How to remove scratches from car interior plastic
It can be frustrating when you discover scratches on the interior plastic of your car. Yet they can easily happen from shoe heels, children’s toys or animal scratches. Rather than just live with these defects, they can be removed. The question is how to remove scratches from car interior plastic?
How to remove interior scratches
The first step in removing a scratch is to clean the area with warm soapy water, using a non-abrasive sponge. There are several ways you can treat the scratch depending on where the scratch has occurred.
You can use a plastic filler for dashboard or interior door scratches or a vinyl filler to repair seat damage. You will also need a putty knife.
1) Using a plastic filler kit
The plastic filler from the kit needs to be applied to the entire scratch using a putty knife. The excess filler can be removed with the knife. The filler will harden and the excess around the scratch can be removed by cutting around the scratch and peeling the spare filler off.
The filler needs to be left for twenty-four hours and then the area should be smoothed with sandpaper until the area is completely smooth. The area should then be treated with car wax and polished with a clean cloth.
2) Using a vinyl filler kit
The area needs to be cleaned prior to applying the filler. Make a paste from the catalyst and the resin and then apply the paste to the area that has been scratched and smooth it out.
Then wipe away any excess paste with a blunt instrument to avoid causing further damage. Then leave the area to dry for twenty-four hours.
3) Using heat treatment
If you have some tools at your disposal, you can repair the scratch yourself without buying a specialist kit. Firstly, clean and dry the area as you would with the other methods. Then apply heat to the area using a heat gun until the area is smooth and starts to soften.
Then you need to apply a grain pad to the area. Grain pads can be purchased online if you don’t already have some in your toolkit. They are sold with different finishes, so you need to choose the pad that most closely resembles the finish on your car interior.
Once the area is cool it will harden and can then be sanded down until smooth and blends in with the rest of the interior. Once you have cleaned and dried the area, you can use a plastic restorer spray to give a better finish.
How to clean car interior plastic trim
Once you have repaired any scratches to your car interior, the rest of the interior might benefit from a good clean. One area that is prone to damage and dirt is the interior plastic trim. It is a simple process. You need to find a cleaner that is safe for plastic and apply it to the area of the trim that needs attention.
It is important to use a microfiber cloth to remove the spray as it will retain the dirt and grease and prevent it from being reapplied to the area that you have just cleaned. It is wise to spray the cleaned area with a protective spray to minimise further damage.
General car interior cleaning tips
The car interior can easily become dirty and look shabby as it is a well-used area. If you are selling your car, dirt and scratches can depreciate the value and make the car more difficult to sell.
Firstly, when cleaning the interior of the car, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of all surface dirt. Then get rid of surface dirt with a small mop or cloth with warm water. If there are areas that are difficult to reach, a small paint brush or even cotton bud can be used to clear away stubborn dust.
Stains can be treated with a regular cleaning spray if it is suitable for the area that is being treated. Once the area has been cleaned and looks sparkly and new, add a plastic protector spray to ensure that the car stays clean and shiny for as long as possible.
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