Deep scratches in plastic surfaces...

gypsy

gypsy

Just call me Scratch...
I have a Volvo GLT that has plastic bumpers and mirror shells. Those surfaces came into contact with a stucco pole resulting in deep ugly scaring. What is the best [or any] way to minimize the visual damage?
 
Sorry to hear about that its one of the draw backs of plastic fenders on cars. However I have yet to find anything that you can do. Its a PITA is what it is.
 
Not knowing anything about the Volvo, my idea may be worthless.
If they are not painted and the color is all the way through the plastic, you might be able to sand some of the surrounding plastic down enough to make the scratches less visible. Kind of what happens with paint when we repair swirls and surface blemishes. I was able to fix a plastic mirror on my Pontiac min-van this way when someone scraped it in a parking lot. As a side note, I was parked at least 100' from the nearest vehicle when I left the van and someone still managed to get me. I don't think it was intentional, just stupid.
You probably won't fix your problem, but you might make it much less noticeable.

Charles
 
Well, it sounds like it's experimenting time. I do have some ideas using steel wool, Scotch Brite pads; maybe even a wood scrapper blade will plane down the plastic a bit. It appears that the color layer is at least 20 - 30 thousandths thick. It may be impossible to get scratches as deep as this out, but if I can soften the edges and polish the plastic, maybe acetone will dissolve the plastic and make it look like a mild manufacturing defect. That would work for me. I was hoping for a leg up on the problem, maybe even a silver bullet, but in lieu of that... Banzai.

:rockin
 
Where is San Luis? I would use a paint leveler that can be used on plastic. This is colored and clearcoated plastic, right? If you can catch your finger nail in the scratch, it is too deep to remove.
 
BRWLL

San Luis is on the coast in CA near LA area.


GYPSY

I would try the dealership and some local body shops to get a feel as to what they think, can't hurt!

Can you take some pics and post for us, its hard at time to give advice without really seeing what you are trying to get out.
 
Is the plastic smooth or grained?
1. If it is smooth and the color goes all the way through it, you can wet sand and then buff to restore the shine.
2. If it is grained plastic, try finding some touch up paint the same color, clean the plastic with lacquer thinner, then fill the scratch with paint ... on the last coat, dap the paint with a rag, sponge, or brush to simulate the grained effect.
I have repaired both types of plastic with these methods .... while not always perfect, it is better than a scratch or gouge.
 
If the color layer is 20 to 30 thousands of an inch thick it sure doesn't sound like it is basecoat/clearcoat.

Charles
 
CharlesW said:
If the color layer is 20 to 30 thousands of an inch thick it sure doesn't sound like it is basecoat/clearcoat.
Charles
Click to expand...
I may be completely wrong about the thickness Charles. There seems to be a color 'coat' with a very dark color underneath. I'll take a couple of pictures as beemerboy suggested. I want to take advantage of the knowledge and interest. I'll check out the dealer also. Thanks guys.

PS: San Luis Obispo is half way between LA and San Francisco on the Central California coast. I may be prejudice (duh), but I'd say it's your basic idyllic small city location. We have GREAT surf for anyone that may care.
 
Look forward to seeing the pics and you also have great clams there as I remember from when I was a kid!
 
For some reason it sounded like it was an exotic vacation destination in latin america or something. You guys in Cali are lucky to have such nice weather and beautiful beaches.
 
Beemerboy said:
Look forward to seeing the pics and you also have great clams there as I remember from when I was a kid!
Click to expand...
Bummer on the claims Beemerboy, the water is too polluted around here anymore to eat the claims. There are warnings on most beaches not to eat the claims except during certain parts of the year.

Well here are the pictures of the carnage. The paint is much thinner than I claimed, but it does seem like a paint layer. As long as the scratches are not through it, there is hope for some restoration - right?

The mirror shell. The scratches are white, but have not penetrated the paint layer.

mirror


The bumper. Mostly scratches, but the paint layer has been penetrated in one small spot and the underlying plastic is actually gouged.

bumper


The lower grill area. Yuko... Our condo driveway dives sharply into the street and must be navigated at slow speed to avoid scrapping street pavement beyond. Oh well... Why fix it if I can't fix the driver too. :dunno The dark area is the plastic under the paint layer.

undergrill


That’s it. After I tackle it, if I don’t masacre it too much, I’ll post the results. If you don’t here about it, you’ll know it was a disaster. :doh
 
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