How To Get Deep Scratches Out Of Plastic Car Interior

How to Remove Deep Scratches from Plastic Car Interior

Scratches on your car's plastic interior can be an eyesore, but they don't have to be permanent. With the right techniques and materials, you can restore the appearance of your car's interior and make it look like new again.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get deep scratches out of plastic car interior:

1. Gather your materials.

Fine-grit sandpaper (400 or 600 grit)
Wet/dry sandpaper (1,000 or 1,200 grit)
Rubbing compound
Polishing compound
Clean microfiber cloths
Masking tape (optional)
Heat gun or hair dryer (optional)

2. Clean the scratched area.

Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the scratched area. If the scratch is deep, you may need to use a mild detergent and water to clean it.

3. Sand the scratch with fine-grit sandpaper.

Start by sanding the scratch with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper. Use light, even strokes and sand in the direction of the scratch. Be careful not to sand too deeply, as this could damage the plastic.

4. Wet-sand the scratch.

Once you've sanded the scratch with fine-grit sandpaper, switch to wet/dry sandpaper. Wet the sandpaper and the scratched area with water, and then sand the scratch in the direction of the scratch. Start with 1,000 grit sandpaper and then move to 1,200 grit sandpaper. This will help to smooth out the scratch and remove any remaining sanding marks.

5. Apply rubbing compound.

Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to a clean microfiber cloth. Rub the compound in a circular motion over the scratched area. Use light to medium pressure and work the compound into the scratch. This will help to remove any remaining scratches and restore the shine to the plastic.

6. Polish the scratched area.

Once you've applied the rubbing compound, polish the scratched area with a polishing compound. Apply a small amount of polish to a clean microfiber cloth and rub it in a circular motion over the scratched area. Use light pressure and work the polish into the plastic. This will help to restore the shine and luster to the plastic.

7. Heat the scratched area (optional).

If the scratch is still visible after sanding, rubbing, and polishing, you can try heating the scratched area with a heat gun or hair dryer. Heat the plastic until it becomes slightly pliable, and then use a clean microfiber cloth to rub the heated area. This will help to melt the plastic and fill in the scratch.

8. Allow the plastic to cool and cure.

Once you've heated the scratched area, allow the plastic to cool and cure completely. This may take several hours or even overnight. Once the plastic has cooled, the scratch should be less visible or even completely gone.

With a little patience and care, you can remove deep scratches from your car's plastic interior and restore its appearance. Just follow the steps in this guide and you'll be amazed at the results.