How to Fix a Scratch on an LCD Screen

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]
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"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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Microfiber cloths, unlike paper towels or traditional napkins/cloths, won't scratch your screen during the buffing process.
Scratches should be easier to see when the screen is dark.
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.
There should be a fine mist of solution on your screen.
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Using the microfiber cloth, gently buff the solution into the scratch. 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.
If the scratch appears to be gone, then your repair worked!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Purchasing a New Screen Cover

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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.
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Find your TV/computer/phone's model number. 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).
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Type in your manufacturer name, model number, and "screen replacement". 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.
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.
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Take your screen to a professional for installation. 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.
Your screen should now be safe from future scratches!

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Question

What if it is a light scratch?

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I found that rubbing some Vaseline on the light scratch on a monitor can get rid of it.

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How do I use the materials?

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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.

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How much would an iPhone 7 replacement screen cost?

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It depends on where and how you get it replaced. Many local shops will do those repairs for $40-100 USD.

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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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