Plastic pannier deep scratching repair

[Laava]

As above, lost a week old pannier off my bike at 100kmh today. It bounced like a champ in my mirror, didn,'t break and was able to be latched back on...
But it is scarred up a bit...
Any recommendations?

[GazzaH]

Stickers. Lots of.

Preferably from the Himalayas and Sahara.

[Moi]

Go and have a chat with a panel beater, especially one who has some experience of dealing with plastic bumpers.

[Honest Andy]

Why don't you just leave it as is? Obviously you'd need to be honest when any body asks, saying "I didn't clip the bloody things on properly". People will understand. They may look at you differently, but they'll understand

Gentle use of a heat gun can smooth out the worst grooves slightly, but it will change the appearance e.g. make it a bit shiny. Also if you get too keen it will cause the plastic to deform. Then finish with fine sand paper and paint it. You'll have to do both boxes obviously, but you can match the bike

Or the sticker idea is worth looking into...

[AllanB]

Carbon fiber wrap. It will make them lighter as well ..... OK, look lighter

[Laava]

Ok, thanks guys, pretty much have decided to just smooth off the worst of it for now...After a couple of years etc, it will prob not be so noticeable!

[Moi]

Ok, thanks guys, pretty much have decided to just smooth off the worst of it for now...After a couple of years etc, it will prob not be so noticeable!

Have a look at this: Remove scratches from plastic

[AllanB]

Have a look at this: Remove scratches from plastic

Works but that guy in the video is holding the heat gun way too close - you can see where he has over heated it and it becomes glossy. I like the bit at 3.40 ish where he sticks his finger in the hot plastic and marks it! Ouch.

[caspernz]

https://youtu.be/yD1QqO5ZfAM

If the marks bother you, this might be a better approach than the chap with the heat gun.

I'm assuming insurance claim has been considered?