Tesla Model 3 Center Console Scratch Removal

J

Juanito805

New member
Apr 24, 2020
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Hey there, guys!

I was hoping that someone here has been able to efficiently color sand & buff scratches off a Model 3 center console glossy parts.

I was able to wet sand the scratches off, but when it came time to refine and polish, lo and behold, I was completely unable to finish the process - the sanding marks would hardly, barely, fade away!

Last sanding grit: 3000

Buffing disc & tool: microfiber cutting pad and Rupes iBrid cordless buffer

Paste: Menzerna 400 and 300 heavy duty compounds

Nothing worked.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 😊🙏
 
Post up some pics. Let's see what you are dealing with.

The finish on these center consoles are very 'delicate'.

I would usually just compound/polish any scratches/defects out and most of the time that would work.
 
The scratches were deep-enough to need some sanding - that's why I did it, like I have before in Mercedes & BMWs, for example, with no problems like this.

This is the first and only material that has baffled me like this.
 
Rotary, and by hand as well. The sanding marks acted as if I was didn't exist, pretty much.

Sent from my SM-G988U1 using Tapatalk
 
Is this on your personal car? Looks like the clear has been compromised.
 
I did the exact same procedure on other people's cars with no issues. It's the material that's different.

I tried contacting Tesla to find out what coating these parts have to no avail.

Also, I tried plexiglass polish with no better results.

Sent from my SM-G988U1 using Tapatalk
 
You might have to just replace those parts and wrap the new ones in PPF or vinyl to avoid getting new scratches.
 
BSoares said:
You might have to just replace those parts and wrap the new ones in PPF or vinyl to avoid getting new scratches.
Click to expand...

I understand, and that would be the easy way out for me - or even replacing the parts.

But I got very interested in learning why I haven't been able to buff it out. I think it's a good learning opportunity.
 
I don't think that you will be able to correct that. You are thru the top layer/material and into the substrate/under layer. Sorry to say it's not going to get any better than this. You will have to replace that trim piece.

Keep the old one and experiment some more to see what may be possible...
 
Yeah, definitely, specially if I can't figure out what chemical or compound reacts favorably with that particular material/coating.

I believe that if I had sanded away any particular layer, I should at least see some smoothing out of the remaining material, but hardly anything changes at all. That's what amazes me.

I was hoping that someone had had a similar experience with a positive outcome... ��
 
I agree that it looks like it is beyond polishing repair. It would require a repaint if you choose to just reuse this piece. Could be a good DIY project.
 
The Guz said:
I agree that it looks like it is beyond polishing repair. It would require a repaint if you choose to just reuse this piece. Could be a good DIY project.
Click to expand...

Honestly it looks exactly how a wet-sanded part normally looks like - nothing different. The problem is this kind of material or coating just doesn't level up like a traditional clear coat.
 
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