brushed aluminum prb

[tranquility]

Being the genius I am, I spilled some crazy glue and some specks hit my centre console. I tried some acetone (nail polish remover), rubbing alcohol and Goo Gone. Anyway, some combination of it managed to start removing the dried-up glue but as you can see in the green circle, the 'matted' aluminum finish is now gone and reveals the underneath 'polished' aluminum part. The various red circles show where the other specks of dried-up glue are, on the rest of the metal part, the gear shifter base and on the DSC button (some other specks not shown on the leather seat and steering wheel plastic & leather parts).

I'm wondering what would you do? Is there a way to restore the 'matted' part to look as new or is it virtually impossible? I was thinking that I might as well do the whole centre console to match the exposed 'polished' part, but what to do about the other aluminum parts where the HVAC is and the door panels (which remains in its original 'matted' state)? Of course, if you guys can think of how to restore the 'matted' part, that'll probably be easier. Last but not least, I still have to figure out a safer way to remove the glue residue.

Pls give me some good ideas. Sigh, what an annoying mess I got myself into.

[nickm9]

You could try a handheld detailer and attach a small polishing disc to it, not too harsh and see if it can take a light layer off it....the type of machine they use on small pieces of wood etc...

[jannisa]

You could try gently to match the brushed effect using a 500+ sandpaper.
Use it wet, not in a circular way but parallel to the stripes and start really politely to see if you can blend the new grinding in. If this seems to be working but you find the new effect too soft switch to a 300 sandpaper.
If aceton didn't work on the glue residue I would try to use a scrapper for ceramic cookers.
Good luck

[motobike]

I had good luck removing glue residue with rubber cement thinner or PVC cleaner. Good luck.

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Being the genius I am, I spilled some crazy glue and some specks hit my centre console. I tried some acetone (nail polish remover), rubbing alcohol and Goo Gone. Anyway, some combination of it managed to start removing the dried-up glue but as you can see in the green circle, the 'matted' aluminum finish is now gone and reveals the underneath 'polished' aluminum part. The various red circles show where the other specks of dried-up glue are, on the rest of the metal part, the gear shifter base and on the DSC button (some other specks not shown on the leather seat and steering wheel plastic & leather parts).

I'm wondering what would you do? Is there a way to restore the 'matted' part to look as new or is it virtually impossible? I was thinking that I might as well do the whole centre console to match the exposed 'polished' part, but what to do about the other aluminum parts where the HVAC is and the door panels (which remains in its original 'matted' state)? Of course, if you guys can think of how to restore the 'matted' part, that'll probably be easier. Last but not least, I still have to figure out a safer way to remove the glue residue.

Pls give me some good ideas. Sigh, what an annoying mess I got myself into.

You will never match the factory surface finish using any form of abrasive. I would try this first. Otherwise get out the cc for some new parts.

SUPER GLUE DEBONDER GEL by Grobet available at AMAZON

A high viscosity gelled solvent designed to remove cured cyanoacrylate adhesive form surfaces or to debond parts assembled with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Will not run or migrate on vertical surfaces. 10ml.

[tranquility]

Maybe my 1st post is poorly-worded. What I was trying to say was that in the green circle, my combination of solvents removed the glue stain, but it also removed the 'matted' veneer on top so that it now reveals the 'polished' aluminum underneath: the 'lined/horizontally-grained' effect of the metal still exists and remains undamaged, it's just that I physically removed the top 'clearcoat' (or 'matted' coat, in this case) layer (it's indented where the green circle is located). I'm wondering if it's possible to reproduce that 'matted' veneer to cover the hole on the green circle, or would it be easier just to use my combination of solvents to remove all the top veneer from the whole centre console for a consistent look.

Thx again guys.

[HerrK]

To return it to a factory equal finish, you will have to remove that entire alum section, strip it of the existing matte coat, and respray it. Alternatively spend $384 for a new - 51169150236.

[tranquility]

I guess there is no way to patch up the missing 'matted' finish...so looks like I'm leaning towards stripping the whole console of its finish unless there is a better idea.

[motobike]

Or, you can just live with it It seems too small to notice anyways.

[z4z4z4]

http://compare.ebay.com/like/2004404...Types&var=sbar

Sorry for the drama with your interior. You can contact ESS, they did a custom paint scheme on their project e89 interior.
Good Luck.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by motobike

Or, you can just live with it It seems too small to notice anyways.

Oh no, I can definitely notice it...it looks nasty. I guess there's some work for me now. Stupid butterfingers.

[Mayhem]

Honestly, I don't think you will like the result if you strip all the anodized coating off. Just save yourself aggravation and buy a new console trim.

[Z4@Phuket]

If nothing on above recommendation works , try 3m 1080 series wrap, they do have different brushed metal wrap stickers
3M wrap has more 3D feel on touch, compare to smooth feeling on oem brushed aluminum
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...PbsQPbPPPPPP--

[Vintage]

sorry this happened - I have made more than my share of dumb moves. just save yourself the time and buy the OEM part as it is the only way you will ever be happy with it, albeit a lot lighter in the wallet for it

[tranquility]

Thx for the comments, guys. I think that it would look acceptable if I remove the original veneer, so I'll give it a shot.

[///MIKE]

I think you should just go with a carbon wrap an wrap the entire dash

[Shade]

Originally Posted by ///MIKE

I think you should just go with a carbon wrap an wrap the entire dash

+1

[army_men]

good excuse to wrap the dash. maybe you'll like it.

[tranquility]

How do I go about that? Easy DIY job or need to get a professional? Don't wanna spend too much as a result of my boo-boo.

[Z4@Phuket]

Originally Posted by tranquility

How do I go about that? Easy DIY job or need to get a professional? Don't wanna spend too much as a result of my boo-boo.

3M wrap is very flexible, apply on dry (no need to wet the film), easy to stretch and pull for curve surface

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Z4@Phuket

3M wrap is very flexible, apply on dry (no need to wet the film), easy to stretch and pull for curve surface

That means I have to remove the metal part from the console 1st, right? That's going to be a nightmare for me.

[///MIKE]

Originally Posted by tranquility

That means I have to remove the metal part from the console 1st, right? That's going to be a nightmare for me.

Yes, thats why bodyshops exists!

The company selling the wraps would most likely offer a service so just pay the price and consider this as an excuse for an upgrade, and if it so happens it does happen again you can change it to another color! (hopefully not)