How to Repair a Scrape on a Gray Plastic Trim Bumper

Your car can get scratches and dings no matter where you drive or park. If you drive a vehicle with a grey plastic bumper, you can fix the scrape yourself for a fraction of the cost of taking it to a professional car care centre.

Soak a soft cloth with a cleaner designed to clean automotive plastic, such as 3M Plastic Cleaner. Wipe down the affected area of the plastic bumper.

Rinse the cleaner away with water.

Let the bumper dry, then sand the affected area with wet or dry 400 grit sandpaper. Move the sandpaper in several different directions over the area to ensure the surface is smoothed down evenly.

Wipe any dust away created by the sanding with a soft cloth.

Apply masking tape and heavy paper around the affected area. This will protect the area adjacent to the scuff mark from becoming covered with any primer or paint.

Cover the affected area with a light coat of spray automotive primer. Let the first coat dry. Check for any air bubbles or primer drips, which should be lightly sanded down before continuing.

Apply a second light coat of automotive primer.Let this second layer dry for 30 minutes to one hour.

Spray on a light layer of grey automotive top coat. The exact grey colour match of this particular vehicle can be located at many automotive supply stores. Use a sweeping, back and forth motion to more evenly apply the paint.

Allow the first coat to dry and apply a second. A third and fourth coat can be applied, if necessary.

Remove the masking tape and paper from the vehicle.

Apply a layer of clear coat and hardener to the surface with a paint brush. The clear coat and hardener will be purchased in a two-part system that should be mixed according to the package directions.

Let the clear coat and hardener dry completely before using the vehicle.