Alexei Volkov
Scratches on a plastic bumper can be costly to repair at an auto body shop. However, if the scratches are not too severe, you can fix them yourself with a few household items, such as toothpaste, baking soda, and sandpaper. Deeper scratches may require a more tedious repair process, including filling the scratch with putty or plastic bumper filler and then sanding it down. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to hide scratches on a plastic bumper and restore its original shine.
Hiding scratches on plastic bumpers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of repair at an auto body shop | $50 to $400 |
| Cost of DIY repair | $100 or less |
| Light scratches | Treated with car scratch remover kits |
| Deep scratches | Require filling with scratch-filling putty or plastic bumper filler |
| Sanding | Use 800-grit sandpaper, followed by 1200-grit for a smooth, even surface |
| Polishing | Use a plastic/acrylic polishing compound to restore shine |
| Waxing | Adds shine and protects bumper from future scratches and UV damage |
| Deep scratches | May require heat to be applied with a heat gun to expand the plastic and reduce the appearance of the scratch |
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Using toothpaste
Toothpaste is a mild abrasive that can be used to remove scratches from plastic bumpers. It contains silica, which helps remove stains and scratches from surfaces. To use toothpaste to hide scratches on a plastic bumper, follow these steps:
Step 1: Clean the Bumper
Before applying toothpaste, it is important to clean the bumper to remove any dirt, grease, or grime that may interfere with the process. Use a damp cloth and gently rub it in a circular motion around the scratch. Ensure you dry the area afterward to remove any remaining dirt and make the surface ready for treatment.
Step 2: Apply Toothpaste
Take a small amount of toothpaste—just enough to cover the scratched area. It is recommended to use a non-gel, paste variety of toothpaste as it has a gritty and rough texture that can aid in scratch removal. Apply the toothpaste directly to the scratch or to a soft, clean cloth.
Step 3: Buff the Scratch
Using the cloth, gently rub the toothpaste onto the scratch in a circular motion. This buffing action helps to fill in and remove the scratch. Apply gentle pressure and continue rubbing until the scratch is no longer visible. You may need to repeat this step several times, rinsing the area with warm water in between attempts, to completely remove the scratch.
Step 4: Clean and Dry the Area
Once the scratch appears to be gone, use a fresh damp cloth to wipe away any remaining toothpaste or residue. Then, take a clean, dry cloth and wipe down the area to ensure it is completely dry.
Important Considerations:
- While toothpaste can be effective for removing light scratches, it may not work for deeper scratches on plastic bumpers.
- Always test the toothpaste on a small, inconspicuous area of the bumper before applying it to the scratch to ensure it does not cause further damage or discolouration.
- If the scratch is deep, you may need to pair toothpaste with a stronger abrasive like sandpaper. Use fine-grit sandpaper and wet it before use to prevent further scratching.
- Whitening toothpaste may be more effective due to its higher abrasive content.
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Baking soda
Next, create a paste by combining two parts baking soda to one part water. Dip a cotton cloth into the paste and apply it to the scratched area. Work in a circular motion to buff away the scratch. Rinse the area often to check your progress. Repeat the steps until the scratch has disappeared and the plastic appears even.
If the scratch is deeper, you may need to use a more aggressive process with wet micro-grit sandpaper. However, regular grit sandpaper is too harsh for plastic, so it is important to use micro-grit paper.
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Sandpaper
For light scratches, start by cleaning the plastic surface with a damp cloth and soapy water. Then, use a fine-grade sandpaper, such as 1200-grit sandpaper, and rub it over the scratch in a circular motion. Be gentle to avoid creating new scratches. Once the scratch is no longer visible, clean the area with a damp cloth and then polish the sanded area with a plastic/acrylic polishing compound to restore its original shine.
For deeper scratches, you will need several grades of sandpaper, starting with a coarser grade and progressing to a finer grade. Begin by wetting the coarsest sandpaper and rubbing it over the scratch in a circular motion. Continue using progressively finer sandpaper until the scratch has been removed. Finally, clean and polish the area as described above.
If the scratches are too deep to be removed by sanding, you can fill them with a thin layer of scratch-filling putty or body filler putty. Allow the putty to harden, then sand it using coarse sandpaper.
When sanding, it is important to work gently and to always wet the sandpaper to avoid creating new scratches. Additionally, be sure to clean the surface with a damp cloth and allow it to dry before applying any polish or compound.
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Scratch-filling putty
If the scratch on your plastic bumper is deep, you will need to fill it with scratch-filling putty, also known as body filler or plastic bumper filler. Scratch-filling putty is a good option for fixing scratches on plastic bumpers as it can fill in deep scratches and create a smooth finish for paint to adhere to.
To use scratch-filling putty, start by applying the putty evenly over the scratch using a putty knife or a similar tool. Make sure to follow the product instructions and allow the filler to dry completely. Once the filler is dry, you can begin the sanding process. Start with 800-grit sandpaper and sand down the repaired area. Then, use 1200-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth and even surface.
It is important to note that the sanding process is crucial in achieving a smooth and seamless repair. If the sanding is not done properly, the repaired area may not look as good as expected. After sanding, you can proceed with applying a light coat of plastic primer to the repaired area. This will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish.
Finally, you can move on to the painting process. Shake your paint can well and then spray a light coat of paint over the primed area. Allow the paint to dry completely before deciding if additional coats are needed. Once you are happy with the paint coverage, apply a clear coat to seal and protect the repair.
While scratch-filling putty is a great option for repairing deep scratches on plastic bumpers, it is important to note that this process may require some practice and skill. If you are not confident in your abilities, it may be best to consult a professional or seek advice from an experienced individual.
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Car scratch remover kits
Turtle Wax Kit
The Turtle Wax kit is a popular choice, offering a comprehensive solution for removing scratches from car surfaces. This kit includes a wet-sanding process, where you use sandpaper of various grits and a spray lubricant to smooth out the clear coat. It also comes with a paint-clarifying compound that you apply with a microfiber cloth for a clean finish. The Turtle Wax formula is designed to be safe for all paints and clear coats, making it a versatile option.
Meguiar's Scratch Removal Kit
Meguiar's kit is another well-known option, featuring a scratch-removing compound that works effectively with just a microfiber cloth. This kit is easy to use and delivers solid results, although some may find it a bit pricey. The Scratch X version from Meguiar's is worth considering, as it effectively removes scratches and can be used as a refill for their Scratch Eraser Kit.
Torque Detail Plastic Restore
If you're specifically looking for a solution for plastic scratches, Torque Detail's Plastic Restore is highly regarded. It effectively restores the finish on plastic surfaces, including bumpers and trim, that have turned chalk white over time. This product can be applied easily and will make your car look brand new again.
DIY Options
For lighter scratches, some household items can be used as scratch removers. Toothpaste, for example, is a gentle abrasive that can buff out superficial surface scratches. Baking soda, either as a paste or with water, can be used for slightly deeper scratches. Sandpaper, especially micro-grit or fine-grit sandpaper, can be effective for deeper scratches when used carefully and with a damp cloth to prevent further damage.
While DIY methods are more affordable, they may not produce the same level of results as dedicated car scratch remover kits. Additionally, if the scratches on your plastic bumper are too deep, you may need to fill them with scratch-filling putty or plastic bumper filler and follow up with sanding, priming, and repainting.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to hide scratches on a plastic bumper, depending on the severity of the scratches. Light scratches can be treated with car scratch remover kits, toothpaste, or baking soda. Deeper scratches may require sanding, filling with putty, and then painting.
Use a non-gel toothpaste and squeeze out enough to cover the scratched area. Using a dry cotton cloth, work in small circles to buff away the scratches. Rinse the area frequently with warm water and check the scratches. Repeat the process if necessary.
Make a baking soda paste and use it to buff out deeper scratches that don't disappear with toothpaste.
Micro-grit sandpaper can be used to polish out deep scratches. Dampen the sandpaper to prevent further damage and sand in the direction of the scratch.
First, fill the scratch with scratch-filling putty or plastic bumper filler, using a putty knife to apply the filler evenly. Allow it to dry completely, then sand it down using 800-grit sandpaper, followed by 1200-grit for a smooth surface. Mask off the area, then apply a light coat of plastic primer to improve paint adhesion. Shake your paint can and spray a light coat over the primed area. Allow it to dry, then apply additional coats as needed. Once dry, apply a clear coat to seal and protect the repair.
