Alexei Volkov
Scratches on automotive plastic surfaces are inevitable, especially when using your car regularly for family duties, such as dropping off the kids at school, grocery shopping, or transporting pets and supplies. While scratches may not be the end of the world, they can make your car's interior look old and worn out, affecting its resale value. Luckily, there are several ways to remove or fill in these scratches, ranging from simple home remedies to professional repairs. This article will discuss various methods to prep scratched automotive plastic, from cleaning and polishing to sanding, filling, and painting.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic surface
To prep scratched automotive plastic, cleaning the plastic surface is a crucial step. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively clean the plastic surface before repairing or painting:
Firstly, it is important to identify the type of plastic used in the automotive part. Different types of plastics may require special procedures and products for optimal results. For instance, Thermoplastic parts may benefit from baking at a high temperature to facilitate the cleaning process by driving out mould release agents.
The next step is to thoroughly clean the plastic surface. Use a microfiber towel and spray it with a suitable cleaner, such as an interior car cleaner or a plastic prep solvent. Rub the cleaner into the surface in circular motions to ensure that all dirt, grime, and debris are removed. Pay extra attention to hard-to-reach spots and areas around the scratch. If the plastic part is still attached to the car, use automotive masking tape to cover and protect the surrounding materials.
After cleaning, use another fresh microfiber towel to wipe off any remaining dirt and excess cleaning solution. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step of repairing or painting.
For persistent contaminants, consider using detailing clay, which can effectively remove entrenched impurities. Additionally, a tack cloth can be useful for picking up even the smallest particles that may settle on the surface.
Finally, conduct a thorough inspection of the cleaned surface to guarantee a spotless canvas for the subsequent repair or painting process. Remember, a meticulous cleaning process is essential for achieving a flawless and durable finish.
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Use a heat gun
To prep scratched automotive plastic with a heat gun, you'll need a few supplies: the heat gun, fine sandpaper, and an interior car cleaner. Start by cleaning the plastic surface to prepare it for repair. Spray your interior car cleaner onto a microfiber towel and wipe down the scratched area in circular motions to remove dirt and grime. Then, use another microfiber towel to wipe away any remaining dirt and excess cleaning solution.
Once the plastic surface is clean and dry, turn on your heat gun to the recommended heat setting. Keep the gun moving at a constant rate and apply heat to the scratched area, moving it up and down to ensure even heat exposure. Stop if you notice the plastic starting to lose its texture, as it may melt or become permanently damaged.
If the scratch is particularly deep, you may need to repeat the heating process several times. After heating, use your finger or a grain pad to smooth out the surface until it looks pristine again. Finally, wipe down the smoothed area with a plastic cleaner and allow it to air dry.
It is important to exercise caution when using a heat gun, as too much heat can damage the plastic. Always keep the gun moving and avoid holding it too close to the plastic surface. Additionally, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and take breaks as needed to avoid overheating the plastic or yourself.
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Apply a grain pad
To repair scratches on automotive plastic, you can use a grain pad along with a heat gun. This method is suitable for minor cosmetic damage, like a surface scratch.
First, clean the scratched area with a plastic prep solvent. You can use a plastic cleaner and a microfiber towel to do this. Next, apply a coat of body filler putty onto the scratched surface. Spread the putty evenly over the scratched area using a razor. As the putty dries, use a glued piece of plastic to imprint the puttied area with the factory grain pattern. You can create a grain pad by gluing a piece of plastic to a pad.
Once the putty has fully dried, spray the entire plastic panel with paint that matches the panel and let it dry. You can then use a product like Torque Detail's Plastic Restore™ to bring back the factory look or shine of the plastic surface. This product uses advanced nanotechnology to enhance and enrich plastic by changing its molecular structure. It works on polypropylene and rubberized plastics, as well as on rubber and vinyl surfaces.
If you are dealing with deep scratches, it is easier to work on the scratch when the plastic panel has been removed from the car. This will give you better access to the different sides and surfaces of the panel. However, if you cannot remove the scratched panel, use automotive masking tape to cover and protect the surrounding materials. Then, use a razor to cut off any protruding bits of plastic from the scratched area before sanding down the scratches with sandpaper. After sanding, clean the surface with a microfiber towel and car interior cleaner to remove any debris, dirt, and grime.
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Sand the surface
Sanding is a great way to remove scratches from automotive plastic. However, it's important to note that sanding can only fix light scratches on the surface of the plastic. If the scratches are deeper than 5mm, it may not be possible to sand them out, and you may need to seek professional help or use a plastic filler.
Before you begin sanding, it's important to clean the plastic surface to prepare it for repair. Spray an interior car cleaner onto a microfiber towel and rub it onto the surface in circular motions to remove all dirt and grime. Then, use another microfiber towel to wipe off any remaining dirt and excess cleaning solution. Ensure that the plastic surface is completely clean and dry before moving on to the next step.
When sanding automotive plastic, it's important to use fine-grade sandpaper. Dip the sandpaper into some cool tap water, then gently sand down the scratches until they are no longer visible or palpable. Use a light touch and sand in the direction of the scratch to avoid creating more scratches. Depending on the severity of the scratches, this process may take some time.
After sanding, it's important to clean the surface again to remove any debris or residue from the sanding process. Spray the plastic surface with a plastic cleaner and use a microfiber towel to wipe it down. You may need to use a razor to cut off any protruding pieces of plastic that were lifted during the sanding process.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you can move on to the next step of the repair process, such as using a heat gun or applying a plastic filler. However, if you choose to use a heat gun, be cautious as applying too much heat can melt or permanently damage the plastic.
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Apply a filler
If you're dealing with a deep scratch, like a gouge, you might want to use plastic filler as a permanent, long-term solution. You can find plastic filler online or at a hardware store.
Before applying the filler, clean off the scratched area with a plastic prep solvent. Spray your car interior cleaner onto a microfiber towel and rub it into the surface of the plastic panel in circular motions to remove debris from sanding and any dirt and grime on the surface. After that, wipe off the dirt, grime, and debris with a fresh microfiber towel.
Now, you can start applying the filler. Scoop a pea-sized amount of plastic filler onto a new razor blade and begin applying it along the surface in long, flat motions. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle to create a smooth, even layer. Continue working in long, back-and-forth motions until the scratches are completely filled.
Once the filler is applied, wait for it to dry completely. Read the instructions on your plastic filler or putty to see the recommended drying time. Some products might be dry to the touch in 20 minutes, while others may need more time to harden.
After the filler has dried, you can further smooth out the surface with sandpaper. Dip a sheet of smooth sandpaper into some cool tap water, then buff the filled scratches to even out the surface. Depending on how severe your scratches are, this process may be quick or time-consuming.
Finally, apply two coats of a dual primer and surfacer to the filled plastic. Spray the primer over the entire area, covering both the scratched section and the surrounding sections. Wait for it to dry completely, then apply a second coat.
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