How do I remove scratches from center console wood finish?

[AQMBE350]

Posted to the general benz forum earlier, now posting here to the correct forum.

Hi,

I have a 2006 E350 sedan (Minnesota.) My 2 yr old daughter just scratched the finish on the simulated wood center console cover (the sliding cover over the cup holders.)

The scratches are only in the finish (i.e., the plastic laminate covering.)

Searching the internet I found the following products in a cadillac forum - the interior in CTS' is simulated wood, but with a black lacquer finish. Althought it should work the same for my MB (honey/walnut finish), but just checking if anyone has any advice.

NOVUS scratch removers
PlastiX by Maguairs
Blue magic Plastic & Plexiglass cleaner and scratch remover

Thanks in advance.
AQ

[ByByeAmericanPie]

I have heard of people using Plast-X. I have used this myself too and it works fairly well.

[karburn]

The Meguiar's product is a good one. I have also used Plexus sprayed on a microfiber to wipe down the wood areas on my 560SL. It does not eliminate scratches, but it seems to blend them in a little. I have some actual cracks, so I will either have to refinish or replace. A little hard buffing with PlastiX and a terrycloth towel should fix it right up. Good luck!

[e-420]

On my 97 E420 I found the following.
1) If the scratches are very fine surface scratches, machine polishing with an orbital polisher (Porter Cable or equiv) foam pad and fine compound will shine it up.
2) If the scratches are deeper, use 4000 grit wet or dry paper with soapy water until the surface is uniformly dull, then polish with medium followed by fine buffing compound as above.
To do either of these means removal of the panel from the car.
I used method 1 on the upper panels around the climate control and method 2 on the remainder of the panels.
End result was a mirror finish that is stunning.

[alexnatt]

Originally Posted by AQMBE350

Posted to the general benz forum earlier, now posting here to the correct forum.

Hi,

I have a 2006 E350 sedan (Minnesota.) My 2 yr old daughter just scratched the finish on the simulated wood center console cover (the sliding cover over the cup holders.)

The scratches are only in the finish (i.e., the plastic laminate covering.)

Searching the internet I found the following products in a cadillac forum - the interior in CTS' is simulated wood, but with a black lacquer finish. Althought it should work the same for my MB (honey/walnut finish), but just checking if anyone has any advice.

NOVUS scratch removers
PlastiX by Maguairs
Blue magic Plastic & Plexiglass cleaner and scratch remover

Thanks in advance.
AQ

Unless MB has changed (and i doubt they have), you don't have simulated wood. it is actual wood veneer covered by clear coat.

[Jayr0071]

Originally Posted by e-420

On my 97 E420 I found the following.
1) If the scratches are very fine surface scratches, machine polishing with an orbital polisher (Porter Cable or equiv) foam pad and fine compound will shine it up.
2) If the scratches are deeper, use 4000 grit wet or dry paper with soapy water until the surface is uniformly dull, then polish with medium followed by fine buffing compound as above.
To do either of these means removal of the panel from the car.
I used method 1 on the upper panels around the climate control and method 2 on the remainder of the panels.
End result was a mirror finish that is stunning.

This would be the best way to get a new look finish. I use a little of compound on a rag and try buffing them out, then use a polish compound followed by some layers of wax. If the scratches are deep, then I'd follow what he recommended.

[Jdcut]

Hi, scratches are nearly impossible to avoid, so the best thing you can do is learn how to deal with the scratches, like learning how to do simple scratch repairs. It's pretty simple; you don't have to hire a professional to do it for you.

Follow these steps:

1. Using a fine steel wool or sandpaper, rough up the scratched area.
2. Rub the whole length of the scratch. Cover both margins.
3. Make sure to rub in the direction of the wood grain, or rub in a circular motion to avoid damaging the wood and floor finish too much.
4. Dampen a soft cloth with mineral spirits. Use the soft cloth to wipe off any wood and dust particles on the scratched area of the floor.
5. Let the solution dry up on the floor. Depending on how big the scratch is, the scratch removal solution and how much of it you use, drying time may take from several minutes up to a few hours.
6. Take a fine paintbrush, dip it in the finish originally used on the floor and brush it across the scratched area. Wipe with a soft cloth.
7. Be careful and gentle when you brush in the finish onto the scratch. Too much or too little and the area will look much different from the rest of the hardwood floor. Brush in just enough finish so that it looks almost the same as the rest.
8. Give the new finish some time to dry. This may take between 30 minutes to a few hours.

More techniques to remove scratches You can find on my blog: Scratch repair guide