Shifter console protection

[Armiger]

My search-fu must be failing because certainly somebody had to ask this before.

I just picked up a 2016 Limited last night (MGM, redwood interior, 18" shoes to be installed later this week...thanks for asking!), and notice that it has one feature that is different from just about every 4runner pic that I've seen: the silver plastic on the shifter console lacks a bunch of scratches.

Is there a protective coating, clear sheet or something similar that I can apply to the console to keep it scratch free? Any easy solutions?

 

[wiley81db]

you should be able to get a clear sheet if it is what you want. should be easy to cut out with an xacto knife

 

[4funrunner]

Get the clear 3m cover like what they use for the clear nose mask

 

[2000se]

Or you could just carve your name into it like a boss!

 

[mahdits]

I had bought some Ultimate Xpel film by the foot for me to custom cut some door cups for various cars.
Figured I'd try it to also keep my dog from scratching my console up like he did in my last car.
Real easy to cut to fit, put piece over area and carefully with sharp utility knife cut out where needed, maybe not as good as a pro would do but not as concerned with looks just the protection, as my last car took a beating.
Also put it on the back storage areas where stuff would move/roll around and scratch up the plastic.

https://www.xpel.com/products/xpel_ultimate_paint_protection_film.asp

 

[Armiger]

How shiny is the finished product? This sounds like the easiest approach, assuming I take it slowly.

I'm also considering removing the console panel and spraying it with a semigloss clear coat (or maybe clear plastidip?). However, I don't know if that might lead to bubbling or damage to the plastic surface. Anybody have experience with that?