The repair of such a body element in the repair shop is not very profitable due to the high cost of equipment and materials required for such repairs.
The basis of the technology is the creation of a groove along the line of a crack in plastic using a rotary file inserted into an electric drill. The damaged parts are then welded together with a heat gun used to heat up and fuse the plastic filler rod into the groove. Excess plastic is then removed, and the entire area is treated to obtain an even and smooth surface.
It is very important that the correct grade of plastic filler be used, as body parts can be made from many different types of plastic (such as polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene).
Damage of lesser significance (abrasion, small cracks, etc.) can be repaired at the repair shop with a two part epoxy repair mortar. If they are mixed in equal proportions, this solution is used to repair the body in a similar way to using putty on metal surfaces. The aggregate usually cures in 20-30 minutes and is ready for sanding and painting.
If a car enthusiast independently replaces the entire body element or repairs it with an epoxy solution, then he will have the problem of finding a paint that would be compatible with the type of plastic used.
The use of universal paints is not possible due to the large number of different types of plastic from which body parts are made. Conventional paint types generally will not adhere well to plastic or rubber.
However, it is now possible to purchase a plastic finishing kit that includes a pre-treatment compound for the plastic surface, a pre-treatment compound, and multi-colored compounds for applying the final layer.
A complete list of instructions for use is usually included with the kit, but the basic method of using it is to apply the precoat to the surface to be treated and then wait 30 minutes for it to dry.
The primer is then applied and allowed to dry for approximately one hour before the color coat of the finisher is applied. The result is a body element painted in the desired color, on which the paint adheres firmly to the rubber or plastic surface. Ordinary paint does not give such advantages.