Scratches in Exterior Plastic Surfaces

We're Here · 02-04-02, 07:30

I have a couple of scratches of the Benz's bumper and outside mirror. The former is a dark gray plastic while the latter is a flatish black plastic. In both cases the scratches are much lighter (almost white) than the untouched plastic surface. I'm looking for something to cover these up permanently. Touch-up paint isn't available. Any suggestions?

Thanks guys (odd isn't it that detailing really is a guy thing only?)

SC5spd · 02-04-02, 07:54

I have a similiar scratch on the rear taillight plastic housing of my Lexus SC. What i used last weekend was NOVUS 1,2,3
alot of it came out but the heavier scratches didnt, although it was harder to notice than before.
NOVUS or PLEXUS would be the plastic polish that you are looking for.

JohnN · 02-04-02, 08:06

Can't speak to Novus - but Plexus isn't going to help any in your case.

It's a great product - I use it on my tinted windows, and it works like a charm - but it doesn't have the scratch filling ability that you need (to fill a deeper scratch on a body panel). I think Plexus is better suited to plastic films that would develop very small nicks on the surface.

We're Here · 02-04-02, 08:10

A swipe with a permanent magic marker would be many times better than it is today but I have to believe there is a more appropriate repair than that.

Dave C. · 02-05-02, 10:56

Hit a yellow cement pole which scratched my exterior mirror housing. I have only used OG Plastic Polish to remedy the situation so far and the scratches are reduced but not gone. When it warms up I am going to hit it with some 3M FI III, or SMG. That should do the trick.

Pats300zx · 02-05-02, 06:21

I have had really good success with Novus 1 and 2. I used it to take out some of the scratches on my rear taillight lenses. #2 is a more absrasive polish that should be followed up with #1. You can use #1 on all plastic surfaces for cleaning etc. It works great on the plastic speedometer lens covers etc.

AcMDX · 02-05-02, 06:46

I have a similar problem on our rear bumper (painted). It seems there's lotsa satisfaction w/Novus on PLEXIGLASS or clear plastic, but what about painted surfaces?

How abrasive is this stuff (#1 or #2) -- is it gonna go through the clear and paint quick?

I'm comfortable hitting it w/3M products and a random orbital (done that plenty of times before), but by eyeballing my current "damage" (which fortunately is below the beltline on the bumper) I'm guessing that I won't be able to afford the electricity bill by the time I'm through.

FWIW one good prep I've found for foreign debris in scratches (including cement dust in addition to your neighboring car's paint) is to claybar first.