Are Tempered Glass Tables Scratch Resistant?

Tempered Glass

• Tempered glass has been strengthened by heating it to a high temperature then cooling it down evenly and slowly. This strengthening process also changes the way the glass shatters if broken. Instead of dangerous large shards, tempered glass breaks into safer pieces with little or no sharp edges. Tempered glass is a popular choice where safety is a concern, such as glass tables, shower doors, storefront windows and car windows. However, tempered glass is typically more fragile than non-tempered glass and can easily shatter by a deep scratch.

Scratches

• The best defense against scratches on your tempered glass table is prevention. Once scratches develop on tempered glass, removing them without causing more damage can be difficult and generally requires the services of a professional glass restorer. However, you can keep the glass from developing scratches in the first place by remembering a few simple steps. Never set cups or glasses on the table without coasters underneath. In addition, do not place sharp objects on the table or slide items across a tempered glass table. Sliding items across the table increases the chance of scratches.

Cleaning

• Improper cleaning of your tempered glass table may lead to ugly and possibly permanent scratches. To clean tempered glass, spray a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner onto a lint-free cloth and gently rub the glass clean. Use another clean, lint-free cloth to buff the tempered glass surface dry. Alternatively, use a soapy solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap to clean the glass. Remember that you must rinse the soapy residue off the glass if you use dish soap to clean the table.

Considerations

• Always follow the tempered glass manufacturer's care and cleaning instructions for best results. Never attempt to clean tempered glass with abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning tools. Before cleaning the table, apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to an inconspicuous area of the tempered glass. If damage or discoloration appears, do not use the cleaning solution.