While the idea of sanding might seem like a way to smooth imperfections on a dashboard, it's generally not recommended, especially if you use coarse sandpaper. Doing so can easily cause more harm than good.
Why Sanding a Dashboard is Risky
Based on expert insights:
- Coarse Sandpaper Damage: Using rough grit sandpaper will only make your dash more marred than it already is. Dashboard materials, often plastics or vinyl, are easily scratched and damaged by aggressive abrasives. Instead of achieving a smooth surface, you'll likely create deeper scratches and an uneven texture that is difficult to repair.
- Finishing Media Sensitivity: Many dashboard finishes and materials require specialized finishing media. Using low-temp Finishing Media that cannot handle high temps will only melt into your dash, causing a whole new DIY project to surface. Dashboards are exposed to significant heat from the sun, which can react negatively with inappropriate finishing materials.
Alternatives and Considerations
Given the risks associated with traditional sanding, especially with coarse grits, consider these points:
- Focus on Cleaning and Restoration: Often, imperfections are surface-level dirt or damage that can be addressed with cleaning, conditioning, or specialized plastic/vinyl repair kits.
- Professional Help: For significant damage, consulting a professional auto interior repair specialist is advisable. They have the right tools and materials for delicate dashboard surfaces.
- Material Matters: The feasibility of any abrasive treatment depends heavily on the specific material of your dashboard (e.g., hard plastic, soft-touch coating, vinyl).
In summary, while very fine abrasive finishing might be part of a specialized repair process in some cases, using common sanding techniques, particularly with coarse sandpaper, is detrimental to most dashboards.
