Removing scratches from glossy interior plastic

[pmdarrow]

Hi guys. I just recently (within the last month) purchased a 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS. I really like it. Unfortunately I noticed some scratches on the plastic center shifter bezel after wiping some smudges off with a napkin (!). Is this something that can be fixed easily with Meguiar's products or do you think it's something I should take to the dealer (at the risk of them laughing at me)? Since the plastic scratched with such ease I assume something extremely gentle would be needed. Here are some pics so you can get an idea:

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Removing scratches from glossy interior plastic

Yikes, what a bummer of a design...completely impractical. You are going to want to try PlastX with a foam applicator (like you would use to apply wax). Be gentle and do a test spot first and adjust accordingly. Use a soft microfiber and gently wipe away the product immediately after polishing.

[pmdarrow]

Re: Removing scratches from glossy interior plastic

Is PlastX safe on colored plastic? If I recall correctly the instructions say it's only for use on clear plastic like headlights. I realize you an expert but I just want to be sure

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Removing scratches from glossy interior plastic

PlastX can be used on colored plastic, as long as it is glossy. There may be some odd exceptions, but this case looks like a strong candidate for PlastX.

Taillamps would be another example of colored plastic where PlastX works wonderfully.

[pmdarrow]

Re: Removing scratches from glossy interior plastic

I bought PlastX and tried it today and it worked fairly well. I went very gently, but there are still some micro scratches visible. Should I continue until it's perfectly glossy again or do you think that since the plastic is so scratch sensitive (a freakin' napkin did the damage) that it's not possible?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Removing scratches from glossy interior plastic

I bought PlastX and tried it today and it worked fairly well. I went very gently, but there are still some micro scratches visible. Should I continue until it's perfectly glossy again or do you think that since the plastic is so scratch sensitive (a freakin' napkin did the damage) that it's not possible?

It's really hard for me to say for sure without seeing and testing it myself, to be perfectly honest. It's really a judgment call for you to make. If you make it perfect, will it just get damaged soon anyway?

Eventually you could in theory remove too much plastic, especially if it has a thin clear coat of some sort. I would try and limit it to polishing a few times a year and really focus on just not damaging it in the first place.

PlastX leaves a little protection itself, but you could also play around with adding a layer of wax as a micro-barrier. It might help with the wiping-induced marring.