How to Remove Scratches from Plastic

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve wound up with a scratch in a plastic countertop, your car, or some other surface, have no fear. In many cases, you can buff the scratch out with some simple polishing compound. Step it up and use some fine grade sandpaper to remove deeper scratches. For scratches in car plastic, make sure to use buffing supplies that are approved for automobile use. If the scratch is in painted plastic, you can easily hide the problem, by using a touch-up pen.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Buffing out a Light Scratch

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take a clean, damp cloth and dip it into some warm, soapy water. [1] Gently rub it in a circular motion all around the scratch. This will remove any dirt and grease, making it easier to get rid of the scratch. Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth when you’re done. [2] You can use a microfiber towel. [3]
  2. Shallow scratches can often be buffed out. Run your fingernail across the scratch. If it “catches” in the groove, then it is too deep to be buffed out. Deep scratches can only be removed by other methods. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. A mild abrasive, like toothpaste, helps wipe the scratch away. Use a paste variety, not a gel one. You won’t need to put much on the cloth. Just use enough that you can smear it all over the scratch. Instead of toothpaste, you could also try: [5]
  4. Go over the whole scratch, from one end to the other. This buffing action is what can rub the scratch out of the plastic. Keep buffing until the scratch disappears. [7]
  5. When you’re done, wipe the area with a fresh damp cloth to remove the paste and residue. Then, take a clean cloth and wipe everything down to dry it. [8]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Removing a Deep Scratch

PDF download Download Article
  1. If the scratch is thick enough to “catch” on your fingernail, you can try sanding it out. To do this properly, though, you’ll need to have several grades of sandpaper, from 800 grit to 1500 or even 2000.
    • Higher numbers indicate finer sandpaper.
    • You can find sandpaper at any store that sells hardware supplies. You can often find it in assorted packs so you don’t have to buy a separate pack for each grade.
  2. Take a piece, and fold it in thirds. This will give you a smaller surface to work with, and make it easier to hold the paper. Run some water over the sandpaper. [9]
    • It’s very important to wet the sandpaper--this helps it from becoming too abrasive, and also helps clear away grit and dust as you work.
  3. The buffing motion combined with the abrasiveness of the sandpaper can help remove many scratches. Work gently, however. Being too forceful can cause new scratches. [10]
    • Keep buffing until the scratch disappears.
  4. Use a fresh, damp cloth and wipe down the area you’ve been working on. Take a new, clean cloth and run it over everything until it's all dry. [11]
  5. Examine the scratch area. It should look different, and the scratch may have been removed. If it’s still visible, however, you can try rubbing it again with a finer grade of sandpaper. Try 1200 grit, for instance, and follow the same procedure as before.
    • Make sure to wet the sandpaper each time, and to work gently. [12]
    • If 1200 grit doesn’t work, move up to an even finer grade (like 1500), and so on.
  6. Once the scratch is fully removed, polishing the area will make everything look like new. Get some commercial plastic or acrylic polishing compound and place some on a clean cloth. Wipe the whole plastic area to blend everything in. Then take a clean cloth and wipe off the excess. [13]
    • You can find plastic polishing compound at most big-box stores, either in the auto supply or home cleaning sections.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Covering up Scratches on Car Plastic

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use a damp cloth dipped into warm water mixed with mild detergent. Rub the cloth over the scratch and surrounding area to remove any dirt and grime. [14]
  2. These supplies can be found at hardware stores, and some auto supply stores. The buffer pad can be attached to any regular electric drill. The buffing compound helps it rub out the scratch. [15]
  3. Attach the buffing pad to an electric drill. Apply a small amount of buffing compound to the pad (follow the instructions on the product). Turn the drill on and gently work the pad over the entire scratch area. [16]
  4. If the scratch is deep, a touch up pen will hide the problem further. Look up the correct paint code for your automobile (check the owner’s manual or look for a label on the car). Find the matching touch-up pen at an auto supply store. [17]
    • Most of the time, all you have to do is draw the pen over the scratch, and paint will be applied.
    • Let the area dry before continuing.
  5. Clear coat helps blend the buffed area back in with the rest of the plastic. That way, you won’t be able to tell there had been a scratch. [18]
    • You can find clear coat at auto supply stores.
    • Follow the instructions provided with the product. If it’s just a small scratch, you can probably just paint the clear coat on the area.
    • Work in a well-ventilated area.
  6. Once you’re done and everything’s dry, get some regular car wax. Use a clean cloth or polishing pad, and buff the entire area with wax. This final step will help make your car look as good as new. [19]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I clean plastic?
    Jon Gholian
    Cleaning Specialist
    Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.
    Jon Gholian
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can mix some dish soap in warm water. Dampen a cloth with it and clean the plastic. Then wipe it with a microfiber towel.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How can I clean a scratched plastic screen?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It is possible to remove scratches from a plastic screen, provided they are not too deep. Some ways to remove scratches from a plastic screen include: wiping with a Magic Eraser, using a specifically designed commercial scratch remover, rubbing with a pencil eraser or polishing with car headlight cream. For some more help with specific screen cleaning that removes scratches, see How to Remove Scratches from a Phone Screen and How to Clean a Flat Screen TV .
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 12
  • Question
    Can you polish scratches out of acrylic?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can remove scratches from acrylic by polishing. You’ll need suitable acrylic or plastic polish and sandpaper. Follow the instructions outlined above in the article for sanding and polishing to remove the scratches. If the scratches are deeper than 5mm, it may not be possible to polish out the scratches. If the item is valuable, it's best to talk to an expert (such as a car repairer) to find out whether other options exist.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Clean cloths
      • Soap and water
      • Toothpaste, furniture polish, or plastic polishing compound
      • Several grades of fine sandpaper
      • Electric drill
      • Buffer pad
      • Touch-up auto paint pen
      • Auto clear coat
      • Car wax

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Cut Acrylic Sheets
      Simple DIY Ways to Polish & Restore Plastic So It Shines
      How to
      Fold a Plastic Bag
      How to
      Remove Plexiglass Scratches
      How to
      Remove Plastic Smell
      How to
      Glue Plastic
      How to
      Adhere Plastic to Wood
      How Do You Know If Rice Is Plastic? (Plus, Origins of the Viral Rumor)
      How to
      Polish Acrylic
      How to
      Dye Acrylic Plastic
      How Do You Bend Acrylic? DIY Tips & Tricks
      How to
      Make Plastic
      How to
      Build a Straw Bridge
      How to
      Easily Mold Acrylic Plastic Sheets
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-hide-or-repair-scratches-in-plastic-laminate-countertops/
      3. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      4. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      5. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-hide-or-repair-scratches-in-plastic-laminate-countertops/
      6. ↑ Jon Gholian. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 December 2020.
      7. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      8. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      9. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      1. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      2. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      3. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      4. ↑ http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/
      5. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/remove-scratches-plastic-bumpers-5076749.html
      6. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/remove-scratches-plastic-bumpers-5076749.html
      7. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/remove-scratches-plastic-bumpers-5076749.html
      8. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/remove-scratches-plastic-bumpers-5076749.html
      9. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/remove-scratches-plastic-bumpers-5076749.html
      10. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/remove-scratches-plastic-bumpers-5076749.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove a light scratch from plastic, buff it out by rubbing a damp cloth with a little toothpaste on it over the scratch. If you have a deeper scratch, start by getting several grades of sandpaper. Using the coarsest sandpaper first, run some water over it so it’s not too abrasive. Then, rub the sandpaper over the scratch in a circular motion. Continue using progressively finer sandpaper until the scratch has been removed. Finally, clean and polish the area so it looks like new! To learn how to cover up scratches on car plastic, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 429,832 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • John Everett

        May 11, 2019

        "I just wanted to say your articles were very informative and helpful. I was just looking for something else and ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement