Lip Spoiler Scratches / Plastic Decolored

JDS · 11-19-2018, 05:40 PM

After a couple of run-ins with a parking curb against my dealer-installed front lip spoiler, a friend of mine suggested that scratches can be effectively sanded out using a high-grit sandpaper.

I bought various grades, up to 7000 and I can say that the scratches are removed and a very smooth surface left behind. However, on close inspection, I can see that the black plastic has turned almost a dark-brown where it was sanded.

It is not incredibly noticeable, but enough to leave me annoyed about it.

Anyone dealt with this before and have any suggestions as to if/how it can be restored or fixed?

Thanks in advance,

James.

KevinM · 11-19-2018, 08:48 PM

If you post some pictures, I think you'll get a better response. So the spoiler is black plastic?

jdgamble · 11-19-2018, 09:30 PM

You’ll need a DA buffer and some polish. You could try a polish by hand, but it’s not easy.

JDS · 11-20-2018, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinM

If you post some pictures, I think you'll get a better response. So the spoiler is black plastic?

Yes. I will try and snap some pics tonight and post. Thanks.

JDS · 11-20-2018, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdgamble

You’ll need a DA buffer and some polish. You could try a polish by hand, but it’s not easy.

Thanks. Any particular recommendations on the type of polish?

damageprone · 11-20-2018, 02:51 PM

I'm no professional detailer or painter, but I'm going to guess Meguiar's 105 followed by 205. That tends to be the standard protocol.

Eric S · 11-20-2018, 04:35 PM

for plastic? buy a new one.

if cleared, then just take it to a local detail shop and have them do it. you will spend the same amount of money almost and have to go and do it yourself, and then have a ton of left over polish that will be wasted....

jdgamble · 11-21-2018, 08:49 AM

M105-205 would be good. I like Optimum Hyper Polish recently. It’s my new go to polish.

OP - where do you live? I could take a look if you happen to be near the SF bay area.

Ferg · 12-17-2018, 02:30 PM

My experience is that no amount of buffing will get this out as it has changed the color of the plastic. Options are to order a new one, or paint matte back and try to wetsand/polish from this point. Have same issue.

11-19-2018, 05:40 PM	#1
JDS Lieutenant 192 Rep 495 Posts Drives: 2021 MBB F97 X3MC Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: East Midlands iTrader: (1)	Lip Spoiler Scratches / Plastic Decolored After a couple of run-ins with a parking curb against my dealer-installed front lip spoiler, a friend of mine suggested that scratches can be effectively sanded out using a high-grit sandpaper. I bought various grades, up to 7000 and I can say that the scratches are removed and a very smooth surface left behind. However, on close inspection, I can see that the black plastic has turned almost a dark-brown where it was sanded. It is not incredibly noticeable, but enough to leave me annoyed about it. Anyone dealt with this before and have any suggestions as to if/how it can be restored or fixed? Thanks in advance, James. __________________ Drives: 2021 F97 X3MC LCI - Marina Bay Blue Metallic Gone: 2019 G16 840i GC - Frozen Bluestone Metallic Gone: 2018 F80 M3C - Sakhir II Orange Metallic Gone: 2015 F80 M3 - Mineral Grey Metallic
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-19-2018, 08:48 PM	#2
KevinM Brigadier General 2936 Rep 3,286 Posts Drives: 2002 M5;2007 M Coupe;2020 M2C Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tucson iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 M2 Competition [10.00] 2007 E86 M coupe [8.38] 2002 E39 M5 [9.00]	If you post some pictures, I think you'll get a better response. So the spoiler is black plastic? __________________ 2020 F87 M2C Hockenheim Silver/MT 2002 E39 M5 Sterling Gray/Caramel 2007 E86 Z4M Coupe Silver Gray/Black 2021 Kia Telluride (hauler)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2018, 09:30 PM	#3
jdgamble Captain 298 Rep 798 Posts Drives: 18 CQM M3 - My family car Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Danville, CA iTrader: (0)	You’ll need a DA buffer and some polish. You could try a polish by hand, but it’s not easy.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-20-2018, 02:51 PM	#6
damageprone Major 581 Rep 1,055 Posts Drives: Tesla Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Casino iTrader: (1)	I'm no professional detailer or painter, but I'm going to guess Meguiar's 105 followed by 205. That tends to be the standard protocol.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-20-2018, 04:35 PM	#7
Eric S Lieutenant 293 Rep 546 Posts Drives: in pre-order stages Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: orange, ca iTrader: (1)	for plastic? buy a new one. if cleared, then just take it to a local detail shop and have them do it. you will spend the same amount of money almost and have to go and do it yourself, and then have a ton of left over polish that will be wasted....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-21-2018, 08:49 AM	#8
jdgamble Captain 298 Rep 798 Posts Drives: 18 CQM M3 - My family car Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Danville, CA iTrader: (0)	M105-205 would be good. I like Optimum Hyper Polish recently. It’s my new go to polish. OP - where do you live? I could take a look if you happen to be near the SF bay area.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-17-2018, 02:30 PM	#9
Ferg Master of my own domain!! 153 Rep 1,049 Posts Drives: F82 M4/F15 X5 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Huntsville, AL iTrader: (0)	My experience is that no amount of buffing will get this out as it has changed the color of the plastic. Options are to order a new one, or paint matte back and try to wetsand/polish from this point. Have same issue.
	Appreciate 0 Quote