[wlegge]

I’ve got the BMW individual piano black interior trim in my 435d and on the centre section by the gear lever there are some very light scratches. Nothing too deep but you can see them in the light.

Has anyone tried polishing a piano black bit of trim before? I’ve got Meguairs G220 machine polisher and a range of Menzerna diminishing polishes that I use on the exterior but have never done any internal plastics polishing before.

I think I might have some plastic polish somewhere from Megs too.

Thoughts?

[bishbosh]

I'd guess you use the same stuff as you would if polishing the headlights. I have some PlastX which is similarly to the megs stuff presumably.

I suppose with it being black it'd show up the scratches more

[Wills2]

Take it off unscrew and unplug the idrive controller and run the DA over it with a finishing compound.

[wlegge]

Thanks for the advice. I’m assuming that there isn’t a lacquer or anything funny as a top coat on it and it’s pure plastic ?

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by wlegge

Thanks for the advice. I’m assuming that there isn’t a lacquer or anything funny as a top coat on it and it’s pure plastic ?

There should be a clear coat and black lacquer applied to a substrate that's where the scratches are, either way you're going to remove a thin layer to get rid of the scratches, if it was pure plastic it would look awful like an unpainted bumper.

If it's not shagged I wouldn't bother unless you're confident, I have fine lines in my veneer around the gear selector/idrive and handbrake but can't be bothered to remove and disconnect everything, that's veneer applied to a substrate and then clear coated with lacquer.

You could do this:

[Pequin]

Originally Posted by Wills2

There should be a clear coat and black lacquer applied to a substrate that's where the scratches are, either way you're going to remove a thin layer to get rid of the scratches, if it was pure plastic it would look awful like an unpainted bumper.

If it's not shagged I wouldn't bother unless you're confident, I have fine lines in my veneer around the gear selector/idrive and handbrake but can't be bothered to remove and disconnect everything, that's veneer applied to a substrate and then clear coated with lacquer.

You could do this:

Great results but my life is too short.

[Soul_Glo]

I hand polished mine with autoglym srp. Use your index finger behind a mf cloth and work in small circular motions. It improved the appearance of light swirls to the point the piano black looked quite fresh and new. It lasted a few months too.

[wlegge]

Originally Posted by Chelsea_Tractor

I hand polished mine with autoglym srp. Use your index finger behind a mf cloth and work in small circular motions. It improved the appearance of light swirls to the point the piano black looked quite fresh and new. It lasted a few months too.

Perfect, sounds like a plan initially. I think i'll remove the trim and do it outside of the car anyway. I'll take some before and after shots.

[Pequin]

Scratched to goodness, 5 mins later mmmmm.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by wlegge

Thanks for the advice. I'm assuming that there isn't a lacquer or anything funny as a top coat on it and it's pure plastic ?

Piano Black trim is wood, with lacquered paint on top.

The non M Sport cars with gloss black interior trim is black plastic.

[T20najam]

Originally Posted by Pequin

Scratched to goodness, 5 mins later mmmmm.

What product did you use for this? Results look amazing!

[Pequin]

Originally Posted by T20najam

What product did you use for this? Results look amazing!

Hi, the guy that looks after my cars did it, I know it was a rotary polisher, I will check and get back to you, he is very good - System Clenz WSM.

[Pequin]

Originally Posted by T20najam

What product did you use for this? Results look amazing!

Hi, apparently it was - 3M blue waffle pad with a fine compound followed by 3M Ultrafina. Amazing job.

[T20najam]

Originally Posted by Pequin

Hi, apparently it was - 3M blue waffle pad with a fine compound followed by 3M Ultrafina. Amazing job.

Brilliant will give it a try! Thanks