Scratches on rear lights - PlastX?

[GrahamFR]

So after cleaning my car this weekend I noticed I have some swirl marks etc on the side of my rear light cluster (drivers) and probably on the whole thing but I could only see it in direct sunlight so was at the wrong angle.

Now I know I swirl marks all over my paint work, but its white and I cant see them so ignorance is bliss, but I can see them on the red lights, so is PlastX a good shout or is there some other non-corporate machine, give the small guy a chance, company I should be looking at?

Also, this stuff is the same stuff I can use on my instrument cluster too right?

And please, no "use this level of sandpaper and this dremmel" cos that is way beyond me and to a serious enthusiasm level that I simply don't possess

[Booth11]

Why not give the PlastX a go, it's supposed to be good for light scratches and fogged lights. I'd make sure it's ok to use on red plastic first though as opposed to clear plastic.  Not tried it myself as have managed to avoid scratches on the light clusters so far, a few stone chips though 

[GrahamFR]

Yeah I probably will do, only £7.47 free delivery on amazon. Gave up long ago with the fronts, now I lamin x them as soon as I get a new car

[Guy]

its ok for light clusters but I would be very careful on an instrument cluster.. tried it on the interior of a civic once and fortunately i only tried an inconspicuous area 

[GrahamFR]

Well I havent tried it on the dials yet but I did on the rear lights to unfortunately little effect, I'm going to give a more concentrated effort next wash tho to see if that helps

[SunnyGTI]

I tried plastX on the instrument cluster and rear lights and it worked well

[GrahamFR]

Well I must be doing something wrong. Tried it on rear lights to minimal effect but thought about all the wax etc that could be on so wasnt gonna pass judgement until I tried again but I tried it on the dials today and although they are nice and clean I can still see the scratches, think ive resigned myself to accepting them tbh, so for the next car lol what is the best way to clean without scratching? I see a lot on the net about polishing but nothing about preventative cleaning??

[Booth11]

Well I must be doing something wrong. Tried it on rear lights to minimal effect but thought about all the wax etc that could be on so wasnt gonna pass judgement until I tried again but I tried it on the dials today and although they are nice and clean I can still see the scratches, think ive resigned myself to accepting them tbh, so for the next car lol what is the best way to clean without scratching? I see a lot on the net about polishing but nothing about preventative cleaning??

When you say preventative cleaning, are you talking about basic car washing methods?  For lights/car, dials or both?  If so, how do you currently wash the car, yourself, carwash, car park guys?

If you're doing it yourself, to minimise scratches, my suggestion would be as stated in this thread.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=274098.msg2506633#msg2506633

Also lots of guides around like these ones
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/safe-washing-and-drying.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27

For instrument dials - soft bristle detailing brush and/or plush microfibre and decent anti static interior trim cleaner.

[GrahamFR]

Yeah sorry booth I meant just the instrument dials, no matter how gentle I am j always seem to end up scratching them at some point. Going to have another go at the plastx this morning but with a better MF

[Booth11]

Yeah sorry booth I meant just the instrument dials, no matter how gentle I am j always seem to end up scratching them at some point. Going to have another go at the plastx this morning but with a better MF

Ah, well ignore most of the above then 

These are really great super soft microfibres for dials and rest of interior

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microfibre-cloths/microfibre-buffing-towels/dodo-juice-fantastic-fur-microfibre-buffing-cloth/prod_948.html

Or the WoWo set (unbeatable value too)

http://www.wo-wo.co.uk/shop/polish

And one of these perhaps

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/accessories/detailing-brushes/valet-pro-vent-dash-brush/prod_1264.html

But most importantly, a light touch