Demystifying common myths about scratch removal “breakthroughs”

Let’s be real for a second.
If you’ve been in the glass restoration industry long enough, you’ve probably heard the same story told over and over:

“We invented a revolutionary system.”
“Our polishing method realigns glass molecules.”
“We’ve eliminated haze with a secret chemical trick.”

It’s become a bit of a trend — making glass scratch removal sound like quantum physics mixed with alchemy. But here’s the truth: restoring scratched glass isn’t magic — it’s skilled work, rooted in physics, not fairytales.

At Glass Savers, we think it’s time to clear the air. So let’s break down a few of the most common claims floating around online.

MYTH #1: “Cerium oxide causes a chemical reaction that creates haze days later.”

Nope.
Haze that shows up days or weeks after glass polishing is almost always due to:

  • Poor surface prep
  • Swirl marks from low-speed polishing
  • Contaminants trapped during final cleanup

There is no long-term chemical reaction happening between cerium oxide and glass. Cerium oxide polishes by a mix of abrasion and slight chemical interaction — but that’s it. If haze reappears, it’s likely poor technique, not a chemical mystery.

MYTH #2: “Our system slides glass molecules back together.”

Sounds cool. Also completely made-up.

Glass is an amorphous solid — its molecules aren’t arranged like a crystal, and they don’t “slide” anywhere. Scratch removal works by removing surface damage through micro-abrasion, gradually refining the surface to optical clarity.

What really matters?

  • Correct pad choice
  • Balanced RPMs
  • Even pressure
  • Smart sanding progression
  • Proper cleanup

No “molecule realignment” required.

MYTH #3: “We’re the only ones who can restore large areas.”

Funny how often that claim gets made — by a different company every year.

At Glass Savers, we’ve resurfaced:

  • 20-foot floor-to-ceiling walls
  • Tempered IG units with post-construction damage
  • High-rise windows scratched by welders, cleaners, and tools
  • Aquarium glass scratched by sea lions (true story)

We don’t need to make up titles like “industry pioneers” — our work and referrals speak for themselves.

MYTH #4: “We discovered the secret polishing pad that makes results flawless.”

There’s no single miracle pad or polishing compound.

What there is: a process — built on years of refining techniques, adapting to different types of glass surfaces, and knowing when to stop sanding and start polishing.

We test new glass polishing products regularly. Some are great. Some aren’t. But no pad alone fixes bad technique.

So what’s actually true?

Glass restoration and scratch removal isn’t easy, but it isn’t mysterious either.

We’ve built our reputation on:

  • Consistent results, not miracle claims
  • Transparent pricing
  • Top-tier craftsmanship — without cutting corners
  • A deep understanding of how and why certain techniques work — and when they don’t

If you’re dealing with scratched or etched glass — whether it’s graffiti removal, hard water stain repair, or post-construction window restoration — we’ll tell you the truth about what’s possible and how long it’ll take. No hype. No fluff. Just clear answers and clean glass.

Need real results, not reinvented marketing?

Let’s talk.
We’ll show you what real glass resurfacing looks like — from a team that’s been quietly doing it right for years.