Spots on bezel plastic

[SS-E-YA]

I just bought the car a few weeks ago. I'm a detail guy and I haven't figured out how to remove the spots yet. The stuff the dealership details with...I wouldn't really call them detailers, lol.

Anyway there's spots all over the gauge bezel covers from the crap they sprayed inside the car. Looks like it stained the plastic? I'm not sure. Adams glass cleaner wouldn't touch it.

Any tips?

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Distilled white vinegar mixed 50/50 with purified water will remove it. Just moisten a soft plush microfiber with the solution then allow it to sit on the surface for several minutes. Be gentle wiping with another soft microfiber, as this area can scratch easily.

[SS-E-YA]

Originally Posted by Joe M 2012 2SS

Distilled white vinegar mixed 50/50 with purified water will remove it. Just moisten a soft plush microfiber with the solution then allow it to sit on the surface for several minutes. Be gentle wiping with another soft microfiber, as this area can scratch easily.

I'll give that a try, thanks.

[BRZN]

I've removed marks like that with a very mild, non abrasive polish. More like a paint cleaner.
I've used a polish specific for plastic which, for the life of me, I can't recall its name.
Novus, that was it! My CRS is acting up again. LOL!
I've used Meguiars Paint Cleaner. It was a liquid that came included in their 3 Step system which included the cleaner, a polish and a wax.
Any more, I use Adam's Revive Hand Polish for delicate things like that plastic bezel.

Be sure to use a very good, high quality, microfiber cloth so as not to induce scratches.

[Matt8892]

Plastic Polish. From any auto parts store

[Adam's Polishes]

I agree with BRZN, Revive polish would be my choice.

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exteri...ar-polish.html

[BRZN]

Originally Posted by Matt8892

Plastic Polish. From any auto parts store

You get what you pay for.
Be careful and test whatever you get in an inconspicuous place. If the bezel gets scratched, you'll be looking at it for a long time!
I know the Revive Hand Polish, with a high quality microfiber won't scratch, I've taken care of two plastic bezels with it.

[Matt8892]

I used mothers on my last cars speedo lens. Take one little dot on his, but that's what my entire bezel looked like. Last owner clearly used something they shouldn't have. Came out looking brand new.

[SS-E-YA]

Well the vinegar/water trick didn't work.

[JD_Alaska]

Revive or pull the plastic cover an cut it out

[BRZN]

Originally Posted by SS-E-YA

Well the vinegar/water trick didn't work.

Not surprised. I didn't really believe it would, but it's always safest to try the least aggressive method first, which distilled white vinegar and distilled water would have been. I'd suggested a very mild abrasive polish (like Adam's Revive Hand Polish) with a high quality microfiber towel, try this next.

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Originally Posted by SS-E-YA

Well the vinegar/water trick didn't work.

OK, evidently the spots are not superficial, they are either etched into the plastic, or are on the inside of the lens. A plastic polish is your next step.

If you don't have any on hand, you can use toothpaste or baking soda. Both of these are mild abrasives and can remove light etching. If you try toothpaste, use the gel type, it is less abrasive.

I suggested the vinegar/water combo because this is the least aggressive method.

[Reichler]

Toothpaste on a plastic instrument panel lens?

Oh hell no.

If you don't have a mild plastic polish, then go grab a mild plastic polish. Numerous suggestions have already been made, which would be the next best step in trying to remove them.

Toothpaste belongs on your teeth, not a soft clear plastic lens.

EDIT:
Looking at your other threads, I see you have Fine Machine Polish. Use that on a Korean microfiber if you don't have anything else. That should easily take those spots out without incurring any additional marring.

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Originally Posted by Reichler

Toothpaste on a plastic instrument panel lens?

Oh hell no.

If you don't have a mild plastic polish, then go grab a mild plastic polish. Numerous suggestions have already been made, which would be the next best step in trying to remove them.

Toothpaste belongs on your teeth, not a soft clear plastic lens.

EDIT:
Looking at your other threads, I see you have Fine Machine Polish. Use that on a Korean microfiber if you don't have anything else. That should easily take those spots out without incurring any additional marring.

What do you think is in plastic polish? A fine abrasive and/or a light solvent.

What do you think is in toothpaste? A fine abrasive, as well as detergents, flavor. etc.

While it won't remove deep etching, it will most certainly remove light etching and scratches from plastic. Don't believe it? Get an old CD out that has seen better days, go over it lightly with a little toothpaste, while it may not remove all the defects, it most certainly will remove all the lighter one's.

I had no way of knowing the OP had any other type of polish, as he never stated he did. So before he spends money on something he will use only 1 time, I offered an alternative that wouldn't cost him anything.

Does it work every time? No, if the defects are too deep, it isn't strong enough to remove them.

Just from looking at the picture it's impossible to tell how deep those spots are etched in the lens.

Just offering an alternative that I have used in the past that worked.