DIY way to fix plastic bumper key attack?

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Batman

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#293576 31-Jan-2022 07:26

so my humble nissan leaf has copped a few jealous rage moments in its short life - people seem to like to hate the leaf ..

anyway i found that the plastic bumper has been attacked by either a screwdriver or a key ...

do you sand it with sand paper and get some touch up paint to paint over?

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eracode

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#2858962 31-Jan-2022 07:33

Some photos would help.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Bung

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#2858999 31-Jan-2022 09:16

Normally keying would be about waist height, a scrape at bumper level is either a very short person or some other mishap.

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#2859001 31-Jan-2022 09:28

It's random patterns. Pretty sure it's not another explanation.

Anyway I'm glad it's the plastic bumper. Moving it off the road from now.

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scuwp

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#2859003 31-Jan-2022 09:29

The question is....it depends. What's your expectation on the final finish. Good enough or back to original? How long/deep is the scratch?

Option 1 - Light scratches can be polished out. I would give that a go first on a small area. If that looks OK to you. Then maybe that's enough. If not...

Option 2 - You could cut/polish what you can and get some (brush on) touch up paint (plenty of places colour match). Carefully cover the line with a fine brush. You will see it, but it may be "good enough". If not...

Option 3 - Attempt a home spray touch up. Get some primer and top coat cans. Sand back the area until it is smooth or apply some filler. Keep prepping until you are satisfied then mask up (or remove part from car) and paint. Plenty of YouTube tutorials.

Option 4 - Pay a professional paint shop

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#2859017 31-Jan-2022 10:04

I think I mentioned sand paper because the plastic is no longer smooth, it's become the surface of the moon with peaks and troughs, hence I'm thinking smooth out the peaks and put some colour.

What's the best way to smooth out peaky plastic I guess is the question. Some kind of abrasive tool, might visit the hardware shop.

Leaf is end of life in its battery so not fussed.

I can't imagine owning a 100k EV that would be targeted by haters! Parked next to it are some flash Audi & Mercedes, 200k maserati, 170k BMW so I thought the leaf would be left alone.

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Bung

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#2859021 31-Jan-2022 10:22

It was attacked by an Audi owning snob, probably rubbing his alligator skin boots on it.

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#2859022 31-Jan-2022 10:30

i've used this... dupli-color-scratch-fix

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#2859024 31-Jan-2022 10:42

Is this unpainted plastic?

Mike

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#2859073 31-Jan-2022 10:46

MikeAqua:
Is this unpainted plastic?

No but the troughs created by the attack reveals white plastic

While the peaks are coloured and sticking out

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#2859078 31-Jan-2022 10:48

Bung: It was attacked by an Audi owning snob, probably rubbing his alligator skin boots on it.

I doubt he has that much time on his hands. I've parked my Audi on the exact same spot before without any issues.

I find where I live people hate cyclists and nissan leafs. When I drive my Audi people move out of the way so I can get past. I'm not making it up.

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MikeAqua

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#2859080 31-Jan-2022 10:56

Batman:

No but the troughs created by the attack reveals white plastic

While the peaks are coloured and sticking out

As others have said a photo would really help (ideally with part of a ruler or similar in shot for scale).

If the scratches have pulled off paint and exposed the underlying plastic, then all sandpaper will do is smooth the edges of the damage and remove any flaky paint. If they are wide gouges, then some paint will be needed. If they are thin scratches and the paint it white too, then 'flattening' them and touching up the clear coat may help hid them reasonably well.

I feel for you. This kind of petty vandalism is very frustrating and expensive to fix professionally.

Mike

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#2859084 31-Jan-2022 10:58

I used to do the same for Subaru owners, it was always safer to have them in front of you :-p

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#2859236 31-Jan-2022 13:02

A friend got his leaf tire slashed and the leaf behind it when parked on street in 2020 and so did I... 1cm thin cut to side wall.

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#2859297 31-Jan-2022 13:43

afe66: A friend got his leaf tire slashed and the leaf behind it when parked on street in 2020 and so did I... 1cm thin cut to side wall.

I obviously need to get out more. Why would someone be annoyed by a Nissan Leaf? And, I assume, its owner? Does it have a 'Vote Judith Collins' bumper sticker?

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#2861064 3-Feb-2022 09:43

geekIT:

afe66: A friend got his leaf tire slashed and the leaf behind it when parked on street in 2020 and so did I... 1cm thin cut to side wall.

I obviously need to get out more. Why would someone be annoyed by a Nissan Leaf? And, I assume, its owner? Does it have a 'Vote Judith Collins' bumper sticker?

I've never been annoyed at a stationary leaf. On the open road when they are being driven in nurse-mode, sure.

Mike