Wood Grain discoloration

[chode1]

All,

I have a 2000 Cadillac STS and piece of my zebrano wood grain is slightly discolored and appears cloudy. I'm not sure if it is covered with plastic or if is actually an acrylic as some claim.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can clear this up?

Thanks,

Jeff

[Five Star]

try a cadillac forum.. they should know for sure what the protective coating is.. then you can select the right product for the right coating

[chode1]

That's probably a good idea. Bad thing is that I just got the car and the interior WAS immaculate until I messed it up! I will try the Cadillac forums and get back with Meg's.

Thanks again for the reply.

[Murr1525]

What messing up did you do?

[Pete-FWA]

Cadillac was what I specialized in when in business.

The wood on your STS is coated with a material that will polish similarly to a paint finish. The cloudiness can be from scuffing/marring that topcoat.

As Murr asked, what did you do to "discolor" the wood? Can you tell if the coating still remains on the wood or if you are down to bare varnish?

With answers to these, I'll be able to comment about a suggestion.

[chode1]

Murr1525,

I used about a 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing soap to a gallon of water in an attempt to take off the thick coat of Armour-All that the dealer applied to EVERYTHING! (Hate when they do that). I then rinsed it with clean water. NOTE: I used lukewarm to warm water.

Is there any way to fix this or do I have to pay my Cadillac dealer $$$ to replace it.

Thanks!

[Pete-FWA]

Nah, don't replace the wood.

Instead, using Meguiar's products such as M82 Swirl Free Polish or PlastX will help bring the brillinance back to scuffed, marred, or dulled coating on wood trim in your STS.

Please note that the coating on wood is much softer than the clear on a paint finish.

Use foam or microfiber applicators to apply the product of your choice and gently work the product until it breaks down. Wipe to remove the polishing residue. Several applications may be required to attain the level of slickness and gloss that you desire.

[chode1]

The glossiness isn't a problem, it's really shiny. The problem is that the clear is cloudy.

I'll the Meg's stuff a try.

Thanks.

[Five Star]

using google to search for 2000 cadillac sts woodgrain discoloring, took me to a cadillac forum.

one of the posts there say that the armorall is what caused the discoloring.

somebody said there was a TSB on it, but couldnt find it.

It says its a urethane coating, but alot lighter than clear coat.. so maybe a light polish will fix it.

but once again, those people know caddy's so i would ask them and see if someone corrected the same problem and how.