How to Repair a Scratched Plasma TV

By J.R. Kambak

Updated September 28, 2017

Items you will need

  • Gel toothpaste with baking soda (Colgate)

  • Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

  • Q-tips

  • Isopropyl Alcohol

  • Spray bottle

  • Microfiber lint-free cloth

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A plasma display panel (PDP) television is a major expense, so keeping it well maintained is paramount for viewing enjoyment. One concern is keeping the screen free from dust, greasy fingerprints, and fine dirt particles. The plasma television screen is a pair of glass panels, about 0.1mm apart with an excitable gas in the gap that produces millions of tiny florescent lamps all packed together. This glass plate has a layer of anti-glare electromagnetic interference (EMI) on both sides. This film can be easily scratched when cleaned with the wrong materials. If scratches result from rubbing the screen clean or fingers touching the screen there is a simple technique generally recommended with readily available household cleaning supplies.

Removing Plasma TV Scratches

Turn off your TV. Make sure the screen is cooled down completely. To remove fingerprints and smudges, use a microfiber lint-free cloth. If this won't remove them, then spray water or water-diluted isopropyl alcohol on a mircofiber lint-free cloth and gently wipe. PC computer monitor wipes are also considered safe. Complete the process with a dry microfiber lint-free cloth.

If there are mild scratches, you can use Colgate toothpaste or Vaseline (petroleum jelly) applied with a Q-tip. Put the toothpaste or petroleum jelly on the cotton tip and rub this across the scratch, back and forth for approximately two to five minutes. Use a gentle pressure.

Carefully take excessive amount of toothpaste or petroleum jelly with another Q-tip from the plasma television screen.

When finished, use the microfiber lint-free cotton cloth to carefully wipe off the residue. Inspect the scratch area to see if has been removed.

If the scratch partially removed, repeat the above steps again. Never use excessive pressure to try and buff out the scratch.

Tips

Always use a clean microfiber lint-free cloth (bonnet) for each application. Petroleum jelly may fade over time so a new application will be necessary. To determine if the scratch can be repaired, lightly run your fingernail across it. If you can feel it, then the scratch is too deep to be repaired.

Warnings

Review and follow your plasma television's owner's manual for approved screen cleaner instructions. Don't use wood-based paper (paper towels) or ammonia-based solutions (Windex) to clean your plasma television screen. Ammonia can cause a microscopic "crazing" effect of hazing and dimming the plasma screen.

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