Interior plastic door panel scratch removal?

Is there anyway to remove scratches on the interior plastic? I know the answer is probably no but just seeing if anyone has been successful.

 

commenting here so that I can be reminded when someone comments an answer.

TIA.

 

How did the scratches get there?

 

Tried everything trick, and searched everywhere. Nothing worked. Somethings made it a bit better, but didn't last. Some made it a bit worse. Just a shit- ass design/material Toyota choose.

 

Just ignore them like there not there since their not going anywhere it’s better for your sanity

 

I see you have a 23, don't know if it your 1st 3rd gen
They scratch, just by looking at them. You'll find out. Sorry to say.

 

Oh Yeah…I was just wondering since OP is a serial killer if we may be helping him dispose of evidence…..

 

The more you talk about the scratches, the more they multiple. I recommend you stfu before they find out you're talking smack about them! Oh yeah, the same rule applies to the gauge cluster. If you stare at it too long, it gets scratched.

 

I wonder if anyone has tried some kinda ceramic coating ( to pervent scratches). I guess I could try a spot. Can't do it till spring 10 degrees here now. Nothing to lose.

 

I ran into a similar issue with the plastic next to the parking brake handle where I accidentally scratched it. Used the wifes hair dryer on high on the spot, rubbed the scratch with my thumb, repeated the process until the scratch was barely noticeable. Finished it off with some Chemical Guys VRP and you can no longer tell it was there.

 

I used the same procedure with a heat gun. Coated it with Klasse boat/plane sealant.

 

Good question I put ceramic coating on my truck carpet 2 years ago and it still keeping all the salt and crap from the roads off so works pretty good.

 

https://thinskinz.com/collections/frontpage/products/thinskinz™-tacoma
and then install
https://www.canvasback.com/toyota-tacoma-door-covers.html

 

Sorry everyone I’ve been busy with work. No evidence to conceal I just have kids. That should explain it all right there. They’re not bad scratches but I noticed them every time I open the door and it just bothers me. I wasn’t sure if anyone had a secret miracle product they used or anything like that.

 

A heat gun will usually do to trick but if you apply even a little bit too much heat you will be back asking for the part number of the panel that you destroyed.

 

Used it on other makes and models. Tried on Tacoma and no luck/success.

 

I have a 2022, 6,000 miles, and can't believe how badly the driver door panel has scratched. I keep my interiors in pristine shape, never clean with anything but water+microfiber cloth. Every interior I've owned looked brand new the day I get rid of it, except this one. Thankfully it seems like only the door panel plastic has this issue, specifically under the armrest.

I'm quite happy with this truck overall, generally like interior styling and think plastics are plenty good except for the ridiculous door panel wear issue..

I had okay luck with the VRP product, but it was shiny and needed to be reapplied every two weeks or so to look good.

The heat gun has restored it to near new. Absolutely thrilled I was able to correct this. I bought a reasonably good heat gun "Wagner Furno 500" from Home Depot. Think it was $50-ish. I'm using the 750-degree setting, fan on high, and not getting closer than 2". If you do it right, the scratches literally dissolve. And even in direct sunlight they are barely visible.

The heat gun is melting your plastic. I imagine there's a fine line between melting it to the point where scratches level out and where it's a dripping on the floor. I've also read/seen on youtube that getting too close will give the plastic a permanent shiny appearance. Mine has retained the matte finish.

Clean well with water/microfiber first. Don't want to bake any of the crap you've previously used to try to get scratches out into the plastic.

I would recommend removing the power window switches if you're getting near them. (very easy, just look up door panel removal on youtube and do step #1).

I would also recommend watching youtube videos first. Search for "heat gun car interior" or whatever.

Good luck. I'm not providing any warranty. I haven't yet, but I'm pretty sure you can absolutely ruin things doing this. I did this knowing full well I might destroy a $350 door panel, but was ready to go order a new one from Toyota regardless because I was so pissed off at this problem.

Would also recommend not resting knee against door panel, especially if you're using the clutch on a manual transmission. I think that's a large part of what wrecked mine so quickly. I also now wear my watch on my right hand.