Topic: Cleaning metallic marks off matte glass.

[Nicholas.]

Hi.....

I have a number of pieces of matte glass which must have come into contact with metal objects at some time, silver, silver plate, aluminium etc., leaving a few small ingrained metallic streaks on the surface of the item.

I'm reluctant to use abrasives in case they damage the finely hydrofluoric acid etched surfaces.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would be grateful for your advice.

Nicholas

[snesbit]

I've had some positive results with simichrome metal polish on a q-tip.  It hasn't adversely effected the acid etched surfaces, and in many cases has removed the mark.  I guess the determining issue is how deep the contact mark is.  A small amount of Bar Keepers friend as a slurry with water on a q-tip has been effective on more difficult spots.  But, I'd test at the base edge prior to any efforts.

[Nicholas.]

Thanks very much for the tips, I'll give them a go.

Nicholas

[Lustrousstone]

It's actually very difficult to visibly damage a matte surface; a so-called cream surface cleaner is unlikely to do any harm. I've used it vigorously all over a dressing table set that had ingrained dirt and it came up a treat.

[glassobsessed]

Special rubbers are available for cleaning metal marks off enamel and porcelain surfaces (ordinary pencil erasers won't work), try your local plumbing suppliers.

John

[Ohio]

Since its the UK I don't know if the products I've had succes with are available. Scotch-Brite Easy Erasing Pad & Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Ken

[Nicholas.]

Hi....

I appreciate all this very helpful advice.

On my travels I'll get hold of as many of these products as I can, try them and report back.

Many thanks, Nicholas

[Adam]

If the marks are truly metallic, almost any acid (apart from HF of course!) is worth a try.  Dilute hydrochloric is widely available.

Adam D.

[Lustrousstone]

Hmm, in which case Hob Brite might work, as that is citric acid based.