Solid Panel (Cleaning and Repairing) | DetailDIY (2023)

A tacky dashboard is the result of reformulating the polymers in dashboard plastics to make them "greener".

Unfortunately, these newer formulations break down prematurely due to exposure to the sun's UV rays and heat cycles. This creates the so-called "blooming". Where decomposed polymers within the sheet material rise to the surface of the sheet.

This is sometimes referred to as the "Fusion" panel, which is pretty accurate.

There are a few different methods to bring your dashboard back to like-new condition. However, before attempting this, it is recommended that you contact your local dealership to find out the make of your vehicle andto see if they have a memoryFor this problem, some manufacturers can replace the panel for free.

Unfortunately, you probably won't have much luck getting the manufacturer to replace your panel. The reason is that the problem usually only occurs after the warranty has expired.

Also, this is a very labor intensive solution, which means the manufacturer has to pay the technicians at the local service center a lot of money to remove and replace a panel. If they can get away with not fixing it, they will.

Most local auto manufacturers or dealers will tell you that you simply don't have insurance or that using an unsafe product on the vinyl or plastic was your fault. If you bought your car or truck second hand, it may be impossible to know what has been flushed into the dashboard to clean and protect.

Toyota has been known to replace the dashboards of some cars and trucks in an extended recall, so you might get lucky with these. Mazda and Nissan were less helpful with this problem. While Toyota, Mazda, and Nissan seem to have most dashboards with this problem, it's not just them. Many other manufacturers deal with this problem.

Let's go through the general steps required to restore your board to like-new condition.

1. Protect areas you don't want damaged, such as B. fabric columns, with tape.
2. Remove large dirt particles and debris stuck to the plate.
3. Spray a cleaner on a disposable cloth and remove the sticky layer from the surface in a small section by rubbing it.
4. Once you are happy with how clean that area is, continue until the entire panel is clean.
5. Use an all-purpose cleaner to remove solvent residue.
6. Protect your clean sheet with a UV protectant to limit or prevent further damage.

What products will you need?

• A movie
• disposable towels
• solvent cleaner
• Restorer of plastic surfaces

solvent cleaner

While I can't tell you what will work best for your board, I can tell you some of the best options to try. Whichever cleaner you choose, it's a good idea to test it in the least conspicuous spot you can find to see how it reacts to your dashboard's polymer formulation.

Bug and tar remover

Many people recommend bug and tar remover to clean the sticky coating on your dashboard. Bug and tar removers are mild solvents that are safe for the exterior of cars and trucks.

Citrol 266It is a powerful citrus-based degreaser that has been found to be much more effective at removing tar and vermin than tar and vermin removers designed for this purpose. Because of this, we believe doing this job is the best option for most people.

adhesive remover

good idois a powerful sticker remover. You can definitely get the job done here. It can be a bit aggressive, but it's a popular choice with DIYers who attach glueboards.

Alternatives to solvent cleaners

Some people have had success simply by using soap and water. others usedOxy-Cleanmixed with warm water. These options are obviously much less aggressive than using a solvent. If you decide to go this route, you will have to put in a lot more effort and it will probably take a lot longer.

Restorer of plastic surfaces

Molding restorers are typically dedicated to restoring UV stained plastic exterior car or truck trim. While they are great for restoring the jet black color of faded exterior plastics, they also offer strong protection against future UV damage.

As with anything you use that isn't used precisely for its primary intended use, test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it will react well with the unique polymers in your panel.

Cerakote coating

Cerakote coatingis our number one recommendation in the repair paint restorer category. It is an extremely durable ceramic coating that will last a long time.

For external use, they guarantee 200 washes or 2 years. For indoor use that doesn't get a lot of rubbing, isn't exposed to rain, and generally has some UV protection from the UV coatings on the windshield and side windows, it should last much longer.

Gtechniq C4

Gtechniq C4is our suggested product for top coat finishers. It will last 1-2 years if used outside of the vehicle but of course it should last much longer if protected inside the car.

Restoration alternatives for plastic surfaces

It is not necessary to use a high-quality protective layer. You can regularly use a typical dash protector such as303 Aerospace Protection. It is our recommended indoor protection due to its excellent UV protection and matte finish. It doesn't last as long as a top coat, but can serve the same purpose if applied regularly to the clean surface of the panel.

Helpful links

Toyota Replaces Melted Cracked Sticky Shiny Sheet Metal - Vehicle Complaints

Mazda3 & Mazda6 Extended Warranty Statement - Mazda USA

If you find your dashboard is sticky, contact your local dealer first. Adhesive plates may be affected by a recall or may need to be replaced if still under warranty.

Heat cycles and UV damage can cause your panel's finish to become shiny over time. It can eventually become very sticky.

Heat and UV rays can not only make a sheet sticky, but also make it very shiny. A glossy panel surface can cause severe glare in sunlight. This is obviously very dangerous.

Hopefully the information in this article will help you repair your dashboard and remove the sticky, shiny grime that has grown from the plastics and polymers inside.

If you protect your dashboard properly, you should be able to protect it from heat and sun damage and hopefully prevent your dashboard surface from becoming sticky and shiny again.