How do you fix/hide scratches on interior plastic?

[MadScientist]

Eventually we all get them, from scuffs to deep scratches, especially on the plastic panels in the cargo area of SUVs and HBs, and at the bottom of the front door panels.

I have a 2008 Nissan Versa SL HB that I'm going to unload and it has an assortment of scratches on the plastic panels that I would like to fix/hide.

From a Google search I found a number of things that others have tried:
from replacing the panels to using Vaseline/petroleum jelly, toothpaste, Magic Erasers, Sharpies, crayons, 303 Aerospace Protectant, Armor All, Novus Scratch Remover, PlastX, heat guns/hair dryers with grain pattern paper or just your finger, super glue/sandpaper/vinyl dye or plastic paint.

What method would work would be dependent on how deep the scratch is.

So what method(s) have you tried that work?

 

[Midwayman]

I'd concentrate on removing any bit that are carved out, but still attached to the plastic. Light scrub with steel wool or something might take off those flakes. You'll still have scratches, but they won't be as ugly. Pics would help.

 

[tortillasoup]

You can try something like "mother's Back to black" and various other products that help freshen up the look of plastic trim pieces. Report back on your results. Back to Black lasts/works best on interior parts because they're not exposed to the elements and it won't wash away like if it's on the outside. Yes it does work on outside plastic trim parts but the effect isn't permanent.

 

[MadScientist]

Been on vacation for 2 weeks in FL, finally had a chance to work on the scratches.

I'm pretty certain that these panels are made from polypropylene, PP. The only way to be certain is to take the panel off and check the SPI code, PP is 5. I didn't want to take the panel off.

The scratches were not deep enough to fill in. I used some 400 grit sandpaper left over from lapping a heat sink to sand them smooth. I then wiped the area with 91% isopropanol (available at Walmart) to clean any left over release agent off. Since the plastic is textured you have to be careful not to sand too much. Using steel wool, unless it is 000 or 0000 grade might make it worse. If the scratches are deep you will need a filler like this: http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-plastic-bonder/

I first tried some of the methods I had come across and what I had on hand. Vaseline and Armor All do not work on scratches, maybe on very light scuff marks.
I do not have a heat gun so I tried my wife's 1500 W hair dryer. PP has a MP of 160 - 170 C but the hair dryer at its highest heat setting didn't even soften it.

A black Sharpie was too black and had a purplish hue.

I checked out Mother's Back to Black but this product is mainly for oxidized exterior plastic and rubber.

My wife who does a lot of tole painting suggested I try an acrylic paint. She uses them on plastic with no problems. I didn't want to use a spray paint or vinyl dye in the car.

The panels are a satin black but all she had was flat black. I found a small bottle of multi-surface satin black acrylic paint at Hobby Lobby for $1.69. This brand is also available at other stores. http://www.decoart.com/multisurface/

I used one of my wife's small artist brushes to paint the scratches, let dry; then used a blending technique she uses by mixing the paint 1:1 with water and a 1" artist's brush to blend the color into the rest of the panel. It's not perfect but good enough now to sell.

After sanding and wiping with isopropanol. The panel is black but photographed gray since the car was out in the sun.

After painting

 

[Herr Kutz]

Why are you unloading the versa?

 

[MadScientist]

Why are you unloading the versa?

I recently purchased a used certified pre-owned 2013 Scion FR-S in mint condition with 5K miles for $19K + tax and title from a Scion dealer so we don't need 3 vehicles. After a week negotiating with the dealer they agreed to drop the ridiculous $600. dealer doc fee.
We also have a 2014 Ford Escape SE.

Except for a faulty fuel gauge that was fixed under warranty we have had no problems with the Versa. We may sell the car to my son who has a 2000 Ford Contour with 175K miles on it that's becoming a money pit.

My new toy.

Have had it out on the Tail of the Dragon a few times, 318 curves in 11 miles. It's only about 15 miles from my house.
http://tailofthedragon.com/dragon.html

 

[Midwayman]

Have had it out on the Tail of the Dragon a few times, 318 curves in 11 miles. It's only about 15 miles from my house.
http://tailofthedragon.com/dragon.html

Jelly. I was there this fall. Amazing road if you don't get hung up all the time by guys in big pickups going 10mph or campers, etc.

 

[tortillasoup]

Been on vacation for 2 weeks in FL, finally had a chance to work on the scratches.

I'm pretty certain that these panels are made from polypropylene, PP. The only way to be certain is to take the panel off and check the SPI code, PP is 5. I didn't want to take the panel off.

The scratches were not deep enough to fill in. I used some 400 grit sandpaper left over from lapping a heat sink to sand them smooth. I then wiped the area with 91% isopropanol (available at Walmart) to clean any left over release agent off. Since the plastic is textured you have to be careful not to sand too much. Using steel wool, unless it is 000 or 0000 grade might make it worse. If the scratches are deep you will need a filler like this: http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-plastic-bonder/

I first tried some of the methods I had come across and what I had on hand. Vaseline and Armor All do not work on scratches, maybe on very light scuff marks.
I do not have a heat gun so I tried my wife's 1500 W hair dryer. PP has a MP of 160 - 170 C but the hair dryer at its highest heat setting didn't even soften it.

A black Sharpie was too black and had a purplish hue.

I checked out Mother's Back to Black but this product is mainly for oxidized exterior plastic and rubber.

My wife who does a lot of tole painting suggested I try an acrylic paint. She uses them on plastic with no problems. I didn't want to use a spray paint or vinyl dye in the car.

The panels are a satin black but all she had was flat black. I found a small bottle of multi-surface satin black acrylic paint at Hobby Lobby for $1.69. This brand is also available at other stores. http://www.decoart.com/multisurface/

I used one of my wife's small artist brushes to paint the scratches, let dry; then used a blending technique she uses by mixing the paint 1:1 with water and a 1" artist's brush to blend the color into the rest of the panel. It's not perfect but good enough now to sell.

After sanding and wiping with isopropanol. The panel is black but photographed gray since the car was out in the sun.

After painting

great post, exactly what I needed.