What to Do When the Front Bumper Is Scratched and Exposes Plastic?

[SanLucy]

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.

[Allen]

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.

[EdenLynn]

Don't take the issue of scratched plastic on the front bumper lightly. Once exposed, the plastic tends to absorb moisture and expand, which may lead to cracking over time and compromise structural safety. My approach is to first find a dry environment, wipe the area with a dry cloth, and temporarily cover the exposed spot with transparent tape to prevent water ingress. For minor scratches, you can try cleaning the area and applying nail polish as a temporary substitute for protective paint, but it's best to visit a professional auto repair shop as soon as possible. Since plastic exposed to sunlight accelerates aging, a paint repair is the most reliable solution—they use professional primers and baking processes to ensure durability. Severe damage may require partial replacement, with costs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand. Driving safety comes first; always check blind spots when parking to reduce the risk of scratches, and inspect the bumper's integrity during maintenance.

[DelIris]

I don't know much about car repairs, and I'm worried about moisture getting in after the bumper was scratched down to the plastic. The solution is simple: first rinse the scratched area with clean water, dry it with a cloth, and then use a hair dryer to ensure it's completely dry. If the plastic is exposed, avoid touching chemical agents as they can easily cause corrosion. For small scratches, you can buy some touch-up spray paint at a car wash shop and apply it yourself—just make sure to choose the right color. For larger areas, it's best to consult a car repair technician; the painting job should cost less than a hundred yuan. Parking too close to walls often leads to scratches, so leave some space in the future. Installing a bumper guard for just a few dollars can save you a lot of trouble. Cover exposed plastic promptly to prevent aging.