Plastic trim repair?

[tinkertaylor]

Is it possible to repair minor scratches and marks from plastic trim? Are the sort of repairs that 'smart repair' companies do permanent?

I bought a used car recently and I really don't want to shell out for new parts if possible.

Anyone got any recommendations? Before and after pics?

[tinkertaylor]

no one?

[MX7]

A heat gun.

Practice on some scrap pieces first.

[tinkertaylor]

MX7 said:

A heat gun.

Practice on some scrap pieces first.

I thought the heat gun repair was to make plastics darker again? It can be done for scratches and marks?

[MX7]

tinkertaylor said:

I thought the heat gun repair was to make plastics darker again? It can be done for scratches and marks?

I watched a friend do it, and it seemed to get rid of small scuff marks.

[Benj1984]

There are proper mobile trim repair specialist out there. Our sales dep uses one. You'd genuinely be amazed at what they can do.

[tinkertaylor]

Benj1984 said:

There are proper mobile trim repair specialist out there. Our sales dep uses one. You'd genuinely be amazed at what they can do.

I'll look for a decent one then. Are these sort of fixes permanent?

[KTF]

What sort of plastic trim?

Yes, there are people who can fix external scuffs, internal screw holes from car kits, tears on leather, etc and you wont even see the repair.

[tinkertaylor]

KTF said:

What sort of plastic trim?

Yes, there are people who can fix external scuffs, internal screw holes from car kits, tears on leather, etc and you wont even see the repair.

Standard interior hard plastics, it is textured though. Not sure if that's a problem? I'm pleased to know that repairs are possible though The scuffs are pretty minor and there are a couple of small scratches here and there, nothing major though.

[Benj1984]

Yes, repairs are permanent, and you won't notice they've been done

[CAPP0]

I have just finished refurbishing a pair of motorcycle panniers which were originally a light textured black finish but had been scuffed to bits (came with a bike I bought).

I asked a mobile scratch & dent repair man how they did it and he pointed me at a product which he carried on his van called "Bodyline Texture Coating" = see here, third product down I think:

http://www.brownbrothers.com/products/paint/bodyli...

I've used 2 cans (about £10.50 each inc) to do two large panniers and I'm very impressed with the results. You can change the nozzle to select the type of finish you want (ie do a test on a piece of scrap first). I don't yet know how durable it is but the finish is great, if you're patient and build up thin coats (it goes on quite quickly).

i don't have any pictures and not sure the effect would come out well anyway but if you can find a Brown Bros near you then I'd give it a go. I'm told other paint factors can also supply similar stuff but this is the only one I've used.

[Panda P]

A heat gun or a hair dryer used with some dedication will work well. Just make sure not to hold it on too long so that the plastic melts. If the scratch on the trim is raised with a jagged egde then flatten out with a credit card or something similar whilst it has been heated.