Is my plastic fender painted?

[Thistleback]

Is the plastic front fender on my 2005 Yamaha Virago 250 painted? Bought it with a scuff the whole length of one side in front of the fork. Can I rub it out? I have no experience yet with this kind of thing. Be gentle with me. I'm new.

[BuzZz]

I have no specific knowledge of that bike, but the plastic fender could very well be painted. Especially if it matches the rest of the paint.... if it does, it is a pretty safe bet that it is painted.

Is the scratch buff-able?

[Thistleback]

I don't know - I've never tried it before. I don't have the experience to tell. It's really more like a long abrasion than a scratch. I have some rubbing compound and polishing compound in the garage. It probably wouldn't hurt to give it a try and see what happens. It couldn't look any worse! Thanks!

[coffee_brake]

Just try that stuff on a tiny area where you can't see it. That polising compound can ruin an older paint job on plastic. I'd try regular automotive finish car wax first.

[Thistleback]

I took a better look at that area on the fender. The scratches are deeper than I thought. They are down through the paint and look white. I actually just took a black grease pencil and filled the scratches with it, and it looks a lot better. Of course it is still rough, but at least it's all black now.