Dashboard sealant?

[Violin]

Oops!

I moved the velcro adhesive that I used to hold my GPS unit on the glove box lid in front of the steering wheel. To remove the remaining glue, I wiped it clean with some isopropyl alcohol. It did the trick but it also removed a patch of whatever finish they use on the dash - arghh!

Any idea what to use to restore this? I'm thinking I'll probably wipe the entire glove box lid down with alcohol first to keep it uniform.

[vodkalush]

Do you mean it removed a clear protectent layer? Sort of like a clear coat?

if thats the case I'd either a) remove the whole thing like you are thinking of doing, or b) see if either a Armorall protectent wipe or spray does the trick (i'd try this before removing all of it)

[Violin]

Do you mean it removed a clear protectent layer? Sort of like a clear coat?

Yes - I still want it to match the rest of the dash too.

[Goose]

I wouldn't use any more alcohol. My guess is that the alcohol stripped off some dressing that has been applied since the car was initially delivered to the dealer.

Try wiping the dash down with a clean terrycloth washcloth dampened in warm water and a little dishwashing liquid (like Dawn). The cloth doesn't have to be dripping wet - just dunk it in a bucket and wring it out well. The soapy water will strip any ArmorAll (or whatever's on the dash) without doing any damage - this step alone will probably even-out the finish on the dash. If you want to, after the dash has dried, apply some Meguiar's #40 vinyl/rubber cleaner (or something like it) to revive the color. I would avoid ArmorAll since it and other products like it have silicones - bad for the dash in the long run.

Hope this helps (as you can tell, I'm a detailing geek). :smile:

EDIT: It goes without saying, but be sure to pass another damp towel over the dash after the soapy water to rinse off the soap. I'm sure you know this, but just being absolutely clear on this one...

[Violin]

Thanks - I'll give it a try.

[vodkalush]

It should be real easy to tell if what on the dash is an actual "top coat" or not. If it is you should be able to see a "lip" around where you used the alch, or you should be able to flake it off.

if the area just looks dull, then its just a proffessional version of armorall. and Id recommend using cleaning wipes vrs's dealing with soap and water... I mean the last thing you want is to accidently drip water down into your stereo.

[Violin]

Thanks Goose - it worked well.