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What to Do If Your PVD Coating Gets Scratched

· GoBlow

what-to-do-if-your-pvd-coating-gets-scratched

You dropped it on concrete. Or the keyring rubbed it raw. Or you've had it for a year and the pendant has earned its first proper scratch. What now? Honest answer below.

Want more detail? See our Lifetime warranty covers re-coat page.

First — is it actually a scratch, or just a mark?

PVD is harder than the steel underneath (1500–3000 HV vs ~200 HV for machined stainless steel). Most "scratches" people see are actually transfer marks from softer metals — keys, coins, rings — leaving a tiny smear of their own metal on the PVD surface. These wipe off.

Test: rub the mark gently with a dry microfibre cloth. If it fades or disappears, it's a transfer mark, not a scratch. Done.

If you have stubborn marks: warm water + mild soap, soft toothbrush, gentle scrub. Full cleaning guide.

If it's a real scratch

A real scratch will show as a fine line that catches light, doesn't move when you wipe, and looks slightly darker than the surrounding finish (you're seeing into the steel layer).

Small, fine scratches (hairline)

Live with it. Hairline scratches are the patina of an EDC tool. They become invisible at arm's length within a few weeks of normal wear as the surrounding finish dulls slightly to match.

Deep scratches (you can feel it with a fingernail)

This is rarer — PVD is hard enough that it usually takes a serious impact. The PVD layer in that spot is gone; you're seeing machined stainless steel underneath. Two options:

  1. Live with it. machined stainless steel doesn't rust, so the scratch won't get worse. It just shows.
  2. Warranty claim. If the scratch appeared during normal wear within 4 years of purchase, GoBlow's PVD warranty covers it. Email goblowau@gmail.com with photos and your order number.

What NOT to do

  • Don't try to polish out a PVD scratch. Polishing compounds will strip the PVD layer further. PVD is not the same as a paint or anodised finish you can buff.
  • Don't use steel wool or abrasive pads. Same reason.
  • Don't apply touch-up paint or marker. It won't bond to PVD or steel and will look worse than the scratch.

The bottom line

PVD is the most scratch-resistant finish in the EDC jewellery category. Most "damage" people see is wipe-off transfer. Real scratches usually become invisible with patina. Genuine PVD failures within 4 years are covered by the warranty.

How long PVD lasts. Full PVD guide.

Continue reading

Ready to carry the full setup? See the Pendant + Stacks Carry Kit.