How to Remove Scratches from Interior Trim

[@QuietDriver97]

"I'm being realistic." That caught my ear. In the beginning of my detailing journey it was difficult to communicate with customers that expected their 100k mile neglected vehicle to look like it just came out of a sterile lab. Thank you for all you contribute to our progress Larry!

[@Mario-xx7jn]

You’re so dedicated, it really inspires me, I work at a car dealership where perfection is not the top priority but when they need me to be a detailer and do perfection it irritates me but your vids make me want to perfect everything and I just try to not get lazy

[@RandomGuy-ej9gr]

What kind of genius came up with the idea of putting piano black crappy plastics inside a car?

[@tjoe1980]

Thanks for going over the process of the residue control on the 1" pads. I recently purchased a Nano ibrid and I definitely noticed those little pads load up quickly! You have saved me so much time and effort just by watching your videos,thanks again Larry!

[@alejandromaron5402]

This just shows why AMMO is the ultimate word in detailing. The process, the dedication, the knowledge. Just wow.

[@Mayday9039]

Sample of 1, but I used a microfiber cloth and polished by hand. Little more work/time less mess but equally great results. Great videos Larry. I've been using your products for well over 8 plus years and have never been disappointed. Phenomenal products and content!! Thanks for all you do!

[@jetjazz05]

So what I'm gleaming from this video is... Boycott all manufacturers that think those "piano black" plastic finishes are classy. Tons of scratches, looks filthy in no time, AND the sun reflects off that cheap plastic into your eyes? Who ok'ed this into production!?

[@imacahguy]

that would be the germans

[@CapELarry]

I’m shopping for cars right now and almost all of my initial options have piano black. I’ll wait to find something I like without it.

[@donmichaelcorbin4417]

Forgive me, but I believe you meant "gleaning". I too, dislike being corrected, but absolutely abhor making mistakes and so I've learned to be appreciative if it helps prevent me from mistakes in the future.

[@mhess427]

yeah, you mean gleaning.

[@spenzalii]

Fellow Ford owner here. My center console looks JUST like that. Excellent tips here. I'll get to mine in the spring is all goes well.

[@RayoAtra]

Same thing. My SHO black plastic is pretty bad, and with the sony system the piano black goes all the way up the dashboard.

[@MrNt1402]

I guess the moral of the story is don't get a car with glossy plastic trim

[@S41t4r4]

MrNt1402 the biggest problem is: most car manifacturers think that fake piano paint is somewhat stylish (especially Volkswagen AG ) getting a new Car without glossy plastic is as hard as getting a car without softtouch 10 years ago

[@FoxHoundUnit89]

I've been thinking of doing the /brushed aluminum" trick to mine. Someone did a video about how they scratched their internet router with a dish-scrubbing pad in straight lines and it came out really nice. I think it would look better than the random scratches like this, and it won't rescratch once you're all done, not visibly anyway.

[@IvanPavlov]

Mazda 3 owners will know...

[@willswheelsdetailingandval7671]

IvanPavlov I’ve got one! It’s a pain in the bum

[@TheNDex]

IvanPavlov 3 owner here...been trying to figure out how to get rid of it its so annoying

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I love knowing there's a Lary out there who's as OCD detail oriented as myself

[@Lockpickingblacksmith]

I feel the same

[@SecretSauceyjuice]

The clip at the end with Kevin on the phone was awesome. The concept makes perfect sense and I kind of already understood it from switching between 6 and 3 inch pads on paint, for example. However, actually looking at the math (as well as visually seeing how small of a pass you really need to stick to) is something that will be super valuable intel for those of us who aren't using those micro pads on a regular basis. Pi R Squared

[@dim9988]

Can you polish a 1:18 diecast model car professionaly for all of us modelers out here? I really want to see something like this

[@AMMO-NYC]

different for sure but I'll keep it in mind for a future video. thanks

[@richalvarado6890]

You can, but I would highly recommend you do it by hand and use q-tips. I bought a cheapo junker and practiced many times before I did one of my cherished ones.

[@temperatechicken]

Found a scratch on my MK7 GTI around the center console today, came home to find this video. Thanks Larry!

[@MrDigit885]

"a scratch"

[@_dmfd]

My Mk7 GLi randomly had a few deeper scratches around the gear shift literally out of no where. I hate all the piano black VAG uses 😭

[@victorhernandez790]

Wow. I love your attention to detail and all your information in one video. You know how to explain so much info in such a short amount of time. Perfect combination. Your research is impeccable... you always show me something new with each video that no other video has. I loved the ratio chart explanation!

[@tarek3702]

I luv his work just wished his products were a little affordable :'(

[@motasralucamaria]

There are several factors in getting a good result. One resource I discovered that succeeds in merging these is the Magic Painter Method (check it out on google) definately the most incredible info that I have ever seen. Check out this amazing website.

[@celli351]

Thanks you so much for doing this Larry, I have a Titanium fusion also and this interior piece has been driving me crazy

[@fatsmile77]

Thanks Larry!! You have inspire me to have a clean sexy looking black car. A lot of people tell me” dude your car always look wet and clean”, and I give all the credit to you Larry. Thanks Larry!

[@karenprim5295]

I have a 2015 Explorer with the same trim...My husband and I put a Remin dash kit on the trim! So nice looking and easy to detail and durable. I had a full kit we installed in my Fusion but a partial in my Explorer. Highly recommend. We even have Utube videos on install. Great info as usual Larry!!

[@keithwatson8501]

Thanks for another helpful, educational video, Larry! I have the piano black trim in my car as well. To clean it, I use a microfiber towel sprayed with SPIT. Just refold and “buff”! I went to the drugstore and purchased two 1 1/2 ounce spray bottles and filled one with LATHER and one with SPIT. I keep them in my console with two different microfiber cloths for quick touchups when I’m at a red light or in the drive-through.

[@RixterNow]

Larry if that’s your interior, I recommend putting your hockey sticks inside a plastic umbrella sleeve. I’ve done that for years with my MINI and it helps, especially the sticky black or white rub marks from the tape at the end of the sticks

[@TripleGAutoDetailing]

Larry...this is EPIC!! Had to use my 3 inch DA on my last detail and was struggling to refine and couldn't figure out why? After seeing this video 🤯 Makes total sense. Thank you so much!! 👍

[@rhkips]

I've always approached soft, high-gloss plastics like this with a by-hand approach. Partly because I'm not a professional detailer and I don't have all these amazing, tiny tools, but also partly because I feel like I have a lot more control over a much more sensitive surface. I've also found that common compounds and polishes can be overly aggressive with these softer plastics. Much like you, I've seen 205 leave "residue hazing" on plastics, similar to the haze left on paint by lots of "scratch and swirl remover" all-in-one products. I've had a lot of success on plastics with Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and a high quality microfiber towel for the "compound" stage to get out deep scratches, then refine by finger-applying a layer of the same polish, letting it sit for a minute or two, then gently wiping and buffing with one of those weird, super-fluffy-soft microfiber rags dampened with water. Just some thoughts on the subject! Any and all feedback always welcome. :)

[@raksh9]

That's a really good idea, thanks. Will test it on a inconspicuous part soon.

[@The2Coolest2]

@@raksh9 3 years later. It work?

[@raksh9]

@@The2Coolest2 Three years later and I still haven't tested it 😅 I will bookmark this video and update this comment with test results eventually.

[@HouseholdDog]

I'm here because I polish high value CDs. Hand polishing with Novus 1 and 2 give you a brilliant finish. Novus 1 in particular is a really worthwhile product for cleaning the surface and giving a bit more shine and protection. It has something that bonds to the plastic but does not bond to itself. So when you wipe it on it bonds to the plastic under the dirt, lifting the dirt off the surface. So I apply Novus 1 firstly. I use makeup remover pads and apply it very gently. I then get a new pad and apply a little more pressure. I then flip it over and start buffing lightly but quickly. Drying and polishing at the same time. Then you do your polishing. With Novus 2 to get the scratches out. This is hard work, so I am looking at getting a polisher for this part. Maybe doing a final light hand polish Once polished I then repeat the steps above for novus 1. It really removes old polisher very well too.

[@SO-eg1cm]

@@HouseholdDog

[@TheulimateBearsfan]

I would love to see a video where Larry goes to a local auto parts store or Walmart and buys car cleaning supplies there and see how well of a job he’s a able to do with limited products. Would be an interesting video.

[@Lockpickingblacksmith]

They sorta did that in the ATA videos. Kevin Brown polished a test panel with skin cream. Came out perfect.

[@Vanlifecrisis]

The poor mans version of the light is at harbor freight, the end of the light bar pops off and there is a little paracord, and the end has hooks that you can hang on the visors or handles etc. I also get the warranty and you just being it in to the store for a new one if it breaks no questions asked.

[@Neukids]

Start at 3:10 if not interested in the light advt

[@frozensolid6139]

THE PASSION OF THE MOVE @9:39 made me buy each and every AMMO PRODUCT MADE😂

[@LonneLpp]

I have a question about priming the pad. When you prime your pad with polish and use the compressed air on it, is the product therefore being wasted because the compressed air is blowing the polish off? (As well if this is true, what other way could you remove the abrasives to reduce wasted polish?)

[@gmaail...]

Can we polish this by hand instead of machine?

[@ChizAfterHours]

Listening to Kevin explain on the phone at the end was really interesting.

[@AMMO-NYC]

He's the man!

[@212trooper]

I wonder if you could somehow polish out the scratches in the gauge cluster then add reflex or maybe a clear bra to keep it from getting any more scratches.

[@Bthechosenone]

I was thinking if it were possible to remove swirl marks on my car's piano black c pillar... but nah... I'll leave it that way.

[@gilbertvehicleservices]

Great video! This instruction lead me to polish the scratched piano black trim on the interior of my CTS-V. By working slowly as Larry did, my trim now looks great! Thank you Larry!

[@moneygeewtee]

Larry Kasilla and Kevin Brown are the SICKEST DETAILERS in the WORLD!!!!! Great video and great lessons Larry!!!

[@jaanots5643]

i didn't understand the basic principles of polishing till watching this video with this isolated example. PLEASE KEEP MAKING MORE!

[@jrbeltre927]

NerdTailing at its best,. Both of this guys are amazing. Thanks for taking your time and effort to educate us.

[@ThomasFerrugia]

I had some short, but pretty deep scratches in the piano black plastic on my Velar's center console. I tried polishing compound but got nowhere. Then I switched to Meguiars Ultimate Compound and it got them out completely. Then I buffed it with Turtle Wax Ceramic Acrylic Black Spray Wax. I did a bunch of passes (all by hand) with the Compound and it took a LOT of patience and elbow grease, but the results were impressive.

[@kenbode8806]

Hi Larry, As always another great video. It is great to know how important residue management is when working on interior trim and how when using smaller pads requires a increase in residue management control. The one thing that I think you need to point out to all your viewers is the makeup of these interior trim parts. Interior trim parts are not painted so you are not working with a standard clear coat. Interior trim either has a urethane top coat or a PMMA topcoat. Both of these topcoats are about 2 mils thick. One last thing depending on the film used by the automotive maker you can reflow these topcoats by using heat. This can remove scratches and increase gloss. If you want to know more about films used for automotive trim interior let me know. I would be happy to provide you with a detail course on this along with how these parts are made. Maybe we can even make a video about this. Best Regards, Ken

[@AMMO-NYC]

Of course send me an email with whatever you have. Would love to read and practice it :)

[@kenbode8806]

Hi Larry, Ok I will work on putting something together for you and I will email it over to you.

[@rickpom1]

Larry, been following you for a few years. Love the attention to detail. Some times I even say, alright, enough! Some comments and observations on this application: When ever I've used M105 or M205 on paint, I always notice the additional cutting power which is excellent for tough swirl jobs, but I always have to put up with the additional sling of the polish as it begins to flash and dry. It's just as madding on the exterior as you illustrated on the interior with smaller pads, but on the bigger harder surfaces, worth the time investment in the additional mess because of the cutting power. Point here: this product is "dusty" and you're always fighting it no matter the application and you have to balance / consider the time investment in constantly cleaning your pads using the Meguiars worth the time saved on the cut and subsequent clean up. To combat this I'll use less dusty products. Been an Adams fan too for some time and find their system not quite as dusty as Meg's. Ammo polish is similar IMO. Again, I get it just depends on how much you want the product to cut, but the battle you're going through keeping your pads primed but not over primed just doesn't justify the time involved in using the Megs and battling the dust. In this particular case, it doesn't seem worth it to use the Meg but rather just your Ammo polish . Better yet, since you're using multiple cutting pads, presumably for different cuts, wouldn't be easier to avoid the Polish product all together and use the pads and detail spray / Hydrate on the pads and bypass the whole Meg's dusty polish battle all together? Now, this is now way a knock on Megiars or you; i have both products in my arsinle of potions and lotions, but I don't know, this was one where I had to say, ok, there's a faster way without the dust battle you've described with Meguiars products and I had to at least ask.

[@wjeurs]

Nice video! I have a soft touch rubbery trim in my E46. The trim is gone in some small spots and shows the black plastic underneath. Any tips on retouching?

[@evolution83]

im so thankful for following you.. i had this same issue. i AM Not a detailer , im just a regular joe who likes the car detailing world and thank you for this video really helped me understand the process

[@4ToastGhost]

Absolutely amazing video as always! The attention to detail and knowing when to take the L is a strength I admire quite a bit. Thanks for the awesome video as always!

[@C810B]

This the type a video where you always select 1080p

[@TheOriginalStevenH]

C810B 4K would be better!

[@W333dm4n]

not unless you running an athlon processor :D

[@jtsoutdoorsandmore8136]

Great video bro , but for those of us on a tight budget would the same process work with a dremel tool with a polisher bit ?

[@nathanrisdal2960]

10:21 - step one.....1 min 20 seconds later we're basically at step 100 after all the priming/blowing/polishing/blowing/priming.... Was this just a 'test' demonstration to see how challenging it would be and/or to see how much you would have to charge if a client wanted this done? Amazing work and dedication.

[@jordanjohnson7264]

Always excited to see a new upload from Larry! Thanks :) great video as always.

[@drteeth11]

For those wondering, this is the light Larry was using: www.scangrip.com/en/work-lights/special-application/automotive-application/line-light-bonnet-cplusr

[@kyvanquarry3311]

love his videos. hes always the first video i watch when i see a new one uploaded

[@199786415]

same here

[@PabloEscobar-jy5iu]

I love your insane dedication and passion larry. That interior design is terrible. Interiors are made to inhabit and if they degrade that much in 3 years its a problem. Also the amount of time and energy to repair this it seems like its getting close to the same cost of buying a new part. Thanks you for all the information.

[@Velo1010]

I’m not a big fan of promos during KZbin videos but I really like the light.

[@truejey7475]

Hello larry so the microfiber cutting pad is use for removing scratches. What is a microfiber finishing disc for. And which one do you have to use first. Thanks again for all gteat videos.

[@markchip1]

Sounds like a Y-adapter with an extra 5 or 6 6 foot length of hose would be a worthwhile addition to your air supply at the tool end. That way you can use two tools without having to swap them out all the time or to require multiple pre-prepped pads. Is this a practical idea?

[@mygt8a4re]

I know this vid is 5yrs old and piano black interior trim is a PITA to keep looking nice. So, after getting the results you want finish wise, what about a ceramic coating, then stacking additional protective coatings on top? Then staying on top of the coatings to keep it looking nice? Or am I way of here? As much as i love the look of the elegant piano black i have considered having it wrapped in somthing easier to maintain!

[@clintonmccool2330]

I can't speak to your specific circumstances, but I've done that using 15% OFF Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating and it seems to work very well. Also works well on the dashboard plastic window over the speedometer as well as the infotainment screen. Just a very light coating and buffing does a good job at minimizing dust and accumulation of dirt. I reapply a very thin coating and buffing maybe every six to eight weeks. Good luck.

[@davidholliday2857]

Hi, do you have a video that shows the process to remove scratches from plastic trim in the car in door panels and other plastic trunk and molded parts. They are not highly polished but have some scrarches and dirt ingrained in them.

[@Failure57]

What if I dont have a favourite polish?

[@guanqiaowang7586]

How could you not have a favorite polish like everyone else?

[@crystaldouglas4374]

Buy one

[@meiowalot7570]

Great explanation as always. Makes me want to polish the interior on my pickup. The fake-wood (plastic) dash labels normally look ok but in the right light are full of scratches

[@paul42171]

I had NO IDEA that polishing was this involved! Knowledge is power!

[@TheCandidCritic]

Was searching for this exact topic a week ago; glad to see there is finally a good overview over the topic now!

[@-Galavanta-]

I cant find that ScanGrip long line light that Larry was using, does anyone know if its for sale yet? I found the short ones but not the long one with the mounting kit.

[@tutchngoes]

Great ‘best bets’ from the master ! Kevin may be #1 but you Larry are still 1A ! Bless you 🙏🏽

[@jimaesoph6898]

I am thinking about my refrigerator scratches now . My fake stainless . Could I do something like this on it ? Just more areas to detail . Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks much. Brenda

[@exil3dlivecom]

You should tell us what products work best for this piano black trim. I did mines and did the old school method of wet sanding. Did 800 and stepped to 1000 then 2000 and then used plasticX polish cream by hand. It worked but took me the whole day.

[@TheJoetuffguy]

Your face laser etched on a washer mod, life achievement definitely met. That’s fandom!

[@albertcolon6453]

Hey Larry you didn’t leave the information about Kevin Brown kit. I like to know how much it is? Thanks

[@JeronimoColon]

Could I do this for a couple of spot that formed on an odometer? A car wash over sprayed some solvent, and now I have a couple of non-translucent dropouts on it. Looking at it everyday trigger my OCD. LOL

[@theroburrito]

Any recommendation for minimizing scratches in a textured plastic dash? A dealership gouged the heck out of my dash doing a recalled airbag replacement.

[@NissanPRO4X]

Any future videos on removing scratches from the clear lens on an instrument cluster?

[@mjb995]

Do you have a video on gauge cluster plastic scratch removal?

[@OnlinecarshowNet1]

Why don’t you have links to buy the tools. You sold me on light and polisher but no link. That’s money you are missing out on and helping your viewers out....

[@OnlinecarshowNet1]

I hope if this helps you. You will return favor and give me a shout out. I love your videos. Helps me tremendously on all my cars. Thanks

[@kristanrodrigues7705]

Looks like there is still a haze there. Could it be possible to refine it further using the same water method you used in an earlier video where the paint was so soft you couldnt even use a polish to refine the compounding scratches?

[@richieroro]

What would be the best/safest method to polish light scratches on the navi screen?

[@joelpasserell4525]

Help Larry!...same issue with Piano black on front gauge cluster of a Harley. I looked in your description and don't see anything with the kit or what pieces you had in the kit. I went to the guy's website and that kit doesn't exist that I could see. Would it have to be piecemeal together to create? The way you were describing it sounded like a kit. Do you have a link for that or at least a description of the pieces parts you could post? Thanks for the content.

[@shuycg]

Please do a video on addressing plastic trim scratches. Like door sills, door panels, lower dash trim, boot trim.

[@90210sky]

For these small areas, Isnt it better to manually polish with a microfiber rag instead of rotary tools?

[@M3a9m]

For the light, sir, have you heard about something called headlamps. They're easy to manipulate and very practical yet comfortable to wear.

[@1234BaileyDavid]

+Ammo NYC Larry, Great video btw. Can you step it up to a larger pad than that or does it need to be 1”? I do have a 90 degree grinder that I use for body work so I should be able to do this. the trim is wood trim on a 2007 Lexus GS 350. The scratches aren’t too bad so my main concern is to make superficial cracks better (if possible) Let me know. Thanks.

[@65chryslernewport]

Larry, you're a freaking detailing scientist!

[@JazzManMilan]

Piano black trim is a fucking nightmare. Terrible design choice. I'd rather just wrap any interior trim pieces in matte black.

[@weaverpsu]

Can't you just use a microfiber towel and apply a polish to get swirl marks or compound if they are more noticeable? Just being careful to use a new portion of towel? This seems like overkill.

[@daltonhoskins6990]

Where did you get the bottles you are using for all of your cutting/polishing compounds? I’ve got the Chemical Guys bottles with the spout cap but I have had 2 of them crack right down the seam now.

[@BruceLeedar]

One question about scratch removal on interior trim: what about anti-glare (matte) and anti-reflection coatings? These seem difficult or impossible to replace. This is making me paranoid to polish gauge clusters.

[@popclutch_100]

I was cleaning my windshield on my new tacoma. Theirs a small little nail mark now from my finger. What can I use to get this little make off my dashboard? Thank you!

[@wpinap]

Couldn’t find the light in the description 😩😩 where can I buy it? *the very first light (bar)

[@pughconsulting]

How about scratches on mirrors? Any way to work on those? I've accidentally got some polish on one of my outside mirrors and wiped it off. Boom, minor scratches. Just for clarification, I'm referring to the actual mirror portion (like a bathroom mirror), not the plastic mirror housing.

[@haflidijonsson]

Hey Larry ! . I have a quick question for you. I have alcantara steering wheel. What is the best way to clean it ?. I can see its getting a bit dirty from 8 months of use.

[@sigmapifsc]

I just bought a used set of trim for my car, and I'm wondering if I polish it before installing it, and then use a larger size pad? would that be easier?

[@joshhibbs_nola]

Is there anything you can do to take scratches or small gouges out of dull textured plastic interior trim or are you pretty much screwed in that case?

[@SquadMane]

Would you possibly have any tips on how to properly clean aluminum dash trim pieces.

[@kamcarcrusher857]

11:55 you need to get a "1 to 2" V connection so that you have 2 separate ends which saves you a lot of time instead of the constant swaps

[@Herolives1]

Hey, love your video. I need help on my side mirror. I used turtle wax label and sticker removal to remove some stickers by my mirrors and over sprayed it. Now my mirrors had that cloudy look, I tried back to black and other but it just came back. Should I send it and polish it back ?

[@nowayangelo]

Jaden Vang first of all why would you put stickers there lol

[@pitzronnie14]

How about the clear plastic that covers almost all gauge clusters? Can you show us how to get scratches off that?

[@-nosignal-2875]

So I have a Silverado and interior doors are plastic. The door has some scratches but they are shiny almost like rub marks from a backpack. Any idea how get rid of the shine of them to blend in with the rest of my door ?

[@a_real_jive_turkey7772]

Using the electric polisher would've really made the process more efficient and faster. If I had a battery polisher at work I'd be all over it because I have to do the swapping between polisher and blower like this. I guess it really aggravates me knowing you willingly went through that torture entirely unnecessarily

[@road2raceway356]

Is there any way to repair a textured surface on the interior? Like the side of the Map pocket? It often gets scuffed when swinging my legs out of the car.

[@0312jcarlson]

im sort of new to the detailing scene, been at a shop for about 1.5 years, just curious do u need to do the blowout when ur using a wool cutting pad? were always having wool pads that are gunked with cutting compound, I'm starting to wonder it the left over compound is doing more harm than good. thanks!! love your videos

[@esteve95]

Wouldn't wax fill up the small scratches? Avoiding light to get into them and causing reflection?

[@SuperKAgility]

I'm looking for the light you have, the one that looks like a light saber.

[@kevinroland5557]

Larry how do I get the scratches out of the side view mirror and also on chrome door handles

[@bbee8829]

Great work as always, but how do you remove the glue from those applied B and C pilar covers and restore the original finish?

[@joshhibbs_nola]

THAT LIGHT IS AWESOME! I must get one because it is useful like you show in the car but also I have no under hood light so this would be awesome for that too. 👍🏼

[@DkNy2kX]

is it cheaper to order a new plastic piece even third party product to replace it if the owner wants a scratch free surface?

[@BobH809]

An odd question in light of your work Larry. I am not happy with the reflections from the top of my dash in the windscreen. Sometimes it's that bad it is difficult to see clearly. Is there anything sensible I can use to dull it down?

[@AMMO-NYC]

Hmm email me pictures

[@BobH809]

Okay, it will be tomorrow now, for me, that'll be the 29th, Sunday. Also, it's no longer sunny here in this part of the UK so may not get pics right away. Thanks.

[@BobH809]

Not done, e-mail came back- Sorry, we were unable to deliver your message to the following address. :

[@danieljaramillo8808]

Spilled Hand Sanitizer on piano black shift plate. Nothing seems to get the discoloration out caused by the high alcohol content. Any ideas or is this a lost cause?