Ethan Clarke
Faded plastic trim on a car can make it look old and dated. There are several ways to restore black plastic trim and make it darker, including using a heat gun, olive oil, or black spray paint. Other methods include using a plastic restorer, such as Solution Finish Trim Restorer, or a car trim moisturiser.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permanent solutions | Paint the trim, use a plastic restorer like Solution Finish Trim Restorer, or Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer |
| Semi-permanent solutions | Use a heat gun to draw out the plastic's natural oils, then treat with olive oil, WD-40, or a trim restoration product |
| Temporary solutions | Use car trim moisturizers, or a dressing like tire shine |
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun
To use a heat gun to darken plastic trim on a car, follow these steps:
- Set the heat gun to a low or medium setting to avoid warping or damaging the plastic. Higher temperatures may cause the plastic to melt, resulting in an uneven and splotchy appearance.
- Hold the heat gun approximately 3 inches away from the plastic trim.
- Move the heat gun slowly and evenly over the surface of the trim, ensuring consistent heat distribution. Avoid holding the heat gun in one spot for too long to prevent melting or warping.
- Continue applying heat until the trim darkens to the desired shade.
- Once the desired shade is achieved, stop applying heat and allow the plastic to cool.
- (Optional) Apply a UV protectant to help maintain the results and slow down future fading.
It is important to note that the heat gun method is a temporary solution. The colour may last from a few weeks to a year or more, depending on the environment and exposure to sunlight. Additionally, repeated use of the heat gun can make the plastic more brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method sparingly and consider other products or professional solutions for more permanent results.
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Applying olive oil
Olive oil can be used to temporarily darken plastic trim on a car and add shine. This method is a quick, budget-friendly fix, but it is short-lived as it washes off easily with rain or car washes.
First, clean the plastic trim with soapy water to remove surface grime, dust, and dirt. Rinse well with clean water and wipe it dry with a microfiber towel. Next, apply a small amount of olive oil—about a coin-sized amount—to a clean microfiber towel or washcloth. You can also use extra virgin olive oil, which is the best option.
Gently rub the oiled towel on the faded plastic using small, circular motions. If the cloth becomes dirty, turn it over, apply more oil, and continue rubbing until the oil covers all the faded areas. Remember that a little goes a long way, but don't hesitate to add more oil if necessary. Allow the plastic trim to absorb the oil by letting it soak for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Finally, grab a separate dry towel and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions to remove any excess oil and prevent streaking. You can also spray the plastic with black paint to give it a new coat if the olive oil does not produce the desired results.
It is important to note that olive oil is not a permanent solution, and the trim will eventually fade again with use and exposure to the elements. To maintain the results for a more extended period, apply a UV protectant or plastic sealant to prevent sun damage.
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Using plastic restorer
Using a plastic restorer is an easy and cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your car's plastic trim. You can purchase a plastic trim restorer from an auto parts shop or online store. Most of these products are easy to apply and require minimal effort, although they can be quite pricey, ranging from $15 to $40 per bottle.
Before applying a plastic restorer, it is important to clean the plastic surface thoroughly. Wash the plastic trim with soap and water, removing as much dirt and debris as possible. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to ensure there is no residue, leaving only bare plastic. Once the plastic is clean, dry it off with a towel.
When applying the plastic restorer, follow the instructions on the product carefully. Some products may require the use of an applicator or a microfiber cloth. It is important to apply the product evenly and avoid applying too much pressure, which can lead to overspill.
After application, allow the plastic restorer to dry thoroughly. The drying time may vary depending on the product, but it can range from a few hours to overnight. Once the product is dry, inspect the plastic trim to ensure it has achieved the desired darkness and finish.
It is important to note that plastic restorers may not provide a long-lasting solution. The trim may eventually fade again due to exposure to sunlight and weather conditions. To prolong the results, you can apply a UV protectant or plastic sealant after using the plastic restorer. Regular maintenance and preventive measures, such as parking in shaded areas or using a car cover, can also help maintain the appearance of your plastic trim.
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Spray paint
Before painting, you should clean the trim to ensure the paint will adhere to the plastic. You can do this by scrubbing the trim with soapy water and a scouring pad, or using a commercial degreaser. Once the trim is clean, dry it off with a towel.
Next, you may want to apply a coat of primer spray to help the paint stick. However, this step is not always necessary and depends on the type of paint and plastic surface you are working on. If you are using an adhesion promoter, you should shake the can and hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) from the trim, spraying in slow, back-and-forth motions. If you are using a flexible plastic, wait for the adhesion promoter to dry completely before applying paint; if you are using a hard plastic, start spraying while the adhesion promoter is still wet.
Now, you are ready to apply the spray paint. Hold the can about 6 inches (15 cm) from the trim and apply the paint in slow, back-and-forth motions, ensuring that you cover the entire surface. If your trim is flexible plastic, wait for the first coat to dry before applying a second coat in the opposite direction of the first. You may need to apply a third coat if you can still see the plastic underneath.
Finally, if you want a glossy finish, apply a clear coat spray or sealant. This will also help to protect your paint from UV rays and prevent it from fading.
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Car trim moisturizers
Car Trim Moisturisers
Car trim moisturisers are products designed to restore and protect car trim from damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, rain, and road contaminants. These factors can cause the trim to fade, crack, and degrade over time, leading to a chalky finish.
One popular method of restoring car trim is through the use of a heat gun, such as the SEEKONE or CRAFTSMAN Heat Gun. These guns allow users to adjust the temperature and control the heat flow to prevent melting the plastic. While this method can restore the trim's colour temporarily, repeated applications will cause further damage.
Another option is to use a plastic restorer like Solution Finish Trim Restorer, which can restore and fix damaged plastic trim. This product can be applied using a microfiber or foam applicator, and it is recommended to apply it to a clean, cool surface in a well-ventilated area. While this method offers a short-term solution, it may not be ideal as it can stain clothing and skin.
For a more permanent solution, painting the trim is an option. Primer spray, clear coat spray, and masking tape are recommended to achieve the desired finish and protect the surrounding areas from paint stains. However, it is important to ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned before painting.
Additionally, there are trim restore kits available, such as the Wipe New® Trim Restore Kit by Rust-Oleum, which provides a vibrant finish and protection against harsh weather conditions. These kits include wipes for easy application, and it is recommended to test the product on a small area first.
Other car trim moisturizers and protectants include Nanoskin BLACK AWESOME, Nanoskin MULTI DRESS, and 3D Trim Care, which offer long-lasting protection and restore the trim's original shine.
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