Ethan Clarke
Scratches on plastic items are inevitable, especially when they are used regularly. Luckily, there are several ways to remove scratches from plastic. Some common household items that can be used to buff out scratches include toothpaste, baking soda, and sandpaper. For deeper scratches, several grades of sandpaper can be used, starting with the coarsest and moving to finer grades. After scratches are removed, polishing compounds can be used to restore shine. Commercial products such as Torque Detail's Plastic Restore™ can also be used to restore the factory look of plastic surfaces.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning agents | Mild abrasives such as toothpaste, furniture polish, baking soda, or plastic polish |
| Cleaning process | Start with the least abrasive cleaning agents, test on a small area, work carefully, and stop if additional damage occurs |
| Scratch depth | Use your fingernail or a credit card edge to determine depth; if the nail doesn't hook, light abrasives can be used; if it catches, deeper scratches require super-fine grit wet sandpaper |
| Sandpaper usage | Soak 800-grit wet/dry sandpaper in water, sand in a gentle circular motion, rinse, and repeat with 1000-grit sandpaper if needed |
| Heat application | Use a heat gun on a low setting, moving up and down the scratched area to ensure even heat exposure without overheating and damaging the plastic |
| Cleaning after sanding | Clean the sanded area with a damp cloth, then polish with a plastic/acrylic polishing compound to restore shine |
| Preventative measures | Regular cleaning helps prevent a cloudy white film on plastic from becoming permanent |
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What You'll Learn
Using toothpaste
Toothpaste is a mild abrasive, meaning it can effectively remove shallow scratches from plastic. It is best to use whitening toothpaste as they often contain abrasive ingredients. To determine whether toothpaste will work on a scratch, run your fingernail across the affected surface. If your fingernail catches, it is probably too deep to be treated with toothpaste.
Before applying toothpaste, clean the surface with water and add a little soap if the surface is particularly dirty. Apply enough toothpaste to cover the scratch and, using a toothbrush or cloth, rub the toothpaste in circular motions until the surface evens out.
Toothpaste is the safest way to tackle scratches on plastic and achieve a smooth surface. However, it is important to note that toothpaste will not work for deeper marks. If you are unable to remove the scratches with toothpaste, you can try using baking soda, sandpaper, or a plastic polishing compound.
After removing the scratches with toothpaste, you can apply WD-40 to your plastic item and buff it to a shine using a cotton rag. If you plan on eating off the plastic item, try olive or coconut oil instead of WD-40.
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Baking soda and vinegar
Next, make a paste by mixing equal parts of water and baking soda. Apply this paste to the surface and spread it over the damaged area with a cloth or cotton ball. Leave the paste for around 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a rag. You should notice that many of the surface scratches have disappeared.
If the scratches are deeper, you may need to use more elbow grease and wet sanding with micro-grit sandpaper. Vinegar can be added to a solution of warm, soapy water to help restore the original finish of plastic that has developed a cloudy look. Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar per gallon of the warm, soapy water solution.
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Sandpaper
To determine the depth of the scratches, use your fingernail or the edge of a credit card. If your fingernail or the card edge glides easily over the scratch without catching, the scratch is shallow and can be removed with a gentle abrasive. Deeper scratches will require a more aggressive process with wet micro-grit sandpaper.
Before using sandpaper, clean the surface to remove any surface soil that might cause additional scratches. Wash the item with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. If the plastic cannot be submerged, wipe down the scratched area with a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to remove surface grime.
Once the surface is clean and dry, use a razor to cut off any protruding bits of plastic from the scratched area. Then, soak 800-grit sandpaper in water and gently sand down the scratched area using circular motions and light pressure. Rinse the plastic and assess your progress. If the scratch is still visible, move to a higher grit paper. Continue sanding, rinsing, and moving to finer grit sandpaper until the scratch disappears.
After removing the scratch, clean the area with a damp cloth. To smoothen out the surface, use finer grit sandpaper (e.g. 1200-grit) to sand down the area. Clean the surface again and polish the sanded area using a plastic/acrylic polishing compound to restore its original shine.
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Commercial plastic or metal polishing compound
Plastic is a durable and lightweight material that is commonly used in household items, car interiors, and accessories. While plastic is generally less expensive than other materials, it is susceptible to scratches and scuffs due to normal wear and tear, resulting in a dull or faded appearance.
To restore the finish of scratched plastic, several commercial plastic polishing compounds are available. These compounds are designed to remove scratches and bring back the original shine to plastic surfaces. When choosing a commercial plastic polishing compound, look for products specifically designed for plastic, such as those labelled for use on plastic car interiors, plastic furniture, or synthetic materials like resin and acrylic.
One recommended product is the Moleroda Finishing Systems' plastic polishing compound, which is suitable for a range of synthetic materials, including resin, acrylic, and plastic. This compound can effectively remove scratches and restore the shine to plastic surfaces. Another option is to look for a plastic polish kit, which often includes a polishing compound along with other tools and accessories needed for the job. These kits can be helpful if you are looking for a more comprehensive solution.
When using a commercial plastic polishing compound, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Start by cleaning the plastic surface and ensuring it is dry. Then, apply the compound using a soft cloth or pad, working in small sections at a time. Work the compound into the scratches with gentle, circular motions, and remember to rinse periodically to check your progress. Finally, buff the area with a clean, soft cloth to reveal a smooth and scratch-free surface.
In addition to commercial compounds, there are also some household items that can be used to remove scratches from plastic. These include toothpaste, baking soda, and sandpaper. However, when using these items, it is important to start with a mild abrasive and always test on a small, hidden area first to avoid further damage or discolouration.
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Plastic Restore™
How It Works
Easy to Use
The Plastic Restore™ kit comes with everything you need to restore your plastic items to their former glory. Simply follow these steps:
- Start by cleaning the plastic surface with a damp cloth, rubbing in a circular motion around the scratch to remove any dirt or debris.
- Apply a small amount of Plastic Restore™ to a clean, soft cloth.
- Using a gentle, circular motion, buff the product into the scratch.
- Continue buffing until the scratch has disappeared.
- Finally, clean and dry the treated area with a fresh cloth to reveal a smooth, scratch-free surface.
Effective on a Variety of Plastic Items
Tips for Best Results
- Always test Plastic Restore™ on a small, hidden area of the plastic item first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or damage.
- For deeper scratches, consider using a fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the area before applying Plastic Restore™.
- Regular cleaning of plastic items can help prevent scratches from becoming permanent, so be sure to incorporate Plastic Restore™ into your regular cleaning routine.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to clean scratches from plastic. Firstly, identify the depth of the scratch using your fingernail or the edge of a credit card. If the scratch is shallow, you can use a mild abrasive like toothpaste or baking soda. Apply it to the scratch and buff in small circles with a cotton cloth until the surface evens out. For deeper scratches, use fine-grit wet sandpaper, sanding in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse and repeat with finer grit sandpaper if needed. Finally, polish the area with a plastic/acrylic polishing compound to restore shine.
There are a variety of products that can be used to clean scratches from plastic. Mild abrasives such as toothpaste, baking soda, furniture polish, or plastic polish can be used for shallow scratches. Deeper scratches can be addressed with fine-grit wet sandpaper, with higher numbers indicating finer grit. After sanding, a plastic or metal polishing compound can be applied to restore shine.
To prevent scratches on plastic, it is important to regularly clean the surface to avoid a cloudy white film from forming permanently. When cleaning, always use the least abrasive cleaning agents and test any new products on a small, hidden area first to avoid dulling the finish.
