| How to Remove Scuff Marks from Car Vinyl Posted: 07 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT Removing unsightly scuff marks from your car's vinyl surfaces is a simple task. You have a variety of options available, depending on the severity of the scuff. You can make your own vinegar-based cleaner or purchase a degreaser made for auto interiors. Spray your cleaner on the surface and use a magic eraser scrub pad to buff out the scuff. For deeper marks, you can order an easy to use scratch removing kit to make your vinyl panel good as new. EditUsing a Vinegar-Based Cleaner and Magic Eraser - Create a homemade vinegar-based cleaner. If you don't want to purchase a specially made degreaser or scuff remover, you can try making a homemade cleaner first. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.[1]
- Use a magic eraser to buff out scuffs. Whether a brand name or generic product, you can find magic eraser scrubbing pads at your nearest home goods, home improvement, or department store. They're the easiest and most effective pad to use when buffing out scuffed or scratched vinyl. Further, they won't wear away of the vinyl surface like a more abrasive pad would.[2]
- Spray the cleaner onto the scuffed surface and wipe. Spray enough to saturate the scuffed portion of the vinyl panel. Use the magic eraser to wipe it down using long, even strokes. Wipe away residue with a microfiber towel when you're finished.
- Try adding baking soda to your cleaning solution. For deeper or more serious scuffs, you may need a little extra abrasion. Try adding enough baking soda to form a thin paste. If you've added a cup (240 mL) each of water and vinegar, try adding two or three tablespoons of baking soda. Mix well until the baking soda is well suspended.[3]
EditUsing Degreaser on Surfaces Scuffs - Purchase an auto interior degreaser. Purchase a degreaser concentrate if you've already tried wiping the surface down with a homemade cleaner, or if you just want to use a professional-grade detailer. You can find degreasers for car interiors at your local automotive or home improvement store.[4]
- Since it's a concentrated product, you'll have to dilute the degreaser when you're ready to use it.
- Dilute your degreaser in four parts of water. If you're using a store-bought degreaser, you'll need to dilute it before using it on your car vinyl. Mix one part degreaser with four parts of water. Then pour your solution into a clean spray bottle.[5]
- Spray the scuffed surface and scrub. Spray your diluted degreaser or homemade cleaner directly onto the scuffed vinyl.[6] Scrub with your magic eraser using smooth, even motions until you've removed the scuff.[7]
- For tight spaces that you can't spray directly, you can spray the scrub pad. If the space is too tight for the scrub pad to access, try using a hard bristle toothbrush.
- Replace your pad as necessary. The vinyl surface texture will determine the number of scrub pads you'll need. Smoother surfaces will most likely require only a single pad. If the texture is rougher or more rubberized, you'll likely wear through a pad and will need to replace it as necessary until you've removed the scuff.[8]
- Wipe away residue with a microfiber towel. When you've finished buffing out the scuff, you'll be left with residual cleaner and light debris. Wipe it away using a dry microfiber cloth. Using microfiber will leave you with a lint-free finish.[9]
EditDealing with Deeper Scuffs and Scratches - Purchase a complete scratch removing kit. Consider purchasing a professional kit if the scuff is more than just superficial or if you're dealing with scratched vinyl. The kit will include a glue to fill in the deep scuff or scratch, an activator to dry the glue, and a dye that matches your vinyl color.[10]
- You can order a scratch removal kit online for about 50 US dollars. Your kit will come with a factory-matched dye to blend in with your vinyl color. When you order your kit, you can search for your car's make and model to identify the correct vinyl color.[11]
- Sand the scratched area. Use a piece of 220 grit sandpaper to smooth over the scratch or deep scuff. Try to remove any roughness around the scratch so its edges are flush with the vinyl surface.[12]
- Some scratch removal kits provide sandpaper. If you don't have any fine grain sandpaper on hand, you can check kits' contents before ordering and purchase one that supplies sandpaper.
- Clean the area after sanding. Wipe down the area with a damp cloth. If the area is greasy or grimy, clean it with a homemade vinegar solution or store-bought auto interior cleaner. Use a clean microfiber towel to dry the area.[13]
- Apply glue to the scratch and spread. If the area is still at all damp after wiping it down with microfiber, wait for it to dry completely before applying glue. Dab a small amount of the superglue that came in the scratch removal kit. Smooth the glue over the scratch using a narrow palette knife.[14]
- If your kit provided a glue activator, apply it over the glue to instantly harden it.
- Sand and clean the glue when it's dry. If you haven't used an activator, wait for the glue to dry completely. Use your 220 grit sandpaper to smooth over the glued surface. Then wipe down the area with a damp cloth, and dry it with a microfiber towel.[15]
- Apply multiple light coats of factory-matched dye. The dye will come in an aerosol sprayer. Spray a light, even coat over the patched area, and hold a piece of cardboard under the area to help protect surrounding surfaces. Wait for the dye to dry, and reapply until you've achieved even coverage.[16]
- If you have a heat gun handy, you can use it to dry the dye faster. Hold it about 12 inches (about 30 cm) away from the dyed surface.
EditThings You'll Need - White vinegar
- Clean spray bottle
- Magic eraser scrub pad
- Microfiber towel
- Auto interior degreaser
- Auto interior scratch removal kit (including superglue and factory-matched plastic dye)
- Fine grit sandpaper
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| How to Choose an Eye Cream or Balm Posted: 07 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other areas. Your eye area is prone to puffiness, dryness, fine lines, and dark circles. To combat these issues, try using an eye cream or balm to soothe and hydrate your eye area. Depending on your skin care needs, you may opt for an eye cream or an eye balm. Once you find the right product for you, you can then learn how to apply it correctly. EditSelecting an Eye Cream - Look for an eye cream with retinol for fine lines. Retinol and vitamin A can help your skin cells regenerate and stimulate collagen production. This will improve any fine lines or wrinkles in your eye area. These ingredients can also help to reverse sun damage around your eyes, such as sun spots.[1]
- Only use a small amount of eye cream with retinol and vitamin A on your skin, as applying too much can make your skin sensitive or irritated.
- Retinol can make your skin sensitive to the sun so always apply sunscreen on your eye area after you have applied the eye cream and before going into the sun.
- Look for eye cream that contains SPF, especially if it also contains retinol and vitamin A. This will ensure your skin is protected from sun damage.
- Choose an eye cream that is soothing for puffiness. Undereye puffiness occurs when fluid builds up in this area, causing swelling. You may get undereye puffiness due to allergies, a lack of sleep, or a poor diet. Eye cream that contains caffeine or cucumber can help to reduce swelling.[2]
- Eye creams that contain ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, coconut oil, chamomile, and licorice root can also be good for reducing puffiness and swelling.
- Go for an eye cream that will reduce dark circles. If you tend to get dark circles under your eyes, look for an eye cream that contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and caffeine. Cucumber and kojic acid are also good ingredients for reducing dark circles.[3]
- You should also look for an eye cream that contains light-reflecting ingredients. This will help to brighten up this area.
- Pick an eye cream based on your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for an eye cream that does not contain oil. If you have dry skin, look for a moisturizing eye cream (or eye balm). If you have combination skin, look for an eye cream that will suit both oily and dry skin.
- Make your own eye cream. If you'd prefer to save money on eye cream, make your own at home. Make an eye cream to reduce undereye circles with cucumber, mint, aloe vera, and almond oil. Or try an eye cream made with ground coffee, olive oil, and beeswax to reduce fine lines around your eyes.
EditChoosing an Eye Balm - Use an eye balm for dry skin. Unlike eye creams, eye balms do not contain water. Eye balms are usually wax-based, which means they form a protective barrier on your skin and keep your skin hydrated. If you struggle with dry skin around your eyes, an eye balm is for you.[4]
- Though you can try an eye cream for dryness, eye balms may be more effective. Some eye creams contain thickeners, preservatives, and additives that can actually make your skin even more dry.
- Look for an eye balm made with natural, non-irritating ingredients. Use an eye cream that contains shea butter, jojoba oil, and beeswax. Check that the eye balm is all natural and made of moisturizing ingredients.[5]
- Look for eye balms that contain natural herbs like mint and rosemary, as they can be soothing for dry skin.
- Avoid eye balms with harmful ingredients. Stay away from eye creams that contain fragrance, as they can end up drying out your skin more. Check that the eye balm contains no additives, preservatives, or chemicals. Avoid eye balms that contain alcohol, as they can irritate and dry out your skin.[6]
EditApplying the Eye Cream or Balm - Apply the eye cream in the morning or at night. Get in the habit of applying the eye cream or balm regularly. Put it on in the morning before you start your day. Or, apply it at night before bed so the ingredients can be absorbed into your skin while you sleep.
- Try to integrate the eye cream or balm as part of your beauty routine. Apply it once a day and as needed so you can start to see improvements in your eye area.
- Use a press and release motion to apply the product. To apply the eye cream or balm, begin by applying small dabs under your eye. Use a clean finger to press down lightly on the cream and apply it in a smooth swiping motion. Work from the inside of your eye to the outside of your eye.[7]
- Make sure you apply the eye cream to the inner corner of your eye below your eyebrow on your upper lid as well. Work outward from the inside of your eye.
- Store the eye cream in the refrigerator. Keep the eye cream or balm nice and cool by storing it in the fridge. This will help to preserve the cream or balm, especially if it's all natural. It will also feel good to apply the cold cream or balm to your eye area. This may be ideal if you are trying to soothe dry skin or puffiness around your eyes.[8]
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| How to Deal with Insincere Compliments Posted: 07 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT "Lisa, congrats on your wedding! It was beautiful! Maybe now we can actually focus on work during office hours rather than gushing about wedding planning details, eh?" Many of us have been on the receiving end of a seemingly well-intended compliment—seemingly being the operative term because, in truth, the person was merely sugarcoating a below-the-belt jab. Learn how to deal with insincere compliments by responding appropriately, managing future interactions with the person, and distinguishing veiled offenses from truly genuine compliments. EditResponding to the Compliment - Say "thank you." If you are tempted to respond impulsively with a remark that could come back to harm you, it may be in your best interest to reply simply as if the person was entirely sincerely. Tell the person "thank you" even if you're sure the compliment wasn't altogether genuine.
- Thank the person for the positive portion of the compliment and ignoring the rest. For example, your sister says "Geez, you've lost a lot of weight! You look good! At one point you were so much bigger than me!" You might reply with "Thanks, I'm glad my hard work is starting to show."[1]
- It is likely very hard to not respond to hurtful comments mixed into the "compliment". This sort of approach is best for situations in which responding in a more frank and forthright manner is not advisable. For example, a superior at work or your sibling at a family gathering.
- Smile and carry on. In other words, ignore the masked insult and continue what you were doing. There's no need to allow the person to get under your skin. Ignoring them with a polite smile will send the message that you won't engage in the exchange, it does not have the desired effect on you (upsetting you, humilating you, manipulating you). Plus on the off chance the compliment was actually sincere, you won't have waged war on an innocent person.[2]
- Ask the person to explain what he or she means. If you have an acquaintance who regularly offers insincere compliments, you might choose to confront them by having them really explain what is meant by the statement. This will force the individual to confront his or her words, and have to justify them. This will often make a person uncomfortable with his or her actions and re-think interactions.
- Be specific in your example. For example, "Thank you for noticing I cleaned the kitchen, but what do you mean by saying, 'it's nice to see a person like you doing that?'" Rather than, "Thank you for noticing I cleaned the kitchen, but the rest of that statement is garbage." Being specific in the insincere compliment makes it harder to just blow off as a mistaken word or phrase.
- Particularly manipulative individuals, or those good at coming up with excuses on the spot may be able to navigate this tactic. Even still, it is worth trying, as it will indicate you are aware of the behavior and question it.
- Keep in mind that the person may not even be aware that they are giving negative compliments if this is their normal way of interacting, so you may be doing them a favor by pointing this out to them.
- You might say, "Ben, I notice that you make a lot of remarks about my work. At first glance, they appear positive, but I noticed you keep commenting about my punctuality. I'm really unclear on why you keep talking about it because you know I take the bus and have little control over when it arrives. Can you explain?"[3]
- Occasionally an individual does not really understand he or she is giving insincere compliments. This can happen if a parent modelled this behavior, he or she was not allowed to voice feelings directly, or some mental illnesses. It is still not OK, but it can be a learned behavior.
- The person might respond with a sincere apology, which you can choose to accept. Or not.
- People may become defensive and make up excuses or the like. This is a sign that he or she knows it is wrong but is not ready to own up to it.
- Request that they stop. Sometimes just confronting the individual with his or her statements or enough, but requesting that they stop is an even stronger statement. Do so under the pretense of modesty and the person will be none the wiser.
- For instance, say something along the lines of "Please stop with the compliments, Tina. I'm just doing my job." Or, you might deflect the praise to others by saying, "I wasn't the only one who worked on this project. Praise the rest of the team—not just me."[4]
EditProtecting Yourself - Don't give in to any subsequent requests. As sad as it is to believe, some praisers are merely doing so to set you up for a request or favor in the future. They've played into the concept that "flattery will get you everywhere" and may be complimenting you to win approval or even forgiveness for some wrongdoing.[5]
- If a person continually lays on the praise, be wary of any demands they may ask of you in the future. False flattery is actually a disguised form of emotional manipulation: the person is buttering you up to get their way. Distance yourself from the person, if possible. If not, avoid letting them get their way with you.
- Own your feelings. Whether you're delighted because you were recognized or secretly pissed because the person's adoration is dishonest, take time to feel what you're feeling. Don't ignore the way you are feeling, or this may begin to chip away at your self-esteem, especially if you do not do something to create boundaries with the person. Own your emotions, but don't let them get to your head.[6]
- An insincere compliment can bring up feelings of shame or self-doubt. Give yourself a time-out if needed to collect yourself. Take a few deep breaths to cool off. Remind yourself of your positive traits, or call up an authentic friend who will help you see the positives.
- Boost your self-esteem. If someone thought you'd fall prey to false flattery, they may see you as lacking self-esteem. They assumed that by merely throwing a disingenuous compliment your way, you'd give in to their demands or view them favorably. If you tend to rollover after false praise, you may need to work on your confidence.[7]
- Boost your self-esteem by making the most of accomplishments and failures. Use accomplishments to help you acknowledge and affirm your abilities. Use failure to help you pinpoint weaknesses for future growth.
- Stop comparing yourself to the people around you. This is a surefire way to make your confidence suffer. Know that you have something unique to offer the world that no one else can.[8]
- Try something new. Developing and honing new skills can help you build self-efficacy and start to believe in your abilities. Go back to school and further your education. Or, ask your boss for some on-the-job training in a new area.
- Try reading a confidence boosting audiobook if your self-esteem becomes a constant problem for you and you begin taking things too personally. One good option is The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Dr. Nathaniel Branden.
EditSpotting False Flattery or Insincere Praise - Determine if you were meant to hear the compliment. It may be wise to take a step back and truly assess the context of an accolade you are suspicious of. Did you overhear the compliment? If you did, it's a chance the person was actually being genuine.
- Think about it. There's no reason for the person to use sarcasm or false flattery if you weren't even meant to hear the remark. If you heard others exchanging nice words about you, consider that they were earnest.
- Check the content of the compliment. Most compliments that are disingenuous fall into a few categories. They are made in tones of mockery; they are over-the-top; they are inappropriate for the relationship; or they occur too frequently. If the praise you received meets any of these criteria, you may need to pay closer attention to this person.[9]
- Reflect on your previous relationship with the person. Consider whether the behavior is out of the norm for the person. If so, then they may have an agenda. You can sniff out an underlying agenda after receiving praise by determining what the other person could possibly have to gain. Think about your interactions with this person over the past several days or weeks. Study the person to determine what their motives might be. Has something occurred between you and this person that would warrant groveling, or worse envy?
- False flattery is more likely to occur after a fall out when the person is seeking forgiveness, or when you are in a position of status and the person is hoping for a leg up.[10]
- Similarly, insincere praise may also arise in the midst of competitive workplaces or after you have received recognition the other person was coveting.
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