Fill Plastic Scratches

Plastic scratches may not be the end of the world, but they’re a definite eyesore. While serious damage should be left to a repair professional, like a scratched bumper, some scratches can be filled and “erased” from the comfort of your own home. If you’re dealing with a deep scratch, like a gouge, you might want to use plastic filler as a permanent, long-term solution. For minor cosmetic damage, like a surface scratch, you may be able to solve the problem with a heat gun and grain pad.

Steps

Using Plastic Filler for Deep Scratches

1. Clean off the scratched area with a plastic prep solvent. Take a special wipe or cleaning spray and sanitize the scratch and surrounding area. Be sure to wipe down the entire area, as you want to clean off any dirt or grime that’s stuck in the scratch.
   • You can find these wipes or spray online, or in a home improvement shop.{{greenbox:Tip: If you’re working on a large project (e.g., repairing a car bumper), consider buffing the surface with 80-grit sandpaper before you add filler. This helps the filler adhere better.}}
2. Spread a pea-sized amount of filler into the scratch with a razor blade. Scoop a small amount of plastic filler onto a new razor blade and begin applying it along the surface in long, flat motions. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle to create a smooth, even layer. Continue working in long, back and forth motions until the scratches are completely filled.
   • Plastic filler is a thick substance that helps fill and smooth out cracked, scratched surfaces. You can find it online or at a hardware store.
   • Use a plastic spatula to spread filler over a rounded surface.
3. Wait for the filler to dry completely. Read the instructions on your plastic filler or putty to see what the recommended drying time is. Note that some products might be dry to the touch in 20 minutes or so, while others might need more time to harden.
   • Don’t do anything to the filler until it’s dry to the touch.
4. Dry sand the surface with 80- and 120-grit sandpaper. Take a sheet of coarse sandpaper and remove any obvious dust from the top layer of the hardened filler. Once you’re finished buffing the surface with this sheet, use a smoother, 120-grit piece of sandpaper to even out the plastic.
   • At this point, you can use a spatula or razor blade to fill in any additional bumps.
5. Fill in any additional bumps and dry sand them. Use a razor blade or spatula to apply a pea-sized amount of filler, or however much you need to cover the rough area. Follow the recommended drying time listed and wait for the product to harden all the way. If the surface looks rough, go over it with 80- and 120-grit sandpaper, as well as 400-grit paper attached to a rubber sanding block.
6. Wet sand the filler with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Dip a smoother sheet of sandpaper into a container of water and rub down the filled surface. Focus on any rough areas and do your best to make the filler look as smooth as possible. Try working the sandpaper in smooth, even movements to create a polished finish.{{greenbox:Tip: If you’re working on a larger project, like a damaged car bumper, you may need to go over the surface with dry 80-, 120-grit sandpaper and wet 400-grit sandpaper again until the surface looks smooth. Use your own discretion to see if your project needs some extra TLC!}}
7. Apply 2 coats of a dual primer and surfacer to the filled plastic. Search online or in an auto repair shop to find a product labeled as a primer-surfacer. Spray over the entire area with the primer, covering both the scratched section and the surrounding sections. Wait for it to dry completely, then apply a second coat.
   • The primer-surfacer helps serve as base and ensures a more thorough repair.
   • Check the can or container to see what the recommended drying time is.
8. Buff the surface with 400-grit sandpaper. Dip a sheet of smooth sandpaper into some cool tap water, then buff the filled scratches to even out the surface. Depending on how severe your scratches are, this might be a quick or time-consuming process.
9. Add 2-3 layers of base paint over the filled section and let it dry between coats. Visit an auto supply shop or online store for special spray paint that‘s safe to use on plastic. Once you’ve primed and buffed the surface, spray over the plastic with a base coat. Make sure the color matches the original coat color so your repair can look as smooth as possible.
   • If you’re working with a smaller surface, like a side-view mirror, you may not need as much paint.
   • Follow the recommended drying guidelines on your base paint before spraying on any new layers.
10. Protect the surface with 1-2 layers of clear coat mixed with hardener. Mix {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of paint hardener into a spray canister with {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of clear paint. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly, then spray the clear paint over the dried base coat. For an extra layer of protection, consider adding an extra layer of clear coat to your scratch.
    • Spray over the entire surface—not just the scratched and filled area.

Heating and Reforming Light Scratches

1. Wipe down the area with plastic cleaner. Grab a plastic cleaning wipe or spray bottle and clean out the scratch, along with the surrounding area. Do your best to remove any dirt or grime from the scratch ahead of time so the repair can be as smooth as possible.
   • You can purchase special plastic cleaners online.
2. Hold a low-powered heat gun over the scratch until the plastic looks glossy. Hover the tool over the scratch for several seconds, waiting for the plastic to melt slightly. Once the surface is shiny, you can put down the heat gun.
   • You can find heat guns online or in most home improvement stores. If you don’t have a heat gun, use a hair dryer instead.
   • Heat guns can reach very high temperatures, so don’t let it touch your skin.
3. Rub the scratch with your finger or a grain pad to smooth it out. Slide on a pair of work gloves or use a grain pad to level out the surface of the plastic. Rub over the plastic in short, even motions, or until the plastic looks smooth.
   • If you use a grain pad, choose a texture that matches the surface of your plastic. For instance, if your plastic has a coarse texture, you might want to use a coarse grain pad.
4. Use extremely smooth sandpaper to buff the surface. Grab a sheet of sandpaper that’s at least 1000-grit and rub over the newly smoothed surface. Wipe and back and forth until the scratch isn’t noticeable on the plastic.
5. Repeat the heating and rubbing process until all scratches are gone. If 1 go around doesn’t do the trick, use your heat gun or hair dryer to soften the plastic surface again. Use your finger or the grain pad to smooth out the surface until it looks pristine again.
6. Wipe down the smoothed area with a plastic cleaner. Take another cleaning wipe or spray bottle and clean off the repaired surface. Wait several minutes for the area to air-dry, and then you’re good to go!

Tips

• Reach out to a professional if you don’t feel confident fixing your own scratches.
• If the scratch isn’t that bad, there may be some easier ways to Remove Scratches from Plastic.

Things You’ll Need

Using Plastic Filler for Deep Scratches

• Plastic prep solvent
• Sandpaper, multiple grits
• Rubber sanding block
• Plastic filler
• Razorblade or plastic spatula
• Water
• Primer
• Basecoat
• Clear coat
• Paint hardener

Heating and Reforming Light Scratches

• Plastic prep solvent
• Heat gun or hair dryer
• Grain pad
• Work gloves

References

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