.
black insert on ES center console
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
black insert on ES center console
Has anyone gotten any minor scratches on the black insert in the center console of the ES and found a method/technique for safely removing them?
I picked up a small and very shallow scratch on mine. While I'm confident that I could use a mild polish to remove the scratch, I have no idea how deep the gloss finish is on the material, and I'm afraid that, even if I removed the scratch, I'd be left with a dull spot in the area that I worked on?
While the scratch is small and minor and while it is only noticeable if you are looking for it and the light is hitting it just right, I tend to let things like that drive me crazy, and, so far, the best solution I've found is to place a fingerprint smudge over the scratch, and the fingerprint covers it quite nicely.
I picked up a small and very shallow scratch on mine. While I'm confident that I could use a mild polish to remove the scratch, I have no idea how deep the gloss finish is on the material, and I'm afraid that, even if I removed the scratch, I'd be left with a dull spot in the area that I worked on?
While the scratch is small and minor and while it is only noticeable if you are looking for it and the light is hitting it just right, I tend to let things like that drive me crazy, and, so far, the best solution I've found is to place a fingerprint smudge over the scratch, and the fingerprint covers it quite nicely.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,606
From: SE PA
I could see that coming when I bought the car. I didn't get any scratches, but I did get smudges that drove ME nuts. Constantly using a microfiber cloth to clean it. I finally gave up and bought a wood grain kit for the entire console. No more fear of scratches or smudges. Les, I think that if you try to polish it out you'll make it worse, create a dull spot.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 639
Likes: 9
From: the desert SW
I'll stick with a microfiber cloth and mild cleaner like this:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ortby=ourPicks
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ortby=ourPicks
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 506
Likes: 42
From: PA
I could see that coming when I bought the car. I didn't get any scratches, but I did get smudges that drove ME nuts. Constantly using a microfiber cloth to clean it. I finally gave up and bought a wood grain kit for the entire console. No more fear of scratches or smudges. Les, I think that if you try to polish it out you'll make it worse, create a dull spot.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,606
From: SE PA
I hope I did this correctly. Check out this link:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...the-350-a.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...the-350-a.html
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,606
From: SE PA
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Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 2
From: CA
The kit looks nice but it seems like they over do it (steering, clock and radio)? Once the adhesive starts to peel off that would really look bad.
The door window switch looks good. But on the radio, it look so obvious that it is a sticker.
The door window switch looks good. But on the radio, it look so obvious that it is a sticker.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 409
Likes: 17
From: TX
While I do agree that the stick on applique's are not like the real thing there are a couple of advantages. One is that you can place a cell phone, keys, or anything with a smooth surface on them and it will not move while you are driving. Smooth surfaces tend to stick to it so it holds them firmly. And it's obvious that it cost less for this option. Even so I would hesitate to use any of this on an upscale vehicle.
on the peeling that is not a problem if you take the time to install it properly. I have a carbon fiber one on my Tacoma and it's been there for 9 years now with no issues. Generally you get a adhesion promoter that needs to be wiped on the surface first and then you can apply the applique. I had one section that I did not line up properly when I installed it and you would be surprised how difficult it was to remove. I destroyed it and had to order a new piece. Needless to say I was very careful when I re-installed it.
To each his own but if you can find a nice looking kit that suits your taste then go for it as it will last the lifetime of the vehicle.
on the peeling that is not a problem if you take the time to install it properly. I have a carbon fiber one on my Tacoma and it's been there for 9 years now with no issues. Generally you get a adhesion promoter that needs to be wiped on the surface first and then you can apply the applique. I had one section that I did not line up properly when I installed it and you would be surprised how difficult it was to remove. I destroyed it and had to order a new piece. Needless to say I was very careful when I re-installed it.
To each his own but if you can find a nice looking kit that suits your taste then go for it as it will last the lifetime of the vehicle.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,316
Likes: 1,606
From: SE PA
As far as adhesion, it's been on over a year and no issues. I actually did follow the maker's directions and it is on very securely. It's probably 120 F. inside the car as I write this, everything's on tight...Looks great IMO...
Last edited by bc6152; Aug 8, 2014 at 02:31 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 11
From: SF Bay Area, CA
This is why they make chocolate and vanilla...
As far as adhesion, it's been on over a year and no issues. I actually did follow the maker's directions and it is on very securely. It's probably 120 F. inside the car as I write this, everything's on tight...Looks great IMO...
As far as adhesion, it's been on over a year and no issues. I actually did follow the maker's directions and it is on very securely. It's probably 120 F. inside the car as I write this, everything's on tight...Looks great IMO...
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,581
Likes: 283
From: Illinois
I agree. I like the "less is more" approach, but it's good to have the option for kits like these.
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