Maya Ellison
Black plastic on cars can become faded and discoloured over time due to exposure to sunlight, harsh weather, and debris. While there are various methods to restore black plastic trim, not all methods are permanent solutions. Here are some ways to blackout plastic on your car and restore its original colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Regularly clean the car's plastic surface with a soapy sponge and use protective products |
| Causes of fading | Prolonged exposure to sunlight, harsh weather, and road debris |
| Temporary DIY fixes | Olive oil, WD-40, peanut butter, heat gun |
| Permanent fixes | High-quality trim restorer, Bumper & Trim Gel, BLACKOUT, Solution Finish Trim Restorer, Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer |
| Plasti dip | Matte black spray |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic trim thoroughly to remove dirt and grime
To blackout plastic on your car, you must first clean the plastic trim thoroughly to remove dirt and grime. This is an essential step to achieving an even and smooth finish. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, remove any large debris, such as cinders, dirt, or crumbs, from the trim areas by hand or with a vacuum cleaner. This step ensures that you get rid of any visible and large particles that can get in the way of the cleaning process.
Next, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the plastic trim. The cloth should be slightly moist, not dripping wet. Gently wipe the trim, focusing on removing dust and any remaining small debris. Microfiber cloths are ideal for this task as they are designed to attract and trap dust molecules, ensuring a thorough clean.
If your trim has stains or old coatings, it is recommended to use a prep wash or an all-purpose cleaner before proceeding. This step will ensure that any stubborn dirt, grime, or coatings are removed, leaving you with a clean surface to work on. Rinse the trim with clean water to remove any soap residue and ensure that the surface is free of any cleaning solutions.
Once the trim is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, dry it with a lint-free cloth or let it air dry. This step is crucial as you want to ensure that the trim is completely dry before applying any blackout products.
Additionally, it is good practice to clean and treat your plastic trim regularly, such as before the start of each season or at least once a month if your car is often parked under direct sunlight. Regular maintenance will help prevent the build-up of dirt and grime, making the cleaning process easier and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your car.
By following these steps, you will effectively clean the plastic trim on your car, ensuring that it is free of dirt and grime, and preparing it for any blackout treatments you plan to apply.
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Use a product like BLACKOUT, a ceramic resin infused polymer
BLACKOUT is a ceramic resin-infused polymer that can be used to restore the trim on your car. It is designed to help faded trim look new again and keep it looking good for months.
To use BLACKOUT, first ensure that the surface to be coated is clean and free of any old waxes, oils, grease, or any other contaminants that could interfere with proper application. You can use a panel prep such as an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution or a dedicated wax and grease remover. As with any coating, the better you prepare the surface, the better the end result.
Once the surface is prepared, shake the bottle of BLACKOUT and apply a small amount to an applicator pad. Coat the entire surface, let it soak in for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess. If you would like to apply additional coats, wait a couple of hours between coats. Allow 24 hours for the final coat to fully cure. Note that multiple coats may be required on extremely dried-out, faded trim, especially porous plastics, as they can soak up more product.
In addition to BLACKOUT, there are other methods to restore black plastic trim on your car. These include using a heat gun, olive oil, WD-40, or peanut butter. However, these methods may only provide temporary improvements, and a high-quality trim restorer like BLACKOUT will provide more effective and lasting results.
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Apply a UV protectant to maintain results
Once you've achieved the desired look for your car's plastic trim, it's important to protect it from the elements. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, harsh weather, and road debris can cause plastic trim to fade and turn a dull, grey colour. To prevent this, you can apply a UV protectant to maintain the trim's colour and shine.
UV protectants are designed to shield your car's interior from the harmful effects of UV rays. They typically contain UV-blocking agents that create a barrier between the interior materials and the sun's rays, preventing damage and preserving the aesthetics of your car. By using a UV protectant, you can extend the lifespan of your car's interior, maintaining its beauty and functionality.
There are various UV protectant products available on the market, such as sprays, wipes, or coatings. These products are easy to apply and require no special skills. Before applying the UV protectant, ensure that the interior of your car is clean and free of dust, dirt, and grime. Pay extra attention to areas exposed to direct sunlight, as these are more susceptible to UV damage.
When applying the UV protectant, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, you will spray or wipe the product evenly onto the interior surfaces. Use a clean cloth or applicator to spread the product, ensuring an even coating. Regular maintenance is key to maintaining protection. Reapply the product as recommended by the manufacturer to keep your car's interior looking its best.
By taking the time to apply a UV protectant to your car's plastic trim, you can prevent fading and maintain the sleek, blacked-out look you've achieved. Not only will your car look better, but you'll also be preserving the functionality and longevity of your car's interior materials.
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Plasti dip: Tape a box around the area, then peel off
Plasti Dip is a great option for blacking out plastic on your car as it is removable and peels off easily. It is similar to spray paint but better as it dries with a rubberized texture and protects against the elements. If you mess up, it is infinitely forgivable, allowing you to experiment with customizing your car without causing permanent damage.
To use Plasti Dip to black out your car, start by cleaning and drying the area you will be working on. Make sure all dirt, dead bugs, and other debris are removed to ensure a smooth finish. You can either clean the entire car or just the spot and the surrounding area. Once the area is clean, let it air dry or use a lint-free cloth to dry it.
The next step is to tape off the area you want to black out. One method is to tape a box around the desired spot, leaving about an inch and a half of space to give you something to hold on to. Make sure you cover the surrounding area to protect it from overspray. You can use painter's tape, masking tape, or newspaper and cardboard to mask off the area.
After taping off the area, you can start spraying the Plasti Dip. Apply more than you think you need, as thicker Plasti Dip is more durable and easier to peel off. Allow plenty of time for each coat to dry before applying additional coats for the best results. Remember to apply Plasti Dip in an area that is out of direct sunlight and avoid extreme temperatures or windy and rainy conditions.
Once you have applied enough coats and are satisfied with the results, carefully remove the tape. Pull the tape away from the painted area to avoid pulls in the Plasti Dip. If the Plasti Dip does not come off easily with the tape, let it dry a little longer or use a utility knife to carefully separate it from the tape.
Finally, inspect your work and clean up any excess Plasti Dip or overspray. Use a minimally abrasive paper towel to wipe away any overspray, being careful not to rub the finished product to avoid leaving paper towel residue.
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Use a heat gun to bring out the natural oils
Using a heat gun is a popular method to restore the colour of black plastic trims on cars. The heat gun method works by bringing out the natural oils in black plastic and restoring its lustre. However, it is not a permanent fix as the natural oils will eventually deplete again.
Before using a heat gun, cover nearby non-plastic objects with a flame-resistant tarp, as heat guns can warp or discolour the surfaces of non-plastic items. If the plastic is attached to something flammable, do not use a heat gun.
To use the heat gun, hold it about 3 inches away from the plastic surface and use a high-heat setting. After heat treatment, you can treat the plastic with automatic transmission oil to restore shine.
The heat gun method is temporary and will eventually fade again. A new heat cycle can be applied to bring the oils back to the surface, but this can only be done a few times until there are no oils left in the plastic.
There are conflicting opinions on what exactly the heat gun is doing to the plastic. Some say it is releasing oils, while others say it is leaching pigment, releasing moisture, or melting the surface. The exact mechanism of how the heat gun works is still not definitively understood.
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Frequently asked questions
Some inexpensive ways to blackout your car windows include using black spray paint, black bed sheets, black poster board, cardboard, or tin foil.
If you are willing to spend more money, you can use blackout curtains, or removable blackout shades made from Reflectix, foam board, or sheet styrene/ABS plastic.
Yes, there are legal issues to consider when blacking out your car windows. Each state has different laws regarding window tinting, and most laws only allow a maximum of 15% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) for rear windows. Blackout tints can cause impaired vision and obstruct rescue operations during accidents.
