Flash drives, online storage, and high-density drives have practically made optical discs disappear, to the point that many computers no longer include a disc reader. However, some discs are very valuable to us, or alternatively, we urgently need to extract their information... and a scratch on the surface can ruin everything. The good news is that depending on the damage, fixing a scratched DVD is not impossible. All you need is the right kind of materials, and a lot of patience...
It may seem hard to believe, but we have already crossed the point where a DVD can be considered retro, and that means we need to pay more attention to its maintenance, especially for those discs we use frequently. Making a good backup by creating an ISO image is essential, but we know there are many people out there collecting discs, and there's always that movie or game that is impossible to obtain digitally (Need for Speed: Underground comes to mind).
Now... let's imagine that one of our DVDs has a scratch on its surface and has decided to retire early. There are times when the scratch is not a real scratch but a dirt mark that can be removed with a microfibre cloth... but that would be the best-case scenario. In the worst case, the scratch is so deep that it neutralizes the disc and blocks access to its content. What can we do to fix a scratched DVD?
How to repair a scratched DVD
One of the best online tutorials comes from the YouTube channel Odd Experiments. In his case, a PlayStation 2 game (DBZ Budokai Tenkaichi) refused to cooperate, and after testing it on several consoles (which he had previously restored), the result remained negative. The first step was to place the disc on a firm surface (a silicone pad is ideal) and clean it with isopropyl alcohol, always working vertically.
The video also includes a brief explanation of how an optical disc works, and what our goal is: to partially polish the polycarbonate layer to eliminate or reduce scratches and allow the disc to be read once more. If the damage is too deep and goes through the polycarbonate layer, the repair will not work.
The strategy is divided into two parts: cut the most severe scratches with a car body polishing paste (Farécla G3 or similar), and correct the surface with a finer polishing liquid. This is definitely an exercise in patience: At first, the DVD will look cloudy (and seem worse than before), but with the second correction, its surface should regain its shine.
What about Vaseline?
Recommended on more than one occasion, applying Vaseline is not intended to remove scratches, but to reduce their impact during the reading process. If you are on the other side of the pond, the name they use for Vaseline is petroleum jelly, and it should be available in almost any store or pharmacy.
Applying it is no science: Cover the DVD surface with the substance, start working from the inside of the disc towards the edge (always maintaining verticality, circular movements are not recommended) using a microfibre or one of those cloths that come with glasses, and remove the excess. If all goes well, you'll achieve a solid reading that allows immediate use or backup (I recommend the latter).
In summary: Fixing a scratched DVD is not dark science. If you use good materials and don't rush, your favorite discs will come back to life immediately. Good luck!
