How to Fix Interior Car Plastic Scratches

I’ve been driving for years, and I’ve seen my fair share of interior car plastic scratches. They can be a real eyesore, and they can make your car look old and worn. But there are a few simple steps you can take to fix them and make your car look new again.

Cleaning the Surface

The first step to fixing interior car plastic scratches is to clean the surface. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the repair process. I use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution to clean the surface. I avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these could damage the plastic.

Once the surface is clean, I dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. I make sure to remove all of the moisture, as any remaining water could cause the repair to fail.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning the surface⁚

• If the surface is very dirty, you may need to use a degreaser to remove the dirt and grime. I use a mild degreaser that is safe for use on plastic.
• If the surface is textured, you may need to use a soft brush to clean the dirt and debris out of the crevices.
• Once the surface is clean, I wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any remaining residue.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the surface is clean and ready for repair.

Assessing the Damage

Once the surface is clean, it’s time to assess the damage. This will help you determine the best course of action for repairing the scratches.

First, take a close look at the scratches. Are they shallow or deep? Are they wide or narrow? The depth and width of the scratches will determine the type of repair that is needed.

If the scratches are shallow, you may be able to repair them with a simple polishing compound. However, if the scratches are deep, you may need to use a more aggressive repair method, such as sanding or filling.

Here are some additional tips for assessing the damage⁚

• If you’re not sure how deep the scratches are, you can try using your fingernail to catch the edges of the scratches. If your fingernail catches the edges, the scratches are deep and will require more aggressive repair.
• If the scratches are located in a prominent area, you may want to consider having them repaired by a professional. A professional will have the experience and equipment to repair the scratches to a high standard.

By following these steps, you can assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repairing the scratches.

Polishing and Buffing

If the scratches are shallow, you may be able to repair them with a simple polishing compound. Polishing will remove the top layer of the plastic, which will smooth out the scratches and make them less noticeable.

To polish the scratches, you will need the following supplies⁚

• Polishing compound
• Microfiber cloth
• Buffer (optional)

Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps to polish the scratches⁚

Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a microfiber cloth.
Rub the polishing compound into the scratches in a circular motion.
Continue rubbing until the scratches are no longer visible.
Wipe away any excess polishing compound with a clean microfiber cloth.

If you have a buffer, you can use it to speed up the polishing process. However, be careful not to apply too much pressure with the buffer, as this can damage the plastic.

Once you have finished polishing the scratches, your car’s interior plastic will look new again.

Restoration for Deeper Scratches

If the scratches are deep, you may need to use a more aggressive method to repair them. One option is to use a plastic repair kit. These kits typically come with a filler that you can apply to the scratches, and then sand and polish to create a smooth finish.

Another option for repairing deep scratches is to use a heat gun. Heat guns can be used to melt the plastic around the scratches, which will fill them in and make them less noticeable.

To repair deep scratches using a heat gun, you will need the following supplies⁚

• Heat gun
• Plastic scraper
• Microfiber cloth

Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps to repair the scratches⁚

Hold the heat gun about 6 inches away from the scratch.
Move the heat gun back and forth over the scratch until the plastic around the scratch begins to melt.
Use the plastic scraper to smooth out the melted plastic.
Wipe away any excess melted plastic with a microfiber cloth.

Once you have finished repairing the scratches, your car’s interior plastic will look new again.

Protection

Once you have repaired the scratches in your car’s interior plastic, it is important to protect them from future damage. You can do this by applying a plastic protectant to the surfaces. Plastic protectants are available in a variety of forms, including sprays, wipes, and liquids. I personally prefer to use a spray protectant, as I find it to be the easiest to apply.

To apply a plastic protectant, simply follow these steps⁚

Clean the surface of the plastic with a microfiber cloth.
Shake the protectant can well.
Hold the can about 6 inches away from the surface and spray an even coat.
Wipe away any excess protectant with a microfiber cloth.

I recommend applying a plastic protectant to your car’s interior every few months. This will help to keep the plastic looking new and protected from scratches.

In addition to using a plastic protectant, there are a few other things you can do to protect your car’s interior plastic from scratches⁚

• Avoid using harsh cleaners on the plastic.
• Use a soft cloth to clean the plastic.
• Avoid exposing the plastic to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your car’s interior plastic looking new for years to come.