How do I repair a scratched game disc?

Question

I have kids, which means I have scratched game discs that my systems can't read.

Several months ago, I watched a video demonstrating how to repair scratched game discs using car polish. I tried that, and it didn't work. After a little more research, I found and purchased this plastic polishing kit from Amazon. Following the instructions (and using some ultra fine sandpaper to sand out the really bad scratches), I was able polish and sand out the scratches on one disc, while another remains unplayable, despite repeated repair attempts.

Using the plastic polishing kit requires a lot of time and effort. I'm lazy and want it to be easier and simpler.

Is this the best way to repair a disc? Are there any repair tools that are generally accepted, known, and proven to work? Do any game publishers support replacing damaged discs?

Answer

Go to your local game shop. That's usually the safest way to have a disc repaired, as they have a precision machine that can remove just enough of the plastic.

Otherwise, I've always used toothpaste and a glass cleaning cloth. If you take off too much of the plastic, you'll ruin the disk.

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