Toothpaste for screen scratches?

chase · 05-13-03, 02:56 PM

This may seem kind of dumb, but I've heard that if there are small scratches on the Axim's screen that toothpaste rubbed on the screen with a Q-tip will act as a low key abrasive to the screen and lessen the damage. Is that true or will it eat the screen off becuase its sort of a plastic/glass screen? Any help will be appreciated

*JakeRich* · 05-13-03, 05:55 PM

I would not do that. Toothpaste is pretty gritty for something as delicate as the screen of a PPC.

Fuzzy John · 05-13-03, 08:35 PM

If all else fails at least it will smell good.

Beowulf · 05-13-03, 08:52 PM

Be sure to floss first.........

Mike C · 05-13-03, 11:13 PM

I've never had to do this myself on a ppc, but I used to polish plastic coated bathroom sinks for a living.
There is a very gentle auto polish called Meguiars Mirror Glaze that's good for the finest haze scratches.
Just realize that to remove a scratch, you have to wear down the surface to be even with the bottom of the scratch ... and that's probably impractical on a ppc membrane screen. Depends on the severity.
You have to remove material to remove a scratch, or you just end up polishing the scratch.

If you do try it, expect an area that is either more dull looking, or shinier than the rest of the screen.

I'd seriously recommend learning to live with the scratches.

DennisFranz · 05-13-03, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike C
I've never had to do this myself on a ppc, but I used to polish plastic coated bathroom sinks for a living.
There is a very gentle auto polish called Meguiars Mirror Glaze that's good for the finest haze scratches.
Just realize that to remove a scratch, you have to wear down the surface to be even with the bottom of the scratch ... and that's probably impractical on a ppc membrane screen. Depends on the severity.
You have to remove material to remove a scratch, or you just end up polishing the scratch.

If you do try it, expect an area that is either more dull looking, or shinier than the rest of the screen.

I'd seriously recommend learning to live with the scratches.

That is what I use on my ham radio faceplates. Every once in a while, the plastic gets scuffed. The Meguiars is excellent for hard clear plastic. For the pliable plastic of PPC/PDA screens I would be weary of. It seems that that may 'cloud' the screen as it is softer that the hard plastic like the portable radio covers etc...

lwesson · 05-14-03, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chase
This may seem kind of dumb, but I've heard that if there are small scratches on the Axim's screen that toothpaste rubbed on the screen with a Q-tip will act as a low key abrasive to the screen and lessen the damage. Is that true or will it eat the screen off becuase its sort of a plastic/glass screen? Any help will be appreciated

We would not recommend this at all. You will end up with a 'bright' spot on the touchscreen.

The best thing to do is put a screen protector on it. If it is marring, like from playing Solitaire too much, our WriteSHIELD should cover it.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Dell Leather Case Scratches Axim!!!	HeadWound	Water Fountain	19	03-31-03 03:37 PM
Scratches on screen protector	abaechto	X5 Hardware Troubles	4	03-23-03 06:19 AM
Removing scratches from the screen?	rhisc	X5 Hardware Troubles	4	01-09-03 08:37 PM