How to Remove Scratches From a Plastic Fender Flare

by J. Taylor Ludwig

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Fender flares are placed over the wheel opening of a truck, Jeep, van or SUV to add width to the opening. It protects the vehicle in off-road driving situations or anytime it comes into contact with snow, mud or other debris. Fender flares also prevent the vehicle’s tires from kicking back dirt onto the sides of the vehicle. Most fender flares are made from a hard plastic or fiberglass. It isn’t difficult to collect scratches on your fender flare if you do a lot of driving. You can remove scratches from a plastic fender flare with plastic filler.

Step 1

Clean the plastic fender flare with 1/4 cup dish washing soap and warm water mixed in a bucket. Dip a sponge into the cleaning solution, and clean the fender flare well, especially removing all dirt and debris from the scratches.

Step 2

Apply plastic filler to any scratches on the plastic fender flare with a 2-inch putty knife. Smooth the plastic filler out with the putty knife, being sure to fill the entire scratch with the filler.

Step 3

Remove excess plastic filler putty from the fender flare with a utility knife. Be careful not to cut into the flare as you carefully remove the filler from around the edges of each scratch. Lift the excess filler off with your fingers. Allow 24 hours for the plastic filler to harden in the scratches.

Step 4

Smooth out the scratches with coarse 50-grit sandpaper. Smooth around the edges of the scratches until you file the plastic filler down even with the remainder of the plastic fender flair.