Chemical etching on interior plastic. How to remove?

[faulksy]

It looks as though I have some chemical stains. I believe they may be caused by an air freshener. How do I clean this up to restore back to its original condition?

[tuscarora dave]

If they are just stains they should polish off rather easy using some Meguiar's Plast-X. I'd suggest applying some Plast-X or some finishing polish to a cotton terry towel and rubbing that area. It may take some elbow grease to get them out but if they are not deep etchings they should rub out. If they are deeper etchings (hard to tell by looking at the photo) you may need to use something more aggressive such as Meguiar's Ultimate Compound on a cotton terry towel and then finish with your lighter polish to gloss it back up.

Have you tried any sort of polish yet?

[faulksy]

The stains do not look that deep. I had considered trying some Dodo Juice Prime lime lite but wanted to make sure I was considering the right type of products. I might give that a try and if no joy try some Plast-X

[Setec Astronomy]

That almost looks like it's just some gunk on the surface. Have you tried some water or diluted APC?

[faulksy]

Tried Megs APC @ 10:1. I have some DJ Clearly Menthol I could try. Other then that I have some Optimum Power Cleaner coming this week or use existing polished. If DJ CM doesn't move it, I doubt OPC would

[Nappers]

I agree with Dave, some PlastX on there.

If it were me, I would put some down the size of a pea, use your finger to spread and work the product seen as the plastic surface isn't all that big. Or try an applicator pad. The etching doesn't look that deep.....

I've had great results with the M105/M205 twins on plastic if you have it.

[faulksy]

Just DJ CM, LPL and LP in that order. It didn't appear to do anything at all. I'm going to have a more detailed look at it tomorrow. The more it didn't budge the more I believe it may not be surface stains. Possibly could be stains on the underside of the plastic. So pulling off the gearstick surround might be the next step.

[faulksy]

The etching doesn't look that deep.....

It doesn't look deep at all. Thats why I'm surprised it didn't budge it and beginning to expect maybe its on the underside. Its night time here so going to wait till daylight to inspect further

[Nappers]

Anyway to pop that off without breaking tabs to further inspect?

Picture wise, looks like a protectant that got on there and dried.....

Keep us posted.

[faulksy]

Upon inspection it appeared that some of the spotting did come off last night. Which is good news because if it was on the underside of the plastic the whole shifter needs to come out.

So went and bought some PlastX and it removed a lot of the spotting but there is still some there I'm struggling to budge. Should I try something stronger as don't feel PlastX is going to get the remaining off?

Here's an updated pic

[embolism]

how many times did you use the plast x?

you can go to something more aggressive like ultimate compound but I'd just try the plast x a couple more times

[faulksy]

I probably spent 20+ mins to get it too that stage. Its a vast improvement from where it was and will spend further time with the PlastX

[tuscarora dave]

I'd treat it as I would paint, using something a little more aggressive and then finishing it down with the Plast-X as a finishing step. How did this turn out for you?

[faulksy]

I have certainly seen some drastic improvements. Want to give it a bit more effort but have been lending my car to my mum during the day so not had the chance. Found some old Kitten cut and polish in the back of the cupboard that feels more aggressive. Should have the car back in a few days to give it another go.

If I get 90-95% of it I'll be happy. A dressing over the top like Hyper Dressing may visually assist if I can get it near perfect.

Will report back in the next couple of days. Thanks for all the suggestions

[Flash Gordon]

Just DJ CM, LPL and LP in that order. It didn't appear to do anything at all.

I bet if you mixed in some T3 between the CM and LPL you mighta had better luck http://adamsforums.com/forums/images/smilies/xfingers.gif