How to Repair Scratches in Dark Plastic

Ventilate your work area by opening windows or running exhaust fans. You may also choose to work in a garage or outdoors. The chemicals used to buff away plastic scratches can produce damaging fumes.

Wear protective gloves when working with chemical polishes and cleaners. Apply plastic solvent or cleaner, with a soft rag, to the plastic surface. Solvents and cleaners are available at automotive stores and hardware retailers. This will remove dirt and dust, exposing the plastic completely for repair.

Apply coarse plastic polisher, also available from hardware stores, to a soft, lint-free cloth. Polish over the scratch in small circular motions until the surface is completely covered. Allow the polish to sit for two to three minutes, and then wipe away excess polish with a clean, damp rag.

Repeat polishing with medium and fine plastic polishers, wiping the area clean between each application. For small, surface scratches, this is often all that is needed for repair. If the scratch remains, continue with the next steps.

Coat the scratched area with plastic primer or preparation solution. Rub the solution in one direction, completely around the scratched area with a rag or paint brush. This will increase adhesion between the plastic and your repair work.

Mix plastic filler adhesive and hardener per specific product instructions; different products require different ratios of mixing. The adhesive will fill in the scratched area.

Spread the plastic filler over the damaged area with a putty knife. Be sure to fill in the scratch completely and cover 1 to 2 inches on all sides, for a uniform repair. Allow the adhesive to dry per product instructions.

Sand the repaired area with 80-grit sandpaper, followed by 120-grit and 400-grit. This will bring the repair work completely flush with the rest of the plastic and smooth it out. Paint the repaired area if necessary to match the rest of the plastic.