Plastic items like phone cases, car interiors and kitchen appliances are prone to getting scratched. These scratches can significantly reduce the item’s aesthetic appeal and resale value. If you are wondering how to take scratches out of plastic, do not worry, it is not as difficult as it may seem. To help you rejuvenate your scratched plastic items, we have compiled a step-by-step guide on how to take scratches out of plastic in 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Clean the Plastic Surface
The first step in removing scratches from plastic is to clean the surface of the item. This is because dirt, dust, and other debris on the surface can cause further scratching when polishing. To clean the surface, use a mild detergent and warm water. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth or a microfiber towel to remove any dirt and grime. Then rinse the item with water and pat it dry with a soft towel. Be sure to let it completely dry before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Sand the Surface with Fine Sandpaper
The second step in removing scratches from plastic is to sand the surface with fine sandpaper. Make sure to use fine sandpaper with a grit of 1200 to 2000. This ensures that you are effectively removing the scratches without causing any further damage to the surface of the plastic. Take a small piece of sandpaper and gently sand the scratched area in a circular motion. Keep sanding until you have removed the scratches as much as possible. Once you have finished sanding, use a soft cloth to wipe off any dust and debris from the surface of the plastic.
Step 3: Buff the Surface with Plastic Polish
The third step in taking scratches out of plastic is to buff the surface with plastic polish. Apply a small amount of plastic polish to the scratched area and begin rubbing it in a circular motion. You can use either an electric buffer or buffer pad. Continue polishing until the polish has been spread evenly over the surface of the plastic. Check to see if any scratches remain, if they do, repeat the sanding process with the sandpaper and try polishing again until the scratches are completely gone.
Step 4: Rinse the Surface and Dry it
The fourth step in removing scratches from plastic is to rinse the surface and dry it. Rinse the plastic item with clean water to remove any remaining polish on the surface. Make sure the polish has been removed completely as any remaining polish may damage the surface of the plastic. After rinsing the item, dry it off with a soft cloth or towel. Make sure the plastic item is completely dry before sealing it.
Step 5: Seal the Surface with Car Wax or Furniture Polish
The final step in taking scratches out of plastic is to seal the surface with car wax or furniture polish. This step will help in preventing further scratches from occurring on the surface of the plastic item. Apply a small amount of car wax or furniture polish onto a soft cloth and rub it onto the surface of the plastic in a circular motion. This provides a protective layer to the plastic surface and can make the surface look shiny and as good as new.
Common Questions and Answers about Removing Scratches from Plastic
- Q. Can toothpaste be used to remove scratches from plastic?
- A. Yes, toothpaste can be used to remove minor scratches from plastic. Apply a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft cloth and rub it onto the scratched area in a circular motion. Remember to use only white toothpaste and not gel toothpaste.
- Q. Will baking soda help in removing scratches from plastic?
- A. Yes, baking soda can be used to remove scratches from plastic. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the scratches in a circular motion and then rinse it off with water.
- Q. What is the best kind of sandpaper to use for removing scratches from plastic?
- A. Fine sandpaper with a grit ranging between 1200 to 2000 is the best kind of sandpaper to use for removing scratches from plastic.
- Q. Can scratched plastic items be restored to their original condition?
- A. Yes, scratched plastic items can be restored to their original condition if the scratches are only minor or shallow.
In Conclusion
Removing scratches from plastic does require extra attention and care. You should be careful not to scratch the surface even more while attempting to take scratches out of plastic. Follow these 5 easy steps, and you can restore your plastic items to their original condition in no time.
References
- Bustle. (2015, October 5). How To Remove Scratches From Plastic With Toothpaste, Step By Step. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.bustle.com/articles/114303-how-to-remove-scratches-from-plastic-with-toothpaste-step-by-step.
- Clark, C. (2019, August 29). How to Remove Scratches from Plastic: It’s Surprisingly Simple. Bob Vila. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-scratches-from-plastic/.
- WikiHow. (n.d.). How to Remove Scratches from Plastic. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Scratches-from-Plastic.