Removing scratches from interior vinyl?

[eddieg]

I searched!



On my `05 Altima, I have a scratch on my glove compartment (thanks g/f! ) -- the material there is some vinylie softish plastic, but with a very rought texture (on purpose).



I also have scratch/scuff marks on my rear center console trim, from people in the back seat -- there, its your typical black plastic, smooth surface.



How can I get those out? Plastic polish? Something else? :nixweiss

If you guys want pictures, I can get them...



Thanks!

[eddieg]

*bump*ity -- nobody takes care of interior scratches? :-(

[03SilverDak]

I would say there is no way if it textured plastic. if it was smooth plastic I would say you could take fine sandpaper and resmooth out the area. I would say only way is to replace the plastic trim or live with it. I have the same prob on my dak. the lower pillar trim in the back seat area has scratches on them. its textured pastic. no way on getting rid of it as far as I know.

[paco]

Search for the hair dryer trick. Seems odd but it might be worth a try.

[imported_themightytimmah]

Heat gun, be careful. Just keep the gun moving, on low heat, and try to massage the scratch down. You can use a hair dryer too, but for me, time is money so I use a heat gun. Smooth plastic responds similarly.



I`d watch out for the sandpaper, cause I do smooth plastic side mirror housings all the time, and I usually 2000 grit sand and polish them. They come out looking painted (mirror like reflections), not sure if you want that on your interior trim.

[eddieg]

Thanks guys - I had in fact not thought about a heat source to smooth it out. That may work on the textured surface; the flat one, sanding could very well be my only option... thank you guys!