Seeking How To Anyone know how to ret rid of door panel scratches?

[Moabal]

Hi,

It seems like I am inadvertently scratching the door panel with my shoe toe when I exit the car. See the attached image.

I tried using a magic eraser. However, nothing changed.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

Edit: I added two images showing the before/after applying 303 Protectant based on someone's suggestion. It seems to have worked a bit!

 

[Revvdmedia]

I have looked into how to fix scratched plastics over the years and if there is a real fix, it seems to be a tightly held secret by those who know, not available on the internet.

As for DIY, I've typically heard the best results are to use a product called Aerospace 303 Protectant Spray. I believe it likely just hides the scuffs and scratches by adding a slight gloss to the panel, I haven't used it myself. The problem you run into is the fact these plastics are textured, so to repair this would require a re-melt of the exact grain structure to give a stock appearance, which is likely highly impossible.

The other alternative is to get some kind of door protector for that area (you can get felt, vinyl, etc) which would both cover it up and also prevent future occurrences.

 

[eflyguy]

I find opening the door with my hand before climbing out helps.

j/k. If that really bothers you, then a protective panel of some kind is probably the solution. You can't fix scratched plastic.

 

[Moabal]

I find opening the door with my hand before climbing out helps.

j/k. If that really bothers you, then a protective panel of some kind is probably the solution. You can't fix scratched plastic.

Do you think that "Aerospace 303" will make things look nicer?

 

[Keanu]

I know it's not a fix but you could buy some fabric door protectors from Sal's shop, it would prevent this from happening again.

 

[Revvdmedia]

Do you think that "Aerospace 303" will make things look nicer?

That product isn't very expensive and is usually pretty well recommended by those who use it, so I'd say it wouldn't hurt to spend a few bucks to try it out anyway.

 

[Moabal]

That product isn't very expensive and is usually pretty well recommended by those who use it, so I'd say it wouldn't hurt to spend a few bucks to try it out anyway.

I purchased it on Amazon. I'll post the results when I receive it (hopefully tomorrow).

 

[Moabal]

I know it's not a fix but you could buy some fabric door protectors from Sal's shop, it would prevent this from happening again.

I've seen those. I don't really like the look of it. The scratches are only noticeable to the driver when entering/exiting the car. No big deal. I will be trying the Aerospace 303 product to see how it looks and post the results.

 

[Revvdmedia]

I hope the 303 works for you. The scratches in your picture don't look very deep, so based on what I've hear from others, I think this should help mask it.

 

[Moabal]

I hope the 303 works for you. The scratches in your picture don't look very deep, so based on what I've hear from others, I think this should help mask it.

It seems like it is basically a scuff mark. I’ll share so everyone else on the forum can learn from this.

Do you know if the dashboard is vinyl? I want to spray the stuff everywhere I can to make use of the bottle. I just don’t want to spray it on a material that I could potentially ruin (leather, etc.)

 

[NS_Stinger]

I don't expect 303 to work for you, it's a great product for matte finish on your dash and plastics with built in SPF protection but it's not really a scratch remover or anything. It might still help hide the scratches though.

 

[Moabal]

I don't expect 303 to work for you, it's a great product for matte finish on your dash and plastics with built in SPF protection but it's not really a scratch remover or anything. It might still help hide the scratches though.

I'll post results this weekend. Do you think it is safe on the Stinger dashboard? Is it Vinyl?

 

[westcoastGT]

I'll post results this weekend. Do you think it is safe on the Stinger dashboard? Is it Vinyl?

I wouldnt put it on the top of your dash as it will create glare , and yes the dash material is plastic

 

[MerlintheMad]

I see this happens because the door is not opened all the way. Guilty! I'd rather squeeze out than have the door hanging all the way out. So, I've developed the saving habit of angling my feet into the narrower "V" of the open door and the bottom sill; i.e. a very deliberate exit posture, and not a fast one. This prevents the problem from arising; on the driver's side, heh! The other three doors will inescapably have scuff marks on them, go figure.

As for treating the damage. I only use a damp wash cloth or rag to take off dust/dirt marks. Over time, no car is going to escape exit marks. All we can do is our best to make the accumulated damage take as long as possible: hopefully by the time the scuffs low down are actually noticeable when entering or exiting the car, it will be so ancient that we have other, newer material possessions to worry about, and don't care that much anymore.

 

[Luminary]

it will be so ancient that we have other, newer material possessions to worry about, and don't care that much anymore.

Not possible!!

 

[NS_Stinger]

I'll post results this weekend. Do you think it is safe on the Stinger dashboard? Is it Vinyl?

303 aero protectant is safe for use on leather, vinyl and plastics. It's amazing stuff but it's just a dressing like Armourall (except a million times better). It gives a matte finish with little to no glare so you can use it on your dash, I do all the time.

 

[TwiceStung]

Just a thought but I wonder what Meguiars Ultimate Black plastic restorer would do on stuff like this?

Confirmed........it just worked for me. Only on light scuffs though, nothing deep.

 

[westcoastGT]

Just a thought but I wonder what Meguiars Ultimate Black plastic restorer would do on stuff like this?

Confirmed........it just worked for me. Only on light scuffs though, nothing deep.

have you tried "shaving" the scratches , the "high" spots will come off with a safety razor and the Megs will fill the grooves .........it works !!

 

[Moabal]

Just a thought but I wonder what Meguiars Ultimate Black plastic restorer would do on stuff like this?

Confirmed........it just worked for me. Only on light scuffs though, nothing deep.

Did you try it on the interior door where scratches develop like in my picture?

 

[Ozstung]

I say wear them with pride shxt happens. As someone said put the foam type protector over the top. I think Sal sells it.