Console plastic scratches

[gregn10]

First off, not sure if this should go in Detailing 101, but:

I am very new to detailing, it is just going to be a hobby for me. To start out, I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon (black).

The interior console has some scratches, in some areas it is so bad it looks hazy. After searching around on the internet for a bit, it seems like a DA polisher + PlastX should do the trick, but only if it is indeed a plastic console, not a lacquer. I have no idea how to tell the difference, or where I could find this information. Here are some pictures:




So what do you think? PlastX + Polisher, or is this a lacquer?

[ronniejay]

Re: Console plastic scratches

bookmark.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Console plastic scratches

PlastX is designed for clear plastics, so it is suitable for the radio display but on the faux wood you'd be better off with something like SwirlX or even a light application of Ultimate Compound. But be forewarned, some colored plastics don't respond well to scratch & swirl removal so it may not work as well as you'd like it to on the plastic wood. Also, choice of applicator is important as an overly aggressive applicator can actually create more swirls than it removes. So stay away from terry cloth and stick with a soft foam wax applicator pad instead. Go easy at first and work into it.

[gregn10]

Re: Console plastic scratches

Good to know. So you recommend doing it by hand, versus the machine polisher that was used in the "The Other Detailer's Scratches" thread?

(http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?48130-Innovative-Detailing-s-new-acronym-quot-TODS-quot-The-Other-Detailers-Scratches&highlight=TODS)

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Console plastic scratches

If you've got 4" pads for a DA like those used in the thread you linked to, and you can very effectively tape off all the surrounding areas like David did in that thread, then by all means use the DA.

[Nappers]

Re: Console plastic scratches

I advise to be careful. Sometimes the faux wood is very thin then plastic underneath comes through quickly.....

I would try a mild cleaner, Cleaner wax, PlastX by hand and foam applicator light pressure etc then move up.....

I've cleaned some plastics with M205 with good results.

Keep us posted, I'd like to see what you did and process.

[gregn10]

Re: Console plastic scratches

Will do. I am going to try and tackle it this coming week. The past month has been pure research.

Thanks for the advice, though, I will have to give it a go!