What to Do When the Front Bumper Is Scratched and Exposes Plastic?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to deal with a scratched front bumper that exposes plastic: 1. Toothpaste Treatment: For minor scratches where the underlying primer color is visible, the approach depends on the location of the damage. Typically, areas like the bumper, side mirrors, and some wheel arches are made of engineering plastic, which won’t rust. Whether to repaint depends on the owner’s preference. Small scratches can be concealed using toothpaste. 2. Touch-Up Paint Pen Treatment: Touch-up paint pens are available at most auto parts stores. Provide your car model and the official color name to purchase the correct color code. When applying the paint, always follow the direction of the scratch for better results. 3. 4S Shop Repair: If the car surface has dents or scratches from a collision without peeling or chipping, take it to a 4S shop for repair. A dent repair typically takes about 20–40 minutes.
Last time I scraped the front of my car against a roadside curb, the bumper got a gash, exposing the plastic underneath. The first step is to promptly clean the scraped area with water and a neutral detergent to prevent dirt and moisture from penetrating the plastic, which could cause deformation or cracks. If it's just a surface scratch, I usually lightly sand it smooth with fine sandpaper, then apply a specialized automotive touch-up pen in a matching color. After it dries, I apply a layer of wax to protect the paint. For deeper scratches where the plastic is deformed, I might need to use a plastic filler to level it before repainting. DIY repairs are inexpensive, costing just a few dozen yuan, but require patience to ensure even paint application. After finishing, remember to wax regularly to prevent plastic oxidation and brittleness. I recommend buying a bumper guard strip to prevent future scrapes.