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Buff out plastic interior scratches?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by iTz IAN, Mar 12, 2013.

  1. Mar 12, 2013 at 4:57 AM
    #1
    iTz IAN

    iTz IAN [OP] Well-Known Member

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    When I bought my truck there were a few scratches on the glovebox about 1/2mm deep, on the scratches theres fraying plastic that makes them more noticeable, it seems that light buffing may remove this.

    I'm trying to see if anyone has successfully removed these scratches and how.

    I'm tempted to take a buffing wheel to it, but it may melt the plastic


    Thanks

    photo-12.jpg
    photo-9.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2013
  2. Mar 12, 2013 at 3:55 PM
    #2
    iTz IAN

    iTz IAN [OP] Well-Known Member

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    pics are up
     
  3. Mar 12, 2013 at 3:57 PM
    #3
    Airun

    Airun Well-Known Member

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  4. Mar 12, 2013 at 3:58 PM
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    EDJY

    EDJY Well-Known Member

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    good luck. I got some scratches like these and some in the dark material above the glove box I wish I could get rid of.
     
  5. Mar 12, 2013 at 10:57 PM
    #5
    Psynx

    Psynx Member

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  6. Mar 13, 2013 at 11:33 AM
    #6
    Gooch

    Gooch Well-Known Member

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    I would try the hair dryer method touted by several others (I've never tried it though). Search this site for a thread on it.

    I've tried buffing plastic and most of the time it doesn't go well.
     
  7. Mar 13, 2013 at 1:56 PM
    #7
    Psynx

    Psynx Member

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    What machine and polish were you using?
    I've polished gg3 da and use a black finishing foam with plastic x and worked fine
     
  8. Mar 13, 2013 at 1:58 PM
    #8
    whahahajr

    whahahajr Lone Star Club

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    This may sound crazy but I've always used a lighter on scratches. Don't let it sit just go back and forward with a lighter.
     
  9. Mar 13, 2013 at 5:31 PM
    #9
    Gooch

    Gooch Well-Known Member

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    Similar to the hair dryer concept. A bit riskier though.
     
  10. Mar 13, 2013 at 5:32 PM
    #10
    Gooch

    Gooch Well-Known Member

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    A rotary...which is what I think the OP inferred ("wheel").
     
  11. Mar 20, 2013 at 10:21 PM
    #11
    koco

    koco Well-Known Member

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    Put some carburetor cleaner on a cloth and wipe it quickly. Sometimes it will melt the plastic enough to level out the scratches. It's slightly risky, but it has worked for me on an 87 Toyota pickup. Just make sure it's all solid colored plastic, and not paint on black plastic like in the 1st gen. Tacomas.
     
  12. Jun 9, 2013 at 6:25 AM
    #12
    WhiteTacoma09

    WhiteTacoma09 Well-Known Member

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    had a pretty good scuff in the back seat area, should of took pics. used a mini torch, used a good distance and did small strokes across. worked like a charm!!
     
  13. Jun 9, 2013 at 1:18 PM
    #13
    cheeseit

    cheeseit Well-Known Member

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    I've used the hair dryer and gotten some scratches out. It doesn't really get them out but it does bring the colour back and hides them really well. Just use your a fingernail to get rid of the plastic that is frayed and then take the heat gun to them.

    I wouldn't try polishing them that could be a huge headache if you fling polish or you could ruin the colour of the plastic or something. Getting polish on pieces of the exterior like the top of the bed liner is a massive PITA so I would avoid polishing plastics like the plague. Just the though of getting polish all over the seats and the dash makes me cringe.
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2013
  14. Feb 3, 2014 at 1:20 PM
    #14
    panicfan

    panicfan Active Member

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    not a DIY idea, but I had some removed when I got my 09 a couple months back. The dealer said they would call dent wizard, but wouldn't make any promises.
    They fixed it and I can't tell where they were. Removed scratches from grey and black sections....
     

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