With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's no wonder that your car's interior panels can end up scratched and worn. Not only do these scratches detract from the overall appearance of your vehicle, but they can also decrease its resale value. But fear not, as there are steps you can take to remove or reduce these scratches and bring your interior panels back to life.
Types of Interior Car Scratches
Interior car scratches can come in various forms, each requiring a different approach for repair. Let's explore the different types and how to prevent and fix them.
Scuffs
Scuffs are superficial marks caused by objects rubbing against the plastic surfaces in your car's interior. They are often the result of dirt or color transfer from shoes or clothing. To prevent scuffs, ask your passengers to be mindful while entering and exiting your car. Fortunately, these marks are usually easy to wipe away.
Deep Scratches
Deep scratches are caused by sharp objects, such as keys or tools, coming into contact with the plastic surfaces of your car's interior. To avoid them, make sure to store sharp items away from these surfaces. For deep scratches, we recommend a DIY approach, which we'll discuss shortly.
Chips
Chips are a common result of daily wear and tear, particularly in older cars. These small imperfections can be challenging to repair, so it's important to take precautions to prevent them. If a chip does appear, try to preserve any broken pieces and seek professional assistance if needed.
Cracks
Continuous exposure to direct sunlight can cause cracks to develop on the plastic panels of your car's interior. Additionally, the quality and density of the plastic can contribute to cracking. To prevent this, use a windscreen shield or protective cover when parking under sunlight. Regularly inspect high-stress areas, like the doors, for any signs of cracking.
Removing Scratches from Your Car's Interior
When it comes to removing scratches from your car's interior panels, you have two options: using a specialist kit or a manual approach involving sanding, painting, and heating. While kits can be effective for light scratches, a DIY approach is best for deeper scratches. Here's a step-by-step guide to fix interior scratches yourself:
What You'll Need
To achieve a professional finish, gather the following tools and equipment:
- Heat gun: Used to heat and remold the plastic.
- Interior grain pad: For retexturing the plastic to match the original.
- Sandpaper: Superfine grit works best.
- Plastic scratch polish kit: Ideal for lighter scratches.
- Interior car cleaner: Look for a quality cleaner designed specifically for use on cars.
Step-by-Step Process
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Clean the scratched area and its surroundings with interior plastic cleaner. Ensure the area is free of dirt and debris for a smooth finish.
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Gently heat the plastic using a heat gun at half power until it softens. Be cautious not to overheat and damage the plastic.
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Apply a grain pad to the affected area with light pressure. This will smooth out deeper scratches and give the plastic a textured finish that blends in.
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Allow the area to cool and harden. Sand down any rough spots with superfine grit sandpaper for a polished look.
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Clean and dry the area once again to remove any remaining residue.
For lighter scratches, a plastic scratch polish kit can be used. After cleaning and sanding the area, apply the polish using buffing pads in back-and-forth motions. Allow it to dry before buffing away any excess.
Restoring the Interior Plastic Trim
If your car's interior plastic trim is starting to show signs of wear or discoloration from the heat gun, a plastic restorer pad or spray can help rejuvenate its color and shine. Apply the restorer in a gentle, circular motion, avoiding vigorous scrubbing. Keep a restorer pad in your glovebox for quick touch-ups whenever needed.
By following these DIY techniques and preventative measures, you can keep your car's interior panels looking brand new. For more helpful guides and advice on DIY car maintenance, be sure to check out the Holts blog and their extensive help and advice page. And if you're in need of fixing scratches on your car's paintwork, visit the Paint Match Pro site.
Remember, taking care of your car's interior not only ensures a pleasant driving experience but also helps maintain its value.