A scratched car bumper can be an eyesore and can detract from the overall appearance of your vehicle. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to repair a scratched bumper, ranging from simple DIY fixes to more complex techniques that may require the help of a professional. In this article, I will explain some of the most effective ways to repair a scratched car bumper and restore your vehicle to its former glory. Whether dealing with minor scratches or more extensive damage, these tips will help you get your bumper looking as good as new.
One thing to note when repairing scratches on a plastic fender is that some have a textured grain finish; it is impossible to retain this look with a quick clean-up method, as detailed below. You can sand the edges down slightly to improve the look but not completely remove them. As detailed below, you can do a pretty good job with a smooth plastic bumper.
Steps to Remove Scratches From a Smooth Black Plastic Bumper
If you’ve got a scratched black plastic bumper on your car, it’s not impossible to remove it. If you have a smooth finish plastic or painted fender, here are some steps you need to follow, and by the way, this is exactly how I do it.
Tools you will need:
- Car wash equipment – buckets, shampoo, sponge, polish, etc.
- APC
- Microfibres
- Paint
- Masking tape
- Laquer or clear coat
- 25000 and 4000 grit sandpaper
Step 1: Clean the area
First, you’ll need to clean the scratched areas. Remove any grime from the area and wash it thoroughly. You need to remove all the dust and dirt from the scratches.
Step 2: Sand the scratched area
Next, you can use a piece of sandpaper to buff out the scratches gently. Start with 2500 grit. Once the scratches no longer have raised edges, lightly go over the scratch with 4000-grit sandpaper until smooth.
Step 3: Wipe the surface
After removing scratches, it’s essential to wipe the surface clean. A microfiber cloth can help you prevent further scratches. To remove any grime or paint residue, you can rewash the bumper with pH-neutral car shampoo and APC cleaner.
Step 4: Mask off the surrounding area
After you wipe the surface, you need to mask off the surrounding areas with masking tape ready for paint.
Step 5: Paint and lacquer
Next, apply a couple of paint layers, allowing them to dry between each coat. Once the paint has completely dried, apply a layer of clear coat lacquer and allow it to dry.
Step 6: Finishing
Now you’ve finished the painting process, it’s good to go over the whole bumper with polish and wax with a microfibre to get the rest of the bumper looking good.
Method to Repair a Scratched Textured Finish Black Plastic Bumper
Improving a scratched and textured finish on a fender is difficult without professional repair. I have a way to carry it out, but it will only enhance the look of the scratches, not completely remove them.
Tools you will need:
- Car wash equipment – buckets, shampoo, sponge etc.
- APC
- Microfibres
- Trim restorer (back 2 black)
- 4000 grit sandpaper
Step 1: Clean
Give the fender a thorough clean with a sponge, and get all the dirt out of scratches. If you have a set of brushes in your car cleaning kit, now is the time to use them.
Step 2: Tame down scratches
Next, lightly go over the raised scratch edges with 4000-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to sand the bumper fully; you are just trying to smooth and level the raised edges of scratches with the bumper. Once the scratches are level with the fender surface, or at least smoother, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Clean the area again
It’s important to remove the dust created by sanding from the bumper. Give the fender a good clean again, using shampoo and APC.
Step 4: Apply trim restorer
Depending on the shade of black your bumper is, you can often go over it with the back-to-black or trim restorer. It’s best to go over the whole bumper at this point. Voila, your bumper is repaired!
How Do You Restore a Faded Black Plastic Bumper?
Plastic car parts are prone to fading over time due to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and other elements such as extreme heat, chemicals, and salts in the air. Here are some ways to fix your black plastic bumper:
- Rub Oil On Faded Plastic
Many products on the market promise to restore the faded plastic on a vehicle’s exterior, but they aren’t all equal. To restore the shine of a faded plastic bumper, apply rubbing oil or use a good-quality trim restorer. Another alternative is to use peanut butter, as the oil can bring the shine back to the trim.
- Try A Heat Gun
If you’re having trouble restoring the finish on your black plastic bumper, try using a heat gun. A heat gun is very effective for restoring fading plastic. If the plastic appears almost white, using a heat gun will help it regain its black color. A heat gun works by increasing the temperature of the plastic, drawing out contaminants.
- Painting Over Black Plastic
You can also paint over the black plastic of your bumper to restore it. You can use various paint colors and finishes when you want to paint over a black plastic bumper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WD-40 Remove Scratches From Plastic Bumpers?
WD-40 helps remove scuff marks from plastic car surfaces by filling in gaps. But it can’t remove deep scratches on metal surfaces. Use paint or a restorer compound instead. WD-40 is useful for cleaning cars and removing rust and oil. It can fill in topcoat scratches, making it glossy and transparent.
Is Painting Over Black Plastic An Effective Way To Restore It?
Painting over black plastic can work, but it depends on the condition and type of paint. Use paint for plastic and sand the surface for better adhesion. Choose a similar color to the original.
Final Points
Scratches are a common sight on car bumpers, and they ruin the look of your car. Luckily, repairing these damages doesn’t have to be expensive and time-consuming. Following the steps in this guide, you can remove these annoying scratches without costing you a fortune. If these methods don’t work for you, it’s best to have a professional repair it for you.
