Do you ever think the sun’s rays are causing your vehicle’s plastic fender to fade or crack? The only question came up into your mind and you are curious about that ‘can you repair UV-damaged plastic fenders by yourself or not?’ Well, the answer is yes you can absolutely do it by yourself.
here’s how you can make them look new again. it’s actually easier than you think! UV damage not only affects the look of your vehicle, but it can also weaken the plastic, which can cause even more damage in the future.
1. How Do UV Rays Affect Plastic Fenders?
Have you ever noticed why your fenders don’t shine like they used to? UV rays from the sun are the main reason behind this.
Here’s what exactly happening:
Plastics are broken down by sunlight so that he smooth surface of a plastic fender turns rough, and tiny cracks or tears appear in the plastic. The damage gets worse by extreme heat, making the plastic to split or crack
With the help of these factors, you can find some common signs which is causing UV damage:
- Fenders starts to turn grayish-white and dull.
- Instead of being smooth like ever before, the surface turns rough or textured.
- ruptures or tiny cracks start to appear in the plastic.
So, what’s exactly the purpose behind this? Ignoring that UV damage, which result in more serious issues. When cracks occur, they might spread, damaging the structural strength of your fenders. Also, dented and faded fenders and damage overall appearance and effect market value of your vehicle.
2. Can You Repair UV-Damaged Plastic Fenders?
Obviously! It is possible to fix UV-damaged plastic fenders, no matter whether you have little cracks or minor fading.
What you should know :
- With the proper tools and a few do-it-yourself method, you can restore your fenders to their original form if they are fading or becoming discolored.
- Deeper damage and cracks will require advanced tools such as plastic repair kits, but they can be fixed but it will need a little effort.
But there is a limit. You must replace the plastic if it is completely broken or cracked. Still, you could save a lot of money by repairing almost all UV damage issues at home.
Why it’s Important to fix UV Damage plastic fenders Early
UV damage becomes more difficult to repair if its being ignored for the long time Fading can cause cracks and fixing it become more difficult if the plastic begins to cracked and split up. Plus, Dealing the issue early prevents more sunlight from causing more damage.
Don’t delay if your fenders are starting to fade or crack. You can renew them with a few easy actions and maintain their good appearance for many years to come.
DIY Fixes for UV-Damaged Plastic Fenders
Don’t get panic! if your plastic fenders get more damaged. Repairing UV damage is not that tough. You can bring them back to their original form with a few proper tools, and a little manually hard work. Let’s go through the exact steps you need to do to fix your fenders and restore their original look.
Step 1:
First, Make sure the surface where you are repairing you fenders is clean before starting any repairs to get rid of Grease, grime, and debris which can cause issues with the repair process, so this step is important.
Here’s how to deal with it:
- All you need to do, is to combine water and mild soap in a bucket.
- Scrub the fender with the help of sponge or microfiber cloth and be careful of every detail.
- Rinse well with fresh water and allow to air dry.
- To get rid of any remaining contaminants, use isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface.
Expert advice: Cleaning is much more than looks. It promotes a long-lasting repair by improving the adhesion of the repair parts.
Step 2:
Sanding is the next step. In this step, the damaged, rough plastic layer is removed from the fenders by smoothing surface for the repair.
Here is everything you will need:
- Take a Sandpaper with a fine size of grain (ranging from 400 and 600 grit).
- A piece of sandpaper for a better grip.
Steps to sand properly:
- Start by scrubbing the sandpaper to the damaged areas with circular motions.
- Make sure you must focus on removing rough and discolored spots.
- Use clean cloth to remove the dust.
Why sanding is necessary: Sanding smooths the surface of your fenders by removing any flaky or broken patches. It appears like a paint finish on your fenders.
Step 3:
Restoring the plastic is the exciting part! All you need a UV-resistant restorer which is necessary to restore the original color and glossy look of your fender.
Step to begin:
- Get a quality UV restorer or plastic rejuvenator.
- Look for car wipes, lotions and creams to maintain shine, and sprays to give your vehicle a polished look.
- Use a sponge or an application pad to spread the product all over the plastic.
- Let a product sit for recommended time as per instructions.
- Use a clean microfiber towel and gently buff the surface to make it shine.
These products soak into the plastic which helps to restore its original color and form a protective barrier to defend against UV damage
Step 4:
It’s an important step for longevity of your vehicle’s fenders. Apply a UV-resistant coating. This will protect your fenders and stop future damage
Steps to Follow:
- Spray or apply the sealant properly on the fender.
- Spread it gently by using a fresh cloth.
- Allow it to dry as instructed by the product directions.
Pro tip: Make sure to reapplying the protective coating on your vehicle on regular basis as it will keep your fenders in good form and protect them from the sun.
Advanced Methods for Severe Damage
Don’t get panic if UV-damaged fenders need more than a quick fix! There advanced methods for repairing more serious issues, such as cracks or fading. These advanced methods will keep your fenders looking fresh and shielded from sunlight.
Filling Cracks with Plastic Repair Kits
Cracks on your fenders might look unattractive, but you can fix them using a plastic repair kit.
Steps for fixing cracks:
- Sand the cracked area in your fender.
- Combine the repair kit’s adhesive glues.
- Apply the glue to the cracked area and smooth it.
- Allow it to dry out for the specified time.
- Sand the area again for a smooth finish.
Why does this work? These kits are specially designed to fuse plastic which creates a strong, durable and long-lasting repair.
Paint Over Faded Plastic.
If the fender is too faded, painting might be the best solution. Are you curious about painting your fenders? And you have no idea how to do it- Learn how to do it here!
Paint your fenders with these steps:
- Sand the surface completely.
- Use a plastic-friendly primer to ensure the paint adheres.
- Once the primer dries,Apply an automotive-grade paint gently to the fender.
- Finally, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy look.
Choosing the Right Tools and Products for UV-Damaged Plastic Fenders
Repairing UV-damaged plastic fenders requires the use of proper tools and materials. If you don’t have the necessary tools, your fixes may not last long or may not work at all. Let’s divide everything into must-have equipment, essential items, and tips for best result.
Products for Repairing UV Damage
Products are not equally made. Using high-quality UV restorers, coatings, and repair kits can have a huge impact.
Restore Your Fenders with UV Protection Products – Check Out Top UV Restorers on Amazon!
You can Choose these products to restore faded plastic fenders:
Products like Meguiar’s Ultimate Black and CarGuys Plastic Restorer work best. They restore the texture of the skin and protect it from more UV damage.
Plastic rejuvenators can also help bring back the look of your plastic by fixing fading
For cracked or damaged fenders:
- Plastic welded adhesives, such as JB Weld Plastic Bonder, are ideal for closing fissures.
- Filler putty: Use this to fill up gaps or small holes in plastic.
Protective coatings for longevity:
- UV-resistant sealants: Products such as 303 Aerospace Protectant provide a protective coating that prevents additional sun damage.
- Automotive-grade clear coats: These offer an additionality with automotive plastics before buying. A little research can really help.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future UV Damage
After you have restored your fenders, the last thing you want is for them to be damaged again. The good news is that you can keep your plastic fenders looking great for many years with proper maintenance.
1. Clean regularly to avoid build-up.
Specifically when fenders exposed to intense sunlight, dust, filth, and grime may cause damage. A basic cleaning schedule may go a long way.
What Should Be Done:
- Wash your fenders every week with mild soap and water.
- Avoid using strong chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, since they might harm the surface.
- To avoid wet marks, dry completely.
2. Apply UV protectants.
UV protection is essential for long-term maintenance.
How To Apply:
Every 2-3 months, spray or wipe off the fenders with a UV-resistant protectant.
- Spray or wipe a UV-resistant protectant onto the fenders every 2-3 months.
- Smooth using a clean microfiber cloth for even coverage.
- Focus on the edges and corners, as these areas are prone to damage.
3. Park in Shaded Areas
Keeping your vehicle distant from direct sunlight may save a lot of damage, even if it may seem obvious.
Things You Can Do:
- Whenever you are parking your car, park in a garage or beneath a carport.
- If you plan to park outside for a long time, use a vehicle cover.
4. Wax and seal for extra safety.
A coat of wax or sealer not only keeps your fenders bright, but also protects them from UV radiation.
Quick Tip: For maximum performance, wax your fenders every six months and reapply a protective coating once a year.
Conclusion:
Definitely! With the help of correct tools and methods, you can repair UV-damaged plastic fenders by yourself. The procedure is simple and affordable, no matter if you’re using a UV spray for light fading or a repair kit for more serious repairs. you can protect your vehicle by Applying UV protection and parking in shaded areas, these are the basic maintenance tips that you must focus on. Don’t worry if you have UV damage, Just put in a little effort, and your fenders will shine like new!
Check out this quick video to see how you can restore your fenders in no time:
FAQs About Repairing UV-Damaged Plastic Fenders
Repairing UV-damaged plastic fenders can be confusing, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions to clear up your doubts and get you back on track.
1. How Do UV Rays Damage Plastic Fenders?
UV rays break down the chemical bonds in plastic, causing it to fade, become brittle, or even crack. As this damage accumulates over time, your fenders can appear dull and aged, especially in areas with intense sunlight—a phenomenon known as UV degradation.
2. Can You Fix UV-Damaged Plastic Fenders Yourself?
Absolutely! DIY repair is totally possible and can save you money. Using tools like sandpaper, UV restorer sprays, and sealants, you can restore your fender’s color and shine. If there’s cracking or severe damage, a plastic repair kit or adhesive can handle the job.
Pro Tip: For best results, follow step-by-step guides to avoid common mistakes.
3. How Long Does a DIY Repair Last?
The lifespan of your repair depends on the quality of the products you use and how well you maintain your fenders afterward. High-quality UV protectants and regular cleaning can keep your fenders looking good for months, if not years.
4. What’s the Cost of Repairing UV Damage?
The cost varies based on the severity of the damage and the products you buy. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Mild fading: $15-$30 for a UV restorer spray.
- Moderate damage: $40-$60 for repair kits and sealants.
- Severe damage: $100+ if professional repainting or plastic welding is needed.
Budget Hack: Invest in good-quality products upfront to save money in the long run.
5. Do UV Restorers Actually Work?
Yes, they do—but only if you pick the right one. UV restorers work by filling in the microscopic pores in faded plastic, restoring color and adding a protective layer. Look for products with positive reviews and proven durability, like Meguiar’s Ultimate Black or CarGuys Plastic Restorer.
6. Can All UV-Damaged Fenders Be Restored?
Not always. If the plastic is deeply cracked, warped, or beyond repair, you might need to replace the fender entirely. However, most cases of fading and minor cracks can be fixed with the right tools and a bit of patience.
7. How Can I Prevent Future UV Damage?
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to protect your fenders from UV rays:
- Apply a UV-resistant sealant regularly.
- Park in shaded areas whenever possible.
- Clean your fenders frequently to remove grime that can accelerate damage
