Can scratched textured trim be repaired?

[Muskoka]

Long time listener, first time caller.....

I just purchased an '01 Volvo S80 T6 which is reasonably clean, though it will need a little work including some de-swirling, but the rear bumper cover has textured plastic on it below the trunk which is pretty scratched up. Is there any way, outside of replacing it, to clean this up?

[Murr1525]

Not so much.

Any reparing will take the texture away, so it will never really blend in.

The only real thing is to try dressing it with your favorite dressing, and see how well it can hide it.

[Mike Phillips]

Here's an article that covers that topic,

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7228

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

IMO, the answer is no. The reason is that once the surface of the plastic has been damaged, you can not buff out the damage or level the surrounding area to the level of the scratch. I have tried all kinds of things to repair plastic like that, but I have yet to find a way that repairs it to a "like new" condition. I would suggest using Meguiar's Gold Class Trim Detailer G-10810. Apply it to the textured plastic with a foam applicator. Then allow a good 7-10 minutes and go back and thoroughly wipe it down with a dedicated MF towel (do not use a cotton terry towel as it will lint and make a mess). This will not fix the damage, but it may make it look better.



Tim

[Muskoka]

Not the answer I was hoping for however it is the one I was expecting.

Before & after pictures of the whole car to follow...

Thanks all.

[Acenas]

It is something done in the VW scene to make the US spec bumpers look like Euro spec bumpers. You can use bumper texturizer to make them look better. Do a google search for "bumper texturizer" and I am sure you will find something.

Heres an example.

Before


After




Heres a VW website DIY write up. (hope its not in violation with MOL)

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1499821

[Murr1525]

Interesting idea.

I wonder how one would have to care for them after. Waxing in the texture would be difficult at best, but paint may not like dressings much either.

Do your fellow VW members care for it in any way?

[Muskoka]

That is a very intriguing idea. In addition to maintenance though, I'd also be concerned about the finish not matching the rest of the trim. Regardless, it's a much more attractive concept than replacing the piece.