Dash Paint Scratched-2005 F150 FX4

[Deeve]

Today I put some light scratches in the dash of my 05 Ford FX4. The dash is painted silver with a flat, or probably closer to satin finish. Will Scratch X take those out or will it make it worse?

Any advice?

Thanks and Happy Holidays
Dave

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Do you have any pictures? I don't think the dash is actually painted; so if the scratches/gouges compromised the color layer of the plastic, you may have to settle for buying touch up paint that looks as close as possible to the original color. If they're just light "marring" type scratches, I'd get the Meguiar's plastic polishes (#10 and #11, IIRC) and give those a shot.

Again, though, pics would be helpful.

[Deeve]

I will try and get some photos. The dash in this area is actually painted. I noticed on an edge piece some of the paint got rubbed off and it was black underneath...part of the FX4 package I guess.

I will try some of that plastic polish and see how it goes. The scratches are just marring mostly.

WHat is IIRC? I am not familar with it.

Thanks!

Dave

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by Deeve
I will try and get some photos. The dash in this area is actually painted. I noticed on an edge piece some of the paint got rubbed off and it was black underneath...part of the FX4 package I guess.

I will try some of that plastic polish and see how it goes. The scratches are just marring mostly.

WHat is IIRC? I am not familar with it.

Thanks!

Dave

Hmm.... interesting. If it IS paint, use paint polish; if it's plastic go for the plastic polish.

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Actually, many of the dashes are black underneath. That includes GM's Ford, etc... . If that is the case in your F150, then polishing will only make the mark worse as you may thin the paint around the scratch allowing a dark patch to show through. You could try, in a hidden spot first, Meguiar's PlastX to lighten the scratch, as long as it is not through to the black plastic below. Be really careful and do this gently. You may need to use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer afterwards to try and reduce any increase in shine on the spot from the polishing process.

Good luck and please keep us posted!

Tim

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by 2hotford
You may need to use Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer afterwards to try and reduce any increase in shine on the spot from the polishing process.

Isn't it just easier to polish the WHOLE piece out? That's what I'd personally do....

[Tim Lingor]

Originally posted by Shiny Lil Detlr
Isn't it just easier to polish the WHOLE piece out? That's what I'd personally do....

That depends on the size of the piece and if the piece is textured or not. Plus, using a polish may cause the satin finish to take on a sheen which may not be desireable if it does not match other trim pieces in the interior.

Tim

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by 2hotford
That depends on the size of the piece and if the piece is textured or not. Plus, using a polish may cause the satin finish to take on a sheen which may not be desireable if it does not match other trim pieces in the interior.

Tim

True... but then I like everything that can shine to be shiny.... so I'd probably just go through and polish out the whole interior! That's just me, though....

[showtime]

If it's too deep to polish out, you could try to get some matching paint and air brush it. On my Ranger FX4, I airbrushed some buttons and some trim pieces in it a dark silver to look like the F-150. It came out very good.