Mirror coating is widely used in modern sunglass styles to protect the eyes. However, it can easily get scratched or peel over time. Sunglasses can still be functional without it, but what is the best way to remove the mirror coating?
If the sunglass lenses are plastic or polycarbonate, an etching cream can be used to remove the mirror coating. On the other hand, a mixture of isopropanol with water works to soften the mirror coating on glass lenses. You can then remove it with a plastic scraper.
Read on to learn more about properly removing the mirror coating based on the material of sunglass lenses.
Table of Contents
Removing The Mirror Coating From Sunglasses
Mirror coating improves the sunglass’s ability to reflect light away from the eyes, thus protecting them.
Over time, this coating may get scratched or even peel off. Since sunglasses can still be used without the mirror coating, the cost-effective approach is to remove it instead of having the lenses repaired or buying new sunglasses altogether. There are two techniques involved depending on the material of the sunglass lenses.
Plastic or Polycarbonate Lenses
Removing the mirror coating from plastic or polycarbonate lens sunglasses requires the use of a few materials and a simple manual method, outlined below.
What You’ll Need
These are the supplies needed for safely and effectively removing mirror coating from plastic lenses. They are inexpensive and available on Amazon, in case you don’t have them at home (note: a small commission goes to us if you decide to purchase these products):
- Etching cream is an effective product that gently strips the lenses of its mirror coating
- Rubber gloves are important for protecting your skin from the chemicals used in the etching cream
- Safety goggles are necessary for eye protection when using the etching cream
- Microfiber cloth to wipe the lens dry after washing
- Gentle cleaning soap for washing off the etching cream
- Cotton swabs are ideal for precise application of etching cream onto the lens surface, and cleaning off any excess that may have touched the lens frame
Process
Be sure to wear the safety goggles and rubber gloves before getting started because etching cream contains hazardous chemicals that should not get into contact with your skin and eyes. Then, follow these simple steps to get rid of the mirror coating on plastic lenses:
- Use a cotton swab to scoop etching cream. Spread it on the front and back side of the lens.
- Use the clean end of the cotton tip to remove etching cream that may have gotten on the sunglass frame.
- Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, scrub the lens surface on both sides with the cotton swab.
- Wash it with soap and water.
- Wipe it clean and dry using the microfiber cloth.
Should you find that there is still some mirror coating left on the lenses, repeat the process.
Glass Lenses
Because of the way mirror coating adheres to the surface of glass lenses, it requires a different removal technique. The mirror coating needs to be softened then scraped off, using the materials and process outlined below.
What You’ll Need
These are the materials you will be needing to remove mirror coating from glass lenses. They are available on Amazon:
- 99% isopropyl alcohol will be mixed with salt water to soften the mirror coating
- Salt for making the saltwater solution
- Plastic scraper tool for scraping off the mirror coating
Process
Follow this step-by-step guide to gently remove the coating on glass lenses:
- Make saltwater by combining 4 tablespoons of salt in 1 quart of water.
- Add in 5 parts of the isopropyl alcohol with 1 part of saltwater.
- Put the sunglasses on any plate or bowl, then pour the mixture over it so that the lenses have been completely submerged.
- Allow the sunglasses to sit in the solution for at least 1 hour or 2. This will soften the coating.
- Use the plastic scraper to gently scrape off the coating.
Conclusion
Depending on the material used for sunglass lenses, there is a solution for removing the anti-reflective mirror coating. With these techniques discussed above, you can now do so with the right materials and technique.