Brasso Metal Polish: A Quick Fix for Scratched CDs and DVDs

CDs and DVDs are excellent storage media for data, music, and movies. However, they are vulnerable to scratches and damage, leading to the loss of information, distortion of sound, and disrupted video playback. If you have a scratched CD or DVD that is not reading or playing correctly, don’t despair yet. Instructables has published a quick how-to guide on using Brasso metal polish to resurface and remove scratches from CDs and DVDs.

What is Brasso?

Brasso is a popular brand of metal polish that is used to clean, shine, and restore various metal surfaces such as brass, bronze, copper, chrome, and stainless steel. Brasso works by rubbing and scraping away the oxidized and tarnished layers of metal, revealing the shiny and new surface underneath. Brasso contains a mixture of solvents, abrasives, and surfactants that loosen and remove dirt, grime, and stains. Brasso has been in the market for over a century and is trusted by generations for its effectiveness and versatility.

How to use Brasso on CDs and DVDs

Before you proceed, here are some precautions and warnings to observe:

– Brasso contains chemicals that can be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or touched. Always use Brasso in a well-ventilated area with protective gloves and goggles.
– Brasso is risky to use on CDs and DVDs because it can further damage the delicate polycarbonate and metal layers of the discs if not applied and removed correctly.
– Brasso should be used as a last resort after exploring other alternative methods such as using a mild soap and water solution, a soft cloth, or a commercial disc repair kit.

Now that you understand the risks and benefits of using Brasso on CDs and DVDs let’s dive into the how-to process.

1. Clean the disc surface

Start by cleaning the disc surface with a soft microfiber cloth to remove any loose dust, dirt, or fingerprints. Hold the disc by the outer rim and wipe it gently from the center to the edges in a straight line. Avoid rubbing the disc in a circular motion as this can cause more scratches. If the disc has sticky residue or stains, use a mild soap and water solution or rubbing alcohol to clean it. Let the disc dry completely before applying Brasso.

2. Apply a small amount of Brasso

Squeeze a few drops of Brasso onto the disc surface and spread it evenly with a folded paper towel. Use only enough Brasso to cover the scratches and not the entire disc. Brasso can seep into the center hole and cause damage to the inner electronics, so avoid applying it there. Hold the disc by the outer rim and use your fingers to spread the Brasso gently.

3. Polish the disc

Use a clean and soft paper towel to polish the disc in straight strokes from the center to the edges. Avoid applying too much pressure as this can cause more scratches or leave residue. The ideal technique is to polish perpendicular to the tracks on the disc. However, if you are short on time or have a large disc surface to cover, you can use small circular motions similar to how you would polish a car. You should feel the abrasiveness of the Brasso on the disc as you are doing this. If not, then use a different paper towel. The Brasso is removing part of the plastic from the disc, not adding to it. You are actually scraping away part of the disc, which makes the existing scratches smaller.

4. Repeat the process

Continue applying Brasso and polishing the disc for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the scratches are reduced or removed. After each round of polishing, wipe off the Brasso residue with a clean and dry paper towel before applying a new layer. If the disc still has scratches or is not reading, repeat the process or try again after some time.

5. Clean the disc again

When you are satisfied with the results, clean the disc surface again with a soft microfiber cloth to remove any remaining Brasso or dirt. Hold the disc by the outer rim and wipe it gently from the center to the edges in a straight line. Avoid applying too much pressure or using a strong solvent as this can damage the disc.

Conclusion

Using Brasso metal polish is a quick and easy fix for scratched CDs and DVDs. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution for all cases, and it carries some risks and precautions. Before you decide to use Brasso, make sure you have exhausted all other options and that you understand the process and the risks involved. Always use Brasso in a well-ventilated area with protective gear, and follow the instructions carefully. With some patience and care, you can salvage your precious data, music, and movies from a scratched disc.