Interior dashboard scratches

[AutowerxDetailing]

I've never done this....................... but will be trying soon since our minivan has a huge scratch right on the dashboard that is very annoying.

There is something called an "Interior Grain Pad" which is essentially a stamp that will match the texture of your plastic. Usually you can buy them in a kit that has multiple different grains to match your specific material. All you do is heat up the plastic (carefully) and apply the grain pad to emboss the correct texture back onto the plastic. If the scratch is very deep this technique might not work; however, if it is more like a scuff then this should fully repair the damage.

Lookup part # SEM 70022 Interior Grain Pad. Not sure if Autogeek sells them.

[GSKR]

The heating method Is to bring back a natural sheen to certain mouldings and running boards ,and that's with a heat gun.I would use with caution on the interior or if not even trying it at all.

[larry33]

Nicholas...have u actually done ur method?

[dcjredline]

The heating method Is to bring back a natural sheen to certain mouldings and running boards ,and that's with a heat gun.I would use with caution on the interior or if not even trying it at all.

Maybe you missed the part where I said I've used it for interior plastics? It's not just for one thing. I will qualify my answer a little more then. I used to work at a shop that installed car audio and electronics, along with accessories like running boards and tonaeu covers and sunroofs. Needless to say every Installer in there at one point or another would scratch/scuff an interior panel. I got pretty darn good at hiding them from customers. Not the most honest thing I've ever done in my life but it happened. I worked at multiple shops over the 12 years and had like I said about 70% luck using a heat gun on interior panels.

[Tony C]

I've never done this....................... but will be trying soon since our minivan has a huge scratch right on the dashboard that is very annoying.

There is something called an "Interior Grain Pad" which is essentially a stamp that will match the texture of your plastic. Usually you can buy them in a kit that has multiple different grains to match your specific material. All you do is heat up the plastic (carefully) and apply the grain pad to emboss the correct texture back onto the plastic. If the scratch is very deep this technique might not work; however, if it is more like a scuff then this should fully repair the damage.

Lookup part # SEM 70022 Interior Grain Pad. Not sure if Autogeek sells them.

Nick

This is what I was originally thinking when I wrote the post, but it clearly does not sound like an easy process to master. Now to find someone willing to let me try this in a concealed area

One of my other thoughts was whether someone had tried something with the Magic Eraser to reduce the depth of a scratch. Of course, the challenge is then the subsequent process to return the surface to its original texture and finish.

I'm a little surprised that more detailers haven't focused on this. I can't imagine that many customers haven't inquired about this. More ideas and thoughts are welcomed. It is appreciated.

[AutowerxDetailing]

One of my other thoughts was whether someone had tried something with the Magic Eraser to reduce the depth of a scratch. Of course, the challenge is then the subsequent process to return the surface to its original texture and finish.

If there are deep scratches or if the plastic is cracked there are other methods to repair the surface. Most of the time this involves sanding the defect, repairing the crack or scratch by filling it with a special plastic bonding agent, re-texturing the surface, and then painting the panel to match the OEM color. Again, I'm not an interior repair guy... I've just done a bunch of research because I'm planning to begin offering interior repair services hopefully starting next year.

Nicholas...have u actually done ur method?

As indicated in my previous post:

I've never done this.......................

[larry33]

Sorry, I thought u were referring to the first thing mentioned (the heating and pressing with a hard object). Then it seemed u went on to another technique with the stamps.

[AGOatemywallet]

Pictures Please