Refinishing scuffed plastic parts

[Porsche9]

What are some ways of refinishing the plastic piece that incorporates the release switched for the trunk and frunk? Mine has some wear and tear and in a otherwise almost perfect interior looks like crap. My indie recommended painting but I'm concerned about scratching it with my shoes upon getting in and out. What have some of you done? Paint, replace or other? I'm guessing if the part is even available that it is frightfully expensive.

[jc986]

[QUOTE=Porsche9;386797]What are some ways of refinishing the plastic piece that incorporates the release switched for the trunk and frunk? Mine has some wear and tear and in a otherwise almost perfect interior looks like crap. My indie recommended painting but I'm concerned about scratching it with my shoes upon getting in and out. What have some of you done? Paint, replace or other? I'm guessing if the part is even available that it is frightfully expensive.



Porsche9,
Just my 2 cents, but you could try resurface and painting it with duplicolor; then cover with semigloss clear coat to protect the paint from shoe scratches.

[Ckrikos]

I ordered some leather dye and will let you know how well it works. It's supposed to paint vinyl as well.

[heliguy]

stickynomore.com may be able to help you.

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by heliguy

stickynomore.com may be able to help you.

Very cool. You every have anything redone by them?

[batshapedheart]

I used a scotch brite sponge and brake cleaner and removed that cheap paint that most plastic pieces have. Looked brand new after

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by batshapedheart

I used a scotch brite sponge and brake cleaner and removed that cheap paint that most plastic pieces have. Looked brand new after

Sounds too easy.

[heliguy]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

Very cool. You every have anything redone by them?

I have not but they refinish high end automobile interiors for customers all over the world.

[jb92563]

You could repaint and then cover it with a clear, or perhaps black is better, scratch resistant plastic film like the stone chip protector material.

When it gets scuffed up after a few years simply peel it off and put down a new piece.

[kiyakubuke]

I had tried to "paint" hard plastic back in the day and never had much luck. recently I have used some of the paints specially formulated for plastic on some motorcycle parts with good results.
when I wanted to recondition some of the plastic in my '01 boxster I decided to give the carbon fiber vinyl a try. after a bit of trial and error I finally got the hang of it. did the door storage bin cover/armrest, the door release covers and the gear shift, which had been rubbed completely paint free:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsjVthyPk

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by kiyakubuke

I had tried to "paint" hard plastic back in the day and never had much luck. recently I have used some of the paints specially formulated for plastic on some motorcycle parts with good results.
when I wanted to recondition some of the plastic in my '01 boxster I decided to give the carbon fiber vinyl a try. after a bit of trial and error I finally got the hang of it. did the door storage bin cover/armrest, the door release covers and the gear shift, which had been rubbed completely paint free:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsjVthyPk

That looks great. How does it hold up to everyday wear?

[kiyakubuke]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

That looks great. How does it hold up to everyday wear?

only had it on for a few days so far. my guess is it would be about as durable as normal plastic. good thing is that it is very easy and cheap to replace. so even if I have to redo it every couple of years, not problem.