Scratched plastic.

[Asahi1985]

Hi all have had my demo b8 for 2 days now and have noticed that the plastic panels have hundreds of mini scratches on them if in direct sunlight and right angle. Scratches have obviously been caused by washing the car but can they be fixed and buffed out once in a while or am I being too fussy?
Photo of where I am talking about.


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[Dutch77]

Not fussy at all - can definitely be tidied up. Probably a few options - best to check out the detailing section, or visit sponsor CCP for the right products.

One reason why I quite like the matte/textured finish that Mazda uses on a lot of their vehicles currently, almost impossible to inadvertently damage.

[Asahi1985]

Not fussy at all - can definitely be tidied up. Probably a few options - best to check out the detailing section, or visit sponsor CCP for the right products.

One reason why I quite like the matte/textured finish that Mazda uses on a lot of their vehicles currently, almost impossible to inadvertently damage.

Thanks very much appreciate your reply.


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[Lucas_R]

Just polish and wax as you would with the paintwork to keep the scratches at a minimum. In particular women with rings/bracelets etc are the ones that scratch these gloss black parts.

[doc_777]

The short answer to your question is no - they cannot be repaired, they can only be masked (partially hidden). The symptom you describe is common to all manufacturers who use this type of high-gloss plastic trim panel.

My advice would be to get yourself one of the following products (listed in the order that I prefer them):

1. Rx UV Protectant Cleaner & Polish
2. Plexus Plastic Cleaner Protector and Polish
3. Vuplex Plastic Cleaner Anti-static Polish

They are all similar products, but I have found Rx to be the best of the breed, so to speak. They are all available from Whitworths Marine. Vuplex is an Aussie product and available from places like Autobarn, BCF and Bunnings.

They won't remove the scratches, but they will make them virtually disappear and will also prevent the buildup of water spots on those surfaces. The products are excellent for use on things like headlight lenses, and all painted plastics.

I think it goes without saying, but I'm a fan

[ope126]

I also have the same on my Gloss B Pillars, but I also have the cloudy / milky build up on the anodised aluminium roof rails. Are you guys getting this also? doc_777 any suggestions to fix the roof rails. Nothing seems to work!!!

[Libertyrx1]

The actual short answer is yes they can be repaired but via polishing. I have detailed numerous cars with the high gloss piano black B pillars. Obviously need to tread very carefully in terms of machine and polish used and also need to be very wary of heat as they are plastic. The finish on these is very soft and improper wash technique will soon see the swirls and marring returned.

just one eg of how its done https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzC6VRwsQuc. Not the best polish to use nor best technique but it gives you an idea that the swirls and marring can actually be removed

[ope126]

I also have the same on my Gloss B Pillars, but I also have the cloudy / milky build up on the anodised roof rails. Are you guys getting this also? doc_777 and suggestions to fix the roof rails. Nothing seems to work!!!

Took the car to VW today to see what they could do about the cloudy / milky / water spots on the anodised roof rails. They gave them a "polish" with California Custom - The original Purple Metal Polish, however it did nothing other than spread white polish powder all over the car...

Apart from dropping the headliner and replacing (which I would rather not do) under warranty - is there any other thoughts or suggestions?

[Wolfgang]

Took the car to VW today to see what they could do about the cloudy / milky / water spots on the anodised roof rails. They gave them a "polish" however it did nothing other than spread white polish powder all over the car...

Apart from dropping the headliner and replacing (which I would rather not do) under warranty - is there any other thoughts or suggestions?

Anodised Aluminium Polish 75mL | Autosol Australia

[ope126]

Anodised Aluminium Polish 75mL | Autosol Australia

Thanks for the suggestion, I have Autosol Aluminium Polish (I purchased from Bunnings) which did nothing...
I did not know that they have the Anodised Aluminium Polish also. Will have to purchase some and give it a try!

Here is a link to what I am experiencing; Silver roof rails need some attention - photo's included | Audi-Sport.net

[doc_777]

Anodised aluminium has a very different surface composition to "plain" aluminium. The much finer surface will require a different regime.

[ope126]

I went today to Bunnings and purchased a SIFA Steel Wool Hobby Pack (Super Fine 000) SIFA - Steelwool Industry for Australia
I also did a Special Order for the Autosol Anodised Aluminium Polish (which will take a week or so).

In the meantime I decided to try the steel wool with the Autosol Aluminium Polish that I already have used and I must say that after testing a sample section (about 30cm) half the cloudy / hazy / water spot marks have gone! Still not perfect though...

I used light to medium pressure about three times, then gave a coat of Bowdens Polish and is looking much better.

I will continue on the whole rail and will see how it goes.

[ope126]

So finished off one rail...
To start with they were 3 out of 10 (really poor condition).
Now I would say it is up to 6.5 out of 10.
I think with one more pass I could squeeze a 7 out of 10!
I will now wait for the order from Bunnings and see if I can get the end result to be an 8 out of 10!

Do not fear this, no scratches at all!

[ope126]

So in summary, the Autosol Anodised Aluminium Polish was a waste of time & money.
There is more "cut" from the Aluminium Polish so I continued to use that.
Final result, 6.75 out of 10 (still far from perfect).
Remember they started at 3 out of 10...