How to Repair Plastic Decorative Panels

Plastic decorative panels can be very attractive in a home. However, like many other decorative forms of paneling, they can be easily damaged, dented or split. When this happens, you can either replace them or make repairs. The latter is a lot cheaper, and you also have the advantage of keeping the same plastic decorative panel.

Step 1 - Dent

If there’s a dent in your plastic panel, you can easily tease it out, although it will require some patience. First, remove the plastic decorative panel because you’ll need access to the back of it. Stand the panel so it’s vertical, and hold it firmly. Put your fingertips on the back of the panel over the dented area. Now, fire up your heat gun until it reaches a moderate temperature.

Hold the gun close to the dent on the front of the plastic decorative panel. You don’t want to be so close that you scorch the plastic. You only need to be near enough to heat it. As the plastic warms, it will soften a little and become more malleable. You will need to push from the back of the panel with your fingertips to slowly push out the dent. Don’t hurry and work gradually. When the dent is out, use the side of your fingers on the back of the panel to smooth out any remaining imperfections.

Remove the heat gun and turn it off. Keep the panel secure and allow it to cool completely. This should eliminate the dent. If, once the panel cools, the dent has not completely gone, you can repeat the procedure.

Step 2 - Rip

If there’s a rip along your plastic decorative panel, you can try to repair it with epoxy. However, this often doesn’t work very well, especially if you attempt it with the panel still in place. Remove the panel and stand it vertically, making sure it’s secure. Clean the edges of the rip to smooth them. Regardless of the size of the rip, it will need backing. For this, you’ll need to use fiberglass fabric. Put some place behind the rip using glue and allow it to fully harden before you proceed.

Turn the panel so you have access to the front. There will be a gap that needs to be filled. Open a tube of pipe cement and use it as a filler. Rub it into the rip so it fills the area fully. Smooth it out as much as you can and leave to harden completely.

Once it’s hardened, you’ll find that it’s not completely smooth. Sand it down with very fine sandpaper. You will need to paint the plastic decorative panel as the cement and panel colors won’t match.

Step 3 - Break

If the corner of the plastic decorative panel has broken off, you can put it back on although you should be aware that it won’t be as strong as it was. Remove the panel and stand it vertically. Glue fiberglass fabric behind the break then push the broken piece into place, using clamps to keep it steady. Once dry, remove the clamps and cut away any excess fabric.