Over time, the plastic interior trim and exterior bodywork are subject to aging, abrasion, and other mechanical damage. They are the most destructible elements of the vehicle. Many motorists are interested in the question of how to independently repair the plastic parts of the car body.
Plastic restoration methods
There are several methods to restore the plastic parts of a machine. One of the easiest ways to restore is bonding. DIY repair of plastic car parts in this way will require a minimum amount of material and a bit of free time from the master. Also, many motorists resort to soldering plastic on the affected area. However, this method is much more complicated and requires special equipment (a soldering iron for melting plastic). It is hardly possible for a beginner to carefully glue together the damaged area between themselves.
There are also other quite popular ways to repair plastic parts of a car (door handles, bumpers, parts in the vehicle interior):
- Hauling the skin (natural or artificial) of the damaged area of plastic.
- Primer and subsequent staining.
- Grinding with a special tool after heating the plastic part.
- Pasting the defect with a masking film. It is important to choose the right color for the repair material.
Bonding plastic broken into two parts
To repair plastic parts of a car with an adhesive, you will need materials such as:
- Primer for leveling the surface and further applying cream or paint.
- Epoxy adhesive.
- Fiberglass fabric.
- Sandpaper to remove excess dried soil. At the same time, the granularity of this material should be selected individually. The larger the area of damage, the rougher the skin should be.
It is important to choose the right glue that can withstand severe frosts, high humidity, vibration and temperature changes.
Glue must be applied to two opposite parts of the plastic part, and then join them together. In case of excess adhesive, immediately remove them with a fiberglass cloth. After that, it is necessary to leave the repaired part for several hours alone.
After the glue has completely dried, a primer can be applied over the damaged surface to mask the notches as a result of damage to the plastic. If necessary, you can paint the plastic in the future.
Primer and paint dents on plastic
To successfully repair plastic parts of a car, you need to stock up on some materials:
- varnish suitable for application on plastic parts;
- sandpaper with marking P 1200;
- paint, the color of which coincides with the damaged part;
- soil for eliminating dents and leveling the surface;
- A set of tools needed to gently detach fasteners.
The repair of plastic parts of a car is best started with the dismantling of the damaged part. During this operation, it is advisable to use a tool specially designed for this purpose, which will protect decorative elements from plastic from further destruction.
After the damaged element is in your hands, you need to clean it from dust and dirt, and then degrease the damaged surface. Remember that some liquids can have a detrimental effect on the part being repaired, so first apply the solution to the back of the plastic product. To make sure that the solution does not harm, you should wait about 30 minutes. If the solution for degreasing did not cause visible defects, then it can safely be used in other places of plastic.
If the cavity formed as a result of mechanical damage is too deep, putty should be applied on it and then allowed to dry completely. After that, remove the excess with sandpaper.
It is best to grind the part after puttying in a circular motion. Then you can safely apply paint.
Paints for plastic parts can be sold in stores both in cans of 200 or 500 ml, and in packaging for spray guns.
To avoid smudges from too thick a paint layer during the drying process, it is advisable to fix the repaired part in a horizontal position.
As soon as the liquid on the plastic dries, it is necessary to apply a thin layer of protective varnish to it. It prevents peeling and fading of the paint.
Hauling plastic skin
In many business-class cars, plastic elements are fitted with expensive leather or leatherette. In cases of damage to such a surface, it is necessary to completely replace the outer decorative layer.
In order to repair plastic parts of a car covered with expensive natural or artificial material, it is necessary to prepare some attributes:
- An adhesive that can reliably “grab” leather and plastic.
- A set of tools for dismantling plastic elements in a car.
- Stationery knife.
- Pieces of genuine or artificial leather.
The first thing to do after removing the defective part from the car is to get rid of its outer layer. Next, cut the flap of skin prepared for sheathing, and then clean it of dirt and degrease the plastic element.
The next step is to apply glue to the flap, attach it to the part to be repaired, and then smooth the skin with a roller.
After the glue has completely dried, put the repaired part in place.
Preparation for pasting plastic film
Slightly scratched and rubbed plastic decorative items inside the car can be hidden with a self-adhesive colored vinyl film. Such a disguise is often used to restore the former appearance of a torpedo in the passenger compartment.
In order to stick such a masking film, it is necessary to prepare the following materials and tools in advance:
- A sharpened clerical knife.
- Spatulas of different sizes with plastic tips that will not damage the film during operation.
- A hairdryer with the ability to adjust the temperature of the air it overtakes.
- Roller with a hard rubberized surface.
How to stick a film?
To update the decor of the machine, you must first remove the workpieces from their seats, and then cut the film according to the sample.
Before pasting, thoroughly degrease all the parts on which the masking material will be applied.
The process of restoring a plastic product should be carried out gradually, starting from one side. In this case, the opposite side of the film must be tightened as much as possible. Next, you must slowly continue pasting the entire surface of the part.
After the film is completely glued to the surface of the processed element of the car, you should get rid of air bubbles. To do this, heat the film, and then smooth the surface with a roller.
Professional plastic repair in Moscow
If you do not have time to independently repair the plastic parts of the car, whether it be a bumper or torpedo elements, you can repair the plastic parts of the car in Moscow by contacting professionals for help. Many companies in the capital of our country are engaged in such craft, for example, Transplastic (operating at 23 Ozemnaya St.) and Service Plastic (their office is on 28 Kakhovka St.).
Plastic repair in St. Petersburg
A well-known company such as Avtobunker is engaged in the repair of plastic car parts in St. Petersburg. Its repair shop is located on 89 Savushkina Street. Specialists from the Kras and Co. organization will also help you restore plastic in the car. They work at 39 Khersonskaya Street.