A resourceful smartwatch proprietor has shared an unconventional technique for hiding deep scratches on wearable gadget screens, doubtlessly saving customers a whole lot of {dollars} in restore or substitute prices. This method, whereas not a everlasting repair, affords a cheap answer for these seeking to prolong the lifetime of their broken units.
The strategy, as detailed on Reddit, includes the usage of mineral oil and a tempered glass display screen protector to masks deep scratches on a Garmin Epix 2 smartwatch. The consumer, who bought the gadget second-hand at a reduction as a result of its broken display screen, experimented with varied restore methods earlier than stumbling on this distinctive strategy.
Initially, the consumer tried to shine out the scratch utilizing diamond paste, a typical technique for minor floor imperfections. Nonetheless, this proved ineffective for deeper scratches and resulted in injury to the display screen’s anti-glare coating. The lesson discovered: sprucing isn’t really helpful for important display screen injury on these units.
Trying into different options, the consumer found that mineral oil has a refractive index just like that of Gorilla Glass, the fabric utilized in many smartwatch screens. By making use of a tiny quantity of mineral oil to the scratch after which fastidiously inserting a tempered glass display screen protector over it, the consumer was capable of successfully conceal the injury.
Take a look at these earlier than and after photographs – the outcomes are fairly spectacular. Just about nearly as good as new.
The way it works
So how does this work? It seems nearly too good to be true.
The mineral oil, which has related light-bending properties to the display screen materials, fills the gaps within the scratch. The addition of a tempered glass protector then creates a easy floor, making the scratch just about invisible to the bare eye. The consumer studies that this technique additionally helped to cover the areas the place the anti-glare coating had been unintentionally eliminated through the sprucing try.
Important studying: High health trackers and well being devices
It’s a way we have now not heard of earlier than. It’d even work on watches with sapphire glass. Nonetheless, the longevity of this answer stays to be seen. Plus there could also be potential drawbacks or dangers related to introducing mineral oil to digital units. These are unknowns. It’s additionally most likely not a good suggestion to make use of oils aside from mineral oil, as its shelf-stable nature makes it much less prone to degrade over time.
Garmin customers going through scratched screens sometimes have restricted choices for restore. Historically, many resort to residing with minor scratches, as they don’t impair the gadget’s performance. For deeper scratches or cracks, customers could try to hunt skilled restore providers at their native watchmaker store. However this service may be expensive and will not be obtainable. Garmin warranties sometimes don’t cowl display screen scratches – but it surely’s value contacting them and posing the query. You by no means know – they might provide you with a refurbished unit.
All issues thought of, making use of a display screen protector to your Garmin watch is at all times a good suggestion. The small upfront price might doubtlessly safeguard your priceless gadget for years to come back.
Like this text? Subscribe to our month-to-month e-newsletter and by no means miss out!