I have a 2009 Mazda CX-7 and the interior of the rear cargo area has so scatches that are
about 1/16 inch deep. Is anything that can hide those scratches ?
It looks like the scratches are in a plastic interior panel made of some sort of hard plastic material that the color goes all the way through. If so, what I’d do is try to sand the scratches out using finer and finer grades of sandpaper. Maybe start w/150 AlO2, and go to 600. I’d start on one scratch only, in the most inconspicuous area possible, as a trial in case of running into unexpected difficulties. I’d expect I may have to finish up w/some sort of plastic surface finishing product, maybe Armor All.
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Some scratches in vinyl interior components can be hidden using a propane torch or a heat gun.
Tester
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Common car, common color. Search for the panel in a junkyard or on the internet.
Sem makes interior paint in many colors to match. Won’t hide the dents though. I’ve heard the flame method restores plastic but never tried it.
The torch worked well on that video. But be careful!
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Yeah, I see getting a little to comfortable with that and catching the seat on fire or something else, like sneeze or cough or the dog bark and burn the car… lol
I would recommend removing the part 1st before trying this at home… neat video though, I will have to try it some time, although I would probably use a heat gun…
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The heat gun didn’t make an appearance in that video. But it’s safer than a torch for those not skilled with one. But I’ve never tried this either way so I couldn’t say if it would work as well.
That said, you have to be careful with a heat gun too. It’s just less aggressive so probably easier to avoid issues for the inexperienced.
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If it really bothers you… it might make more sense to cover it up. I know companies like WeatherTech make custom fit cargo area liners, for example. You might even be able to use some contact paper or some other kind of vinyl cover.
Just a thought.
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With my car being 15 yrs. old, the color has probably faded some. If I got the paint I would probably have to paint all the panels.
I have a torch, so I will probably try that first.
My dog left some nasty scratches in my car’s interior too. I’ve been meaning to fix them, but I’m too chicken to try that torch trick I saw on YouTube.
Heat will remove the white stress marks (scratches), I use a heat gun. Heat slowly, too much heat will create glossy spots.
First, buff the area with a cloth, this will remove some of the loose particles.
Place a fender cover or cardboard down to protect the carpet, it will melt easier than the panel.
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Just move the torch real fast and if the scratches do not melt together, go slower.
Me? I would ignore it, likely will not affect trade in value.
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Not to mention new ones will be right back if the vehicle keeps being used in the same way without making changes…
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You would replace the vehicle? I thought people liked Mazda.
I have similar issues, OP, and it drives me nuts to see an imperfect interior. This is why I’m debating lately whether I should just buy a new car so I can live miserable-free without these sore thumbs
Reminds me of a hot argument i had with my ex girlfriend who would take her small dog with her everywhere with her. I told her she could not take her dog inside my car and she didn’t take that lightly.
If not trading it in, why fix then get new gouges in it next time hauling stuff?