{"id":34578,"date":"2024-11-08T04:49:02","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T12:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?post_type=car-repair&#038;p=34578"},"modified":"2024-11-20T09:21:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T17:21:31","slug":"how-do-you-repair-a-scratch-on-a-plastic-car-bumper","status":"publish","type":"car-repair","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-repair\/how-do-you-repair-a-scratch-on-a-plastic-car-bumper\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you repair a scratch on a plastic car bumper?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Question:<\/strong> How do you repair a scratch on a plastic car bumper?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Fixing scratches on a plastic bumper is fairly straightforward, as long as the scratches aren\u2019t too serious. If you can feel the scratches when you run your hand over your bumper, they\u2019re likely too deep to fix on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your scratches are minor, and you want to try fixing them yourself, let\u2019s start with what you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clear coat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Masking tape and newspaper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Microfiber cloths<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paint (matched to your car&#8217;s color)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic cleaner or isopropyl alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic primer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sandpaper (400, 800, and 1200 grit)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scratch-filling putty or plastic bumper filler<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With your materials gathered, follow these steps to repair the scratches on your car\u2019s bumper:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Clean the area:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the plastic cleaner or alcohol to thoroughly clean the scratched area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This removes dirt, grease, and debris, ensuring that the repair materials stick properly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2: <\/strong>Sand the scratch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using 400-grit sandpaper, gently sand the scratch and the area around it. This smooths out rough edges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Next, use 800-grit sandpaper to further refine the area, blending the scratch with the surrounding surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finish with 1200-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Apply filler<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the scratch is deep, you&#8217;ll need to fill it with scratch-filling putty or plastic bumper filler.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply the filler evenly over the scratch using a putty knife or similar tool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Sand the filler<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once the filler is dry, sand it down using 800-grit sandpaper, followed by 1200-grit for a smooth, even surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> Prime the area<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mask off the area around the repair to avoid getting primer on parts of the car you don\u2019t want to paint.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply a light coat of plastic primer to the repaired area. This helps the paint adhere better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let the primer dry completely before moving on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 6:<\/strong> Paint the bumper<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shake your paint can well, then spray a light coat of paint over the primed area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allow it to dry, then apply additional coats as needed, letting each coat dry fully before adding the next.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 7:<\/strong> Apply clear coat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once the paint is dry, apply a clear coat to seal and protect the repair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use light, even coats and allow the clear coat to dry completely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 8:<\/strong> Final touches<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once everything is dry, remove the masking tape and newspaper.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buff the area with a microfiber cloth to ensure a smooth, polished finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fix-bumper-scratch\">How much will it cost to fix my scratched bumper?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do it yourself, you\u2019ll only be out what you spend on the materials you use\u2014maybe $100 or less. However, if you choose to take your car to a garage to have it fixed, you could be looking at $50 to $400 to have your bumper repaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"insurance-cover-bumper-repair\">Will insurance cover having scratches on my bumper repaired?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on what caused the scratches on your bumper, <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/\" data-type=\"car-insurance\" data-id=\"1345\">car insurance<\/a> may cover the repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the scratches resulted from an accident caused by another driver, their <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/liability-car-insurance\/\">liability insurance<\/a> will cover the damages. However, if the scratches are the result of an accident you cause, or they resulted from a non-collision event\u2014like vandalism, severe weather, or hitting a deer\u2014whether you\u2019re covered will depend on the type of coverage you carry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you only purchased liability coverage, you\u2019re on your own. But if you have a policy that includes <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/collision-insurance\/\">collision<\/a> and <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/comprehensive-insurance\/\">comprehensive insurance<\/a>, you\u2019ll be covered, though you\u2019ll be responsible for paying a <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/car-insurance-deductible\/\">deductible<\/a>. With that in mind, it may actually be cheaper\u2014and easier\u2014to just take care of the damage yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-meet-experts\" data-wp-interactive=\"jerry\/meet-experts\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;modalVisible&quot;:false}\">\n  <div class=\"font-circular text-2xl font-extrabold text-slate-900\">Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-3\">\n    <div class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-3 border-b border-neutral-200 cursor-pointer font-semibold text-gray-900\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.toggleModal\">\n  <button class=\"text-left text-base\" type=\"button\">\n    Why you can count on Jerry&#8217;s articles  <\/button>\n\n  <div class=\"transition data-[visible=true]:md:rotate-180 text-xs iconify i--chevron-down text-gray-500\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"modal-backdrop fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-50 overflow-hidden overscroll-contain bg-black\/70 font-body transition-transform delay-100 duration-0 md:relative md:z-auto [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:bg-black\/0 [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onModalInit\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n  <div class=\"modal-view fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 flex max-h-[75%] w-full flex-col rounded-t-3xl bg-white pb-7 pl-7 pt-3.5 transition md:relative md:rounded-none md:pl-0 md:transition-none [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n    <div class=\"modal-header md:hidden flex justify-between items-center pb-1 mb-1 border-b border-zinc-200\">\n      <div class=\"modal-title text-base font-semibold\">Summary<\/div>\n\n      <div\n        class=\"modal-close-btn wp-block-group w-11 h-11 mr-2.5 content-center text-center\"\n        data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"iconify i--close text-gray-500 cursor-pointer\"><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"modal-body pr-7 overflow-y-auto\"><div class=\"wp-block-template-part\"><div class=\"flex flex-row items-center gap-2.5 rounded-lg bg-gray-pink px-4 py-5\">\n  <span class=\"iconify mt-0.5 shrink-0 self-start text-xs text-primary i--shield-check\"><\/span>\n\n  <div>\n    <div class=\"font-body text-xs font-bold text-primary\">Our goal is clear, trustworthy information.<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mt-1 font-body text-xs text-gray-600\">\n      Our content is created, edited and fact checked by a team of licensed insurance agents, automotive pros and\n      experienced journalists who know the industry inside and out. Facts are thoroughly researched, verified and kept\n      current, and our editorial team is separate from our business partners, so our opinions &#038; tips are unbiased. All\n      insights drawn from Jerry\u2019s proprietary, aggregated customer auto insurance quotes data provide unique, real-world\n      guidance.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"text-base font-semibold text-gray-900\">Our experts<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-8 flex flex-col gap-8 items-center justify-center\">\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sarah-Gray.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sarah-Gray.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sarah-Gray-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sarah-Gray-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sarah-Gray-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Sarah Gray            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership\u2014from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that\u2019s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chris-Burkhardt.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chris-Burkhardt.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chris-Burkhardt-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chris-Burkhardt-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chris-Burkhardt-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Chris Burkhardt            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Chris Burkhardt is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience across various storytelling mediums. With Jerry, Chris hopes to help anyone with a question about their vehicle easily find the answers they are looking for. Whether you need to know how much insurance costs for a classic car, how to replace a broken light or tell if you need an oil change, Chris wants to help you find solutions the best he can. Prior to joining Jerry, Chris was a digital content producer and writer for NBC and a freelance editor for NerdWallet. A graduate of the University of Oregon\u2019s School of Journalism and Communication, if Chris is not working on content, he\u2019s sure to be found cheering on his Ducks!<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If the scratches aren\u2019t too deep, you can try a variety of options to fix it yourself. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":42432,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"single-advice","meta":{"jerry_authors":"[{\"id\":\"5\",\"type\":\"main-author\"},{\"id\":\"79\",\"type\":\"editor\"}]","jerry_author_ids":[5],"jerry_idx_page_label":"","jerry_meta_desc":"If the scratches aren\u2019t too deep, you can try a variety of options to fix it yourself. \r\n","jerry_related_posts":"[6079,5176,8192]","jerry_summary":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[116,77],"class_list":["post-34578","car-repair","type-car-repair","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-car-parts","tag-car-repairs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair\/34578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/car-repair"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34578"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair\/34578\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43641,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair\/34578\/revisions\/43641"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}