How to remove scratches from car bumper?

If you are thinking of removing the scratches on your car's bumper from an automobile service care center, it can be pretty expensive. If the scratches aren't too severe, you can try fixing this issue yourself. However, you have to follow the steps one by one to get prominent results. Minor scratches usually can be removed using car scratch remover kits. But, major deep scratches and cuffs must be removed using a more extensive procedure. That will not only clear the scratch, but also the contour.

Removing faint or light scratches on a car bumper

One can remove the light scratches by using a good quality scratch remover kit. This guide will help you learn how to remove faint or light scratches on bumpers. However, the extent to which it can be fixed depends on the severity of the scratch. So before you proceed with this method of removal, make sure you check the level of damage caused. For conducting this method, you need the following materials:

• Polishing/buffing pads
• Portable or dual action drill
• Microfiber cloth
• 3000-grit sandpaper
• Rubbing compound
• Polishing compound

Now follow the steps given below:

1. Gently rub the scratch using a wet 3000 grit sandpaper. Continue doing this until the scratch becomes lighter. You can also choose to buff it using toothpaste. It works similar to a 3000 grit sandpaper and renders a polished touch to the area at the same time. 
2. After buffing is done, take a microfiber cloth and wipe the area. 
3. Now, take a polishing pad and apply a polishing compound. Spread it all over the affected area.
4. You can again polish the area using a polisher head for better results.

Removing major scratches from your car bumper

Deeper scratches call for a few more steps to be followed. In this case, you need the following materials:

• Prep solvent
• Body filler putty
• Bumper repair kit
• Color-matched car paint
• Car clear coat and spray primer
• Surface cleaner
• Sandpaper in varying grits
• Scuff pad

Now, following the steps given below:

1. Assess what the car bumper is made of. Polyphenylene oxide (PPO), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and polypropylene (PP) can tarnish if sanded whereas thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPUR) and polyurethane plastic rigid (PUR) might get powered. Hence, grind or sand with care. 
2. Take the bumper cover out, so that you can access all the surfaces. Choose a surface and begin the work. Make sure the spot is dry. 
3. If the bumper has been punctured, scrub the area with gentle force. 
4. Now wipe the surface with a cleaner. Make sure it's completely dry. 
5. Now, apply prep solvent in a uniform direction to prevent the surface from getting polluted. Let it dry. Meanwhile, mix equal portions of repair adhesive and hardener in one container. 
6. Using 80 grit sandpaper, thoroughly sand the surface. 
7. Now, if your bumper powders when sanded, cut grooves using a 24 grit disc attachment on a sander. You can also use a cordless grill if your bumper smears when sanded. 
8. Apply an even coating of body filler putty all over the scratched area. 
9. Now, use the masking tape that you have developed by mixing the adhesive and hardener to hold both ends of the tear. 
10. Spread the adhesive over the tape. Apply for the second time. Now let the combination harden. 
11. Once it hardens, again sand the area using an 80 grit sandpaper. If any visible area in the front surface remains, fill the area using the repair kit. Now squeeze to bring all contents in place.

Finish the process by skim coating the car's surface. Let it dry and apply the second coat. Now that the scratch has been removed from the car's bumper, you must take care and maintain it. This will ensure that the paint remains for a longer time.