How to Repair Scratches on Rearview Mirror Plastic?
2 Answers
The following are methods to repair scratches on the black plastic of a rearview mirror under different circumstances: 1. For glossy surfaces with shallow scratches: The black plastic of rearview mirrors is generally divided into glossy or matte surfaces. If the scratch occurs on a glossy surface and is not deep, you can take it to a car repair shop for polishing to fix the scratch. 2. For glossy surfaces with deeper scratches: Repair by repainting or using a touch-up pen. 3. For matte surfaces: Wipe the scratch with clean water and check if the scratch disappears after the water dries. Usually, general friction does not damage the matte surface of the rearview mirror housing.
I always repair my car myself. When there are scratches on the plastic of the rearview mirror, I usually start by wiping off the dust with a soft cloth dipped in warm water. Then, I apply some toothpaste (regular white toothpaste will do) to the scratches and gently buff them in small circles for a few minutes with a soft cloth. The abrasive agents in the toothpaste can polish the surface. After it dries, I wipe off the excess toothpaste with a damp cloth to check the results. If the scratches become lighter, repeating the process a few times should do the trick. For deeper scratches, try professional plastic repair paste or spray paint, which can be bought online for around 20-30 yuan per bottle—test it on a small area first. Remember to wear gloves to avoid chemical burns, and don’t use excessive force during the process to prevent further damage. Once done, it’s advisable to apply wax regularly to protect the plastic surface. This DIY method is cost-effective and convenient, and I’ve done it several times with good results.
