So, you just got a brand-new Ring Doorbell, and it already has a few scratches on it.
Unfortunately, camera lens scratches on the doorbell are a common issue.
Lots of scratches ruin the appeal of the device and the video quality.
Ring Doorbells scratch easily because they’re mostly made of soft plastic. The outside unit often gets marked from careless use and microscopic sand and salt particles in wind and rain. Easy ways to protect a Ring Doorbell include using a protector, silicone case, or liquid glass.
This article will explain the most common causes for scratches on your Ring Doorbell and how to protect the device from more scuffs and marks.
Why Your Ring Doorbell Scratches So Easily
The Ring Doorbell is one of the best smart doorbells on the market.
You can see who’s at the door from your phone, and the motion sensor tracks and records everyone who comes close.
But if they come too close, the plastic and glass on the outside unit get scratched fast.
The inner assembly is just as delicate, which is why these scratches can be a concern for everybody.
I’ll talk about a few creative ways to protect the device later.
For now, I’ll explain the most common causes behind the scratches.
The Ring Doorbell Is Made of Soft Materials
Nearly the whole body of your Ring Doorbell is made of plastic.
There is only a piece of glass on the lens. The Ring Doorbell Pro 2 has a slightly larger piece of glass.
The glass can get scratched fairly easily by tiny particles and some metals like hardened steel and titanium.
Glass is at least somewhat resistant to scratches, though.
That’s why it’s used on the camera lens. If the lens gets a deep gash on it, it’ll make the recordings blurry.
The plastic body is way softer and easier to scratch.
Your keys, keychains, and even your nails will leave marks on the Ring Doorbell.
The matte plastic on the front scratches the easiest. Glossy plastic is somewhat better at hiding the marks – however, Ring Doorbells have a matt finish.
Careless Use
Soft materials don’t fare well when subjected to rough use and abuse.
Unfortunately, even something as mundane as holding your keys in your hand when pressing the Ring Doorbell button will leave a nasty mark.
If you’re answering the Doorbell, jewelry like piercings and earrings may scratch the indoor unit.
A zipper on your hoodie can also leave a mark quite easily.
Microscopic particles on the cloth you use to wipe down the door and Doorbell can leave marks as well, and even “gentle” materials like microfiber cleaning cloths can hold millions of these hard sand particles.
Dusty or Salty Rain
If your windows get super dirty super fast from rain, you live in a place with dusty and/or salty rainfall.
Not only does this kind of rain leave a nasty, sticky residue all over the Ring Doorbell, but it can scratch it as well.
Tiny sand particles end up on the Ring Doorbell and scratch the plastic and glass.
If you live near the ocean, sea salt aerosols can get caught by raindrops. The wind carries the raindrops to your Ring Doorbell.
Coarse Particles in Heavy Wind
Speaking of tiny particles in the air, it doesn’t even need to rain for them to scratch your Ring Doorbell.
A heavy wind gust is enough to carry them right to your doorstep.
The particles will have enough velocity to leave hundreds of microscopes scratches all over the device.
When you touch the device, the particles are trapped between your skin and the Ring Doorbell. This leads to even more scratches.
How To Protect the Ring Doorbell From Scratches
Since your Ring Doorbell is more delicate than a snowflake, you will need to apply extra protection to protect it from scratches.
The problem is widespread, but so are the solutions.
Let’s explore a few methods of protecting your Ring Doorbell.
Use a Front and Back Protector
Just like with your phone, a front and back plastic film protector is highly effective at protecting your Ring Doorbell from scratches.
The film is self-adhesive.
After cleaning the device, apply the protective film to the Ring Doorbell.
It’ll look pretty much the same, too, so you don’t have to worry about it ruining your front porch aesthetics.
If you own a Ring Doorbell Pro, get the ILLUMI AquaShield Protector from Amazon.com.
This product comes with a laser-cut piece of film for every side of your device to ensure maximum protection.
Apply Liquid Glass
Liquid glass is often used on smartphones, camera lenses, and glasses to protect the surface.
It’s a thin, invisible layer of silica dioxide and other compounds that drastically improve scratch resistance.
You can also use liquid glass on plastic surfaces, which is great news for your Ring Doorbell.
Apply a thin layer of liquid glass, and you’ll never have to worry about scratches again.
It’s especially important to put a layer of liquid glass on the camera lens.
If it scratches, the videos that the Doorbell records will be blurry and useless.
Since liquid glass is commonly used for cameras, this shouldn’t be a problem.
I recommend the ProofTech Liquid Glass from Amazon.com because it’s specially made for camera lenses. If it’s good enough for a professional DSLR, it’ll be great for a Ring Doorbell as well!
Put a Silicone Case Over the Ring Doorbell
Here’s something that you probably didn’t know exists – silicone cases for Ring Doorbells.
Just like with your phone, you can now get a silicone case for the Doorbell to protect it.
It’s highly effective at protecting the plastic body of the Doorbell from scratches.
It won’t save the camera from rough particles in the air, though.
If you have a 1st Generation Ring Doorbell, I suggest the Meffort Inc. Silicone Cover from Amazon.com. It’s very durable, looks amazing, and it’ll protect your Ring Doorbell from UV radiation and rain.
Final Thoughts
Ring Doorbells are mostly made of plastic.
Plastic is very soft, and tiny dust and sand particles will leave marks on the Doorbell over time.
The lens is covered by a piece of glass, which is somewhat more resistant than plastic.
Unfortunately, you can also scratch it fairly easily.
There are a few ways to protect your Ring Doorbell to reduce or prevent scratches.
A thin layer of film, liquid glass, or a silicone case are all highly effective.
