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Today, plastic is the main component of many furniture and gear. Although it is an excellent material which can last for thousands of years, it is prone to scratching and smearing. You can have one lousy movement and ruin the plastic immediately.

These scratches can be unnoticeable but, over time, can wear out the look. Luckily, you can fix those scratches. With a little bit of sandpaper and baking soda, you will have freshly new furniture.

It is crucial to analyze and inspect the scratches. Each one of them requires its unique treatment. Use the correct tools and equipment, and you’ll be done in no time and with no effort. One wrong step, and you’ll create even more scratches or, worse, amplify the older ones.

So, to avoid that, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to do. Here is how to how to remove deep scratches from plastic furniture.

Equipment needed for this project

things-needed How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

Before you know how to remove deep scratches from plastic, know the equipment you’ll need.

You have to make sure you have the proper tools and equipment for this project. Here’s a complete list of all the necessary things:

  • Plastic polish
  • 100% cotton rags
  • Liquid detergent
  • Warm water
  • Sandpaper, 600-, 800- and 1200-grit
  • Baking soda / Toothpaste

After you’ve collected all of these things, you can begin with your project.

Inspecting and analyzing the damage 

How deep the scratch it will tell you how to remove it.

Shallow scratch

Toothpaste

paste How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

If the scratch is on the surface, you can use toothpaste to remove it. Apply a small amount on the blemish and start working in tiny circles. Rub until the body starts evening out. Then with water, rinse it out. You can repeat this process until you achieve the desired result. Now you know how to remove deep scratches from plastic with toothpaste.

Baking soda

Baking-soda How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

Mix water and baking soda to make a thick paste. Then, apply it with a round cotton pad in circular motions. Rub gently. After each round, rinse out the paste to see how far you’ve progressed. To this until the scratch is completely gone.

Deep scratch

Get several grades of sandpaper:

grit-paper How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

Perhaps the scratch is more in-depth than those surface ones. If that’s the case, you can try using sandpaper to remove it. Use several grades of sandpaper to achieve the best results. You can find sandpaper at any local home improvement store. It often comes in a pack with other grades of sandpaper.

Use circular motions when using sandpaper

circular-motion How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

How to remove deep scratches from plastic by using sandpaper? The sandpaper is abrasive. That’s why when you rub it against a surface, it removes any scratches the surface has. However, you have to use it lightly, as it can cause new scratches. Remember to add moisture to the sandpaper. That way it won’t dry out

When you’re done, wipe away the excess debris with a cloth.

Use finer grit sandpaper if necessary

fine-grit-paper How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

If the area isn’t completely smooth, you can always use a more delicate grip paper to smooth it out. That is why it is crucial to examine the scratch area after each round. Use the same process as before. The finer grit you’re using, the lighter the pressure should be. Keep the grit wet.

l You should be able to feel it getting a lot smoother. After you’ve rubbed the paper enough, the impacted area shouldn’t be noticeable. Run your finger across the surface. If you have done it correctly, you should not be able to notice the scratched area.

Once the product has been sufficiently worked in, it should then be gently buffed off. You must use a clean, soft, high-quality microfiber towel for removing the polish residue to prevent any more scratches from being inflicted.

Apply polish to renew the shine

polish How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

After such intense improvement, the surface is probably going to be dull looking and dusty. It is entirely normal for a surface to lose its glow. To bring back the shine, apply a small amount of either plastic or metal polishing compound.

You should apply just enough to cover the dull spot. Apply it in circular motions with a clean and dry cloth. You may need to repeat the process a few times, but the plastic will eventually gleam as good as new again.

How to remove deep scratches from plastic by buffing

How-to-remove-deep-scratches-from-plastic-by-buffing How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

You can bring into play a clean cloth to gently buff the area with the polish. Just like everything else, again, use the same small circular motions. Then, evenly spread the polish over the place. The scratch should now be gone. The scratch is not gone. Repeat this process with another thin layer of polish and work it into the area.

Polishing sensitive plastic surfaces

Modern plastic surfaces come with their type of polish. The reason for this is because they are made with an anti-glare coat on top. This coat gives off a purple tint. If you apply your store-bought polish, this could result in removing the plastic covering and ruining it.

To minimize the formation of new scratches, you have to apply the correct products and techniques. Don’t use harsh chemicals on sensitive plastic. Instead, use a detailing spray, or an anti-static cleaning product designed for cleaning computer monitors and similar.

clean-plastic How to remove deep scratches from plastic easily

Apply this spray and then gently wipe with a soft microfiber towel. This is the most crucial factor to consider when cleaning plastic surfaces, as this is when scratches are easily inflicted.

Plastic is rising in popularity. It has an extensive amount of usage. It’s easily moldable, durable, and cheap. Plastic is often used in furniture. If you do happen to own plastic furniture, know that it can be horrifying to see your furniture scratched. Fortunately, it is fixable. Knowing how to remove deep scratches from plastic is crucial if you want to extend your furniture’s life. With the proper tools and equipment, your furniture will look freshly new.

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