Simple DIY "worn stereo buttons" solution...

[Osiris_x11]

Two solutions for the DIY'ers who wish to improve the appearance of their OEM head-units that show wear from usage/age/etc'...

I.) Refinish the buttons

For hazing/surface-glazing/superficial-scratches...
a. use alcohol-swipes to wipe-off all dust/dirt/crappe'
b. apply 1800grit sandpaper in parallel strokes w/ minimal pressure; repeat w/ 2000grit & 2500grit+
c. use plastic-polish (Novus)
d. buff
e. apply acrylic pen-ink (black) w/ soft cloth as'if polishing a shoe
f. buff to a shine

For gouges/deep-scratches/oxidation...
a. follow a-d above
b. apply Testors resin-filler (same size tube as their cement) to the areas of surface imperfections & let dry; use a toothpick or fine-silverware
c. sand off excess filler-resin
d. polish surface w/ plastic-product or Novus
e. apply enamel (black) thinned w/ mineral spirits or paint-thinner 1:1 to only areas of resin-work
f. follow d-f above


II.) Maintaining blemish-free finish on buttons

Sealing/coating...
a. apply polymer-sealant/synthetic-wax using fine micro-fiber cloth
b. buff
c. coat w/ high/low gloss sealant

Protecting/preventing...
a. acquire LED/TFT/digital-camera/cel'-phone screen protection kit via electronics shoppe or online/ebay

b. apply it to each individual button & head-unit display (clean surface w/ prep. pads, cut to size, apply & use vinyl-card/squeegee to remove air)
c. replace two rotating knobs w/ OEM-replacements if so needed


* Never use paper-towels, facial-tissues, or linen-towels... MF only!
* aesthetics is balance, flow, consistency... if 6 preset buttons and 2 larger knobs are identical (respectively), that's all that's necessary; omit tinkering w/ the Dolby, cassette, other buttons, etc'
* driver/passenger eye-level is different than head-unit'level view, keep that in mind... perfection isn't necessary!

 

[MiamiMermaid]

Two solutions for the DIY'ers who wish to improve the appearance of their OEM head-units that show wear from usage/age/etc'

e. apply acrylic pen-ink (black) w/ soft cloth as'if polishing a shoe

Awesome Osiris! Thansx* for this technique!! (I was actually getting to the point of just replacing the whole oem radio but this is much better)! I'm gonna attempt to follow your instructions and have nice new buttons again!
Pardon if this may seem a silly question, but I have never heard of an acrylic pen/ink. Where would be the most likely place that I might find one? Also, is there a preferred size/point , etc? Thansx* again*~*

Mermi* :biggrin:

 

[Osiris_x11]

well worth the small effort...

Pardon if this may seem a silly question, but I have never heard of an acrylic pen/ink. Where would be the most likely place that I might find one? Also, is there a preferred size/point , etc? Thansx* again*~*

Mermi* :biggrin:

Gratsis' for the enthusiastic thanks! Acrylic pen ink is sold in art-shoppes, book-stores, crafts-general dept. outlets ($2-$4/bottle). It's what artist use (assuming) for sketches and for those w/ fountain-pens that need refilling. It acts an easy to use dye for faded plastics, vinyls, and even leather... Simply dab some on a refuse cloth and buff the surface needing the coloring (after surface-smoothing)... voila! Fading and discolourations are gone.

Keep an eye-out, I'm going to do a write-up for my seat-restoration: 5mins/day for 3 days... 16yr old seats lose 15yrs of their age!

 

[rbirling]

Can you erase the holes in my seats with acrylic ink? :tongue:

 

[Osiris_x11]

hole-in-my-seat...

Can you erase the holes in my seats with acrylic ink? :tongue:

LOL... well acrylic ink is step A. Step B is 'hole-eraser' bonding-adhesive. Step C is leather-sheen/sealant. Step D is admiration at $8-$9 vs. $600-$700 re-covering...

Items:
- leather cleaner/conditioner for prep. (already should have!)
- Leather-dye (Walmart/Target... $3)
- Super-Glue leather mender adhesive (Big Lots $2)
- Binder-clips (already should have, otherwise Staples/OfficeMax)
- Tandy Leather's sheen/sealant ($4)
- terry-appliclators & soft-rags

I can do your seats if you want, name the time...

 

[MiamiMermaid]

Re: well worth the small effort...

Gratsis' for the enthusiastic thanks! Acrylic pen ink is sold in art-shoppes, book-stores, crafts-general dept. outlets ($2-$4/bottle). It's what artist use (assuming) for sketches and for those w/ fountain-pens that need refilling. It acts an easy to use dye for faded plastics, vinyls, and even leather... Simply dab some on a refuse cloth and buff the surface needing the coloring (after surface-smoothing)... voila! Fading and discolourations are gone.

Keep an eye-out, I'm going to do a write-up for my seat-restoration: 5mins/day for 3 days... 16yr old seats lose 15yrs of their age!

Allriiiiight~! So, I have all material in hand and plan on completing this procedure, so generously provided by our Prime's infamous Osiris, by the turn of Monday. I'll make sure to take before and after pics and I'll be posting info as soon as completion of project has been attained..... :smile:

ThaNSX* again Osiris!

on a side note, am i alone in the fact that even doing a simple diy instills a desire to have more 'hands on' time with my 'baby' ? (baby being the nsx, just so there is no confusion) :tongue: : no lil' ones... yet* :biggrin: