhaps, the scratch is too deep to vanish with the above tricks. If you can’t make it minimally visible, then you can purchase a dedicated scratch repair kit for your TV model. The scratch repair kit generally contains a microfiber cloth along with a polishing cream.
The kit is made differently for different brands. That’s why pay attention while you are purchasing it. In addition, the repair kit comes with an instruction manual. Go through the instructions carefully to make your TV screen scratch-free.
Repair or Replace the TV Screen
If nothing works out for your flat-screen TV to eliminate the deep scratch, then you should call in a professional. Only an expert can tell you whether a minor repair can fix the scratch or whether the TV requires a screen replacement.
Always go for the authorised centre if your TV is still under repair warranty. This will save you on your money. Otherwise, you can contact a reputed and trusted repair centre for the best results at reasonable prices.
How can You Prevent your TV from Getting such Scratches in Future?
A screen replacement is not a budget-friendly deal, undoubtedly. You can’t withstand that deep scratch, either. Therefore, you should learn a few preventive maintenance so that this does not happen again. Always use a microfiber towel and approved cleaning solutions for your flat-screen TV.
Make sure that you don’t apply much pressure while cleaning your TV. In addition, sort out a permanent and fixed spot for your TV. Thus, your TV won’t get excessive handling and scratches while moving. For the best prevention, consider a screen protector for your TV.