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How to Remove Anti-Reflective Coating From Eyeglasses

RELATED

How to Remove Bee Propolis Stains

Updated March 13, 2018

By Chris Deziel

An anti-reflective (AR) eyeglass coating can improve vision dramatically, especially in snow, but when
the coating is scratched, it impairs vision. The coating isn't supposed to be removable, but you can
get it off. The process depends on whether the glasses have plastic or glass lenses. You use a glass
etching compound on plastic lenses, but when it comes to glass lenses, you mechanically scrape off
the coating after softening it with isopropyl alcohol.

AR Coatings Adhere by an Electrostatic Bond

An AR coating is a microscopically thin layer of metal oxides that is applied to the lenses in a vacuum.
The coating materials are carried by a stream of electrons, creating an electrostatic bond that is
much stronger than a mechanical one, such as would exist if the coating were applied with adhesive.
Any effort to remove coating applied by this process by scraping or abrasion is likely to damage the
lens.

Electrostatic coatings are used in the auto industry to create long-lasting finishes, and when a
refinisher has to remove one, the options include abrasion, caustic strippers and electrostatic
conversion. Although the last option sounds promising, there's no evidence that anyone has ever
tried it for glasses or that it would work. That leaves the first two options, although you obviously
need different materials to remove coatings from glasses than you do from metal.

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Removing an AR Coating From Plastic Lenses

Because polycarbonate lenses are not glass, you can use a glass etching compound to remove the AR
coating without damaging the lenses. The most popular etching compound used for this purpose
contains sulfuric acid, but if you find a product that contains hydrofluoric acid, it also works,
according to a lens manufacturer. Just wipe the product on the lens using a nonabrasive cloth, give it
time to work and then wipe it off and clean the lenses with soap and water. Whenever you use a
commercial product, read the instructions before you actually apply it.

Removing an AR Coating From Glass Lenses

When it comes to glass lenses, the options for removing a scratched AR coating narrow to one:
mechanical abrasion or scraping. You need a plastic scraper because a metal one is sure to scratch
the glass. A plastic stove scraper makes an ideal tool.

Before you actually get down to scraping, it's important to soften the coating. One way to do this is
to soak the glasses for at least 10 minutes in a 90 percent solution of alcohol diluted with a small
amount of water. Although 10 minutes is the minimum soaking time, the job of scraping may be
easier if you increase it to 30 minutes or an hour. Once the coating is soft, it shouldn't take any more
than 10 minutes to scrape it off with the plastic scraper. Be sure to clean the lenses with soap and
water when you're done.

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How to Remove Bee Propolis Stains

RELATED

Science Fair Projects Involving Nail Polish

Updated November 22, 2019

By Kate Muir

Bees collect propolis from tree buds and plants to use as a sealant for small gaps in the bee hive.
Propolis is a dark brown resin that is quite sticky and tends to stain clothing and other materials with
which it comes in contact. Many beekeepers collect propolis from the hives to sell commercially
because it has proven health benefits, most notably as a natural antibiotic and immune system
supporter. Beekeepers will suffer clothing stains that seem impossible to remove. However, there
are methods to remove the propolis stains from clothing.

Use the scraper to remove as much propolis as possible. Use a damp cloth to remove the propolis
resin from the scraper and, if needed, a small knife to assist.
Soak the cloth in hot water for 20 minutes. Remove and re-scrape it. More propolis should be
removed at this time.

Create a paste using the dry laundry powder and the liquid all-purpose cleaner. The ratio should be
3-to-1. Apply the paste to the propolis-stained cloth and rub into the material. Soak it in hot water
for 20 minutes.

Rinse the cloth in hot water to remove the paste and additional propolis. Reapply the paste and let it
sit for one hour. Do not soak it.

Wash the clothes in hot water and spray with additional all-purpose cleaner. Add laundry detergent
to the wash. Remove it after washing. The propolis stain should be gone.

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