Remove deep scratch in spacebar?

[caecusum]

I accidentally gouged the top surface of the spacebar on my Realforce 87u trying to use the metal keycap puller it came with. Unfortunately I don't see any replacements available, so I'd like to try to fix it.

I know the spacebar is ABS unlike the rest of the keys, so what will sanding do to the surface? Will it alter the color and texture substantially? What other alternatives do I have?

[IvanIvanovich]

Could try some Novus, it works pretty well. I used it on a vintage casebody that had a semi-deep scratch and you can barely tell it was there. Not sure how well it will hold up to something that is touched a lot though.

[Appeac]

The only thing under ABS is more ABS. There's no finishing that differentiates the surface with the filler besides the "bumps' of texture that you normally smooth out. If you sanded it down, it'd be fine, although it will be however much thinner.

[hoggy]

How about a heat gun?

I think it's a common fix for gouged luggage...

[caecusum]

Thanks for the advice. I might try some Novus if my local hardware store stocks it, otherwise I'll just go with the sanding I think.

How about a heat gun?

I think it's a common fix for gouged luggage...

This seems like a good idea, but with such thin plastic I would be afraid of accidentally deforming the key.

[Findecanor]

How about a heat gun?

No, no no no no! ABS will turn more pliable, then it will turn soft in an instant and warp into something ugly, and the scratch will still be in place. Believe me, I have quite a bit of experience in using heat guns on ABS sheets and I know how to screw up.

An old user, who is no longer here, did sandblast his keys to restore the grainy texture on top of his keys. I have not tried it myself, only because of the prohibitive cost of an air compressor.

Realforce keys can be bought as complete sets, but they are expensive.