How to Repair Plastic Scratches on Car Bumper?
2 Answers
For minor scratches, prevention is key. It's advisable to protect the paint when it's still new, such as by applying a layer of mirror glaze on the car body surface. Use a polishing wheel with a polishing enhancer to remove the oxidation layer attached to the car's surface and smooth out fine scratches. This process only takes about 30 to 40 minutes. If the scratches on the car body have exposed the primer, a local touch-up paint treatment is necessary.
As an enthusiast who frequently tinkers with cars, I find repairing scratches on plastic bumpers quite interesting. The first step is to thoroughly clean the scratched area using car cleaner or soapy water to ensure no dust or grease residue remains. Then, gently sand the area with 1500-grit fine sandpaper, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the surrounding plastic surface. Once smoothed, apply a specialized scratch repair paste or use a spray paint can, selecting a color that matches the car paint—ideally by referencing the original factory color code from a shop. Apply the paint in two thin coats, allowing 10 minutes of drying time between applications, and finish with a layer of clear protective paint to enhance the gloss. The entire process takes about half an hour. Afterwards, applying wax helps maintain the results and prevents future rainwater corrosion on the plastic. When parking, try to stay away from trees or curbs to minimize the chance of minor scrapes. In short, DIY repairs can save hundreds in repair costs and provide a great sense of accomplishment.
