vinyl scrape

[briteauto]

I have a question for all the detailers on the forum.

I've got a black plastic mirror housing on the side of a jeep that was scraped against white vinyl siding on a house. No damage, but white streaks/scrapes are on the black housing now. How can this be removed?

Thanks

 

[soapy]

If it is just black plastic and not painted I would first ry to use a pink eraser on it. A pink eraser will generally remove stuff off of the plastic including wax that gets on it.

 

[briteauto]

Thanks, Soapy.

 

[briteauto]

Tried the eraser - no luck. Any other suggestions?

 

[rph9168]

If the vinyl has rubbed off on the surface you may be able to remove it with a solvent cleaner. If it is a scratch that has penetrated the surface you may be able to cover it up with a wax but there is probably no permanent fix outside of having it repainted to cover the scratch.

 

[Waxman]

Sometimes I take some mineral spirits on a rag mixed with some rubbing compound, and rub that on a mirror scuff. If it's thick maybe start w/ a razor blade (carefully of course) or 000 steel wool and the thinner/compound paste.

This method will likely require some black vinyl coat or other matte finish black to match the mirror.

 

[briteauto]

Thank you, gentlemen. I'll give these a try.

Mike

 

[MEP001]

I wonder if one of those Mr. Clean erasers would work. They claim to be safe for all sorts of finishes.

 

[soapy]

Mr clean eraser is not as abrasive as the pink eraser. Another option to try is small brass or stainless wire tooth type brush. Most hardware stores sell them.

 

[pitzerwm]

What about some siverware cleaner?

 

[Waxman]

Well, what worked? Please update. Thanks.

 

[briteauto]

Sorry I didn't get back sooner.

The mineral spirits and some heavy elbow grease did the trick. Thank you all for your suggestions.

Mike

 

[Waxman]

Score 1 for the Waxman.

Thanks for the update.

 

[rph9168]

If the vinyl has rubbed off on the surface you may be able to remove it with a solvent cleaner. If it is a scratch that has penetrated the surface you may be able to cover it up with a wax but there is probably no permanent fix outside of having it repainted to cover the scratch.

Waxman, I also had a solution. In any event, glad he was able to remove the scrape.

 

[Waxman]

Fine; amended score: waxman 1/2, RPH 1/2.

 

[rph9168]

Proud to share honors with you anytime.