Chloe Zhang
Black plastic bumpers on cars are prone to fading and discolouration over time. Sunlight is the main culprit, with UV rays dehydrating the plastic and degrading it on a molecular level. Luckily, there are several ways to restore black plastic bumpers to their former glory.
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What You'll Learn
Wash and dry the plastic surface
To keep plastic bumpers black, it is important to wash and dry the plastic surface before applying any restoration products. This will help the product absorb better into the plastic.
Firstly, wash the plastic surface with soap and warm water. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the plastic, removing any dirt, debris, or residue. Pay special attention to areas that are particularly dirty or stained. Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently in warm water to avoid re-applying dirt to the surface.
Next, dry the plastic surface thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth. Ensure no water streaks are left behind, as these may cause an uneven application of the restoration product. You may use a hairdryer or fan to speed up the drying process, but ensure it is on a low, cool setting to avoid damaging the plastic.
Once the surface is completely dry, you may wish to wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints or smudges on the plastic. You may also tape off the surrounding area to protect it from any restoration product application.
Now that the plastic surface is clean and dry, you are ready to apply your chosen restoration product, such as olive oil, peanut butter, or a specialized plastic restoration product.
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Apply olive oil or plastic moisturiser
Black plastic bumpers can turn grey, crack, fade, or deteriorate when exposed to harsh sunlight and unpredictable weather. Sunlight is the main culprit, as UV rays dehydrate the plastic and degrade it on a molecular level.
One way to restore black plastic bumpers is to apply olive oil or plastic moisturiser. Olive oil can restore black plastic's natural colour, clearing up any faded or discoloured areas. To do this, first wash and dry the plastic surface. The olive oil will absorb best into a clean surface. If the plastic is dirty, wash it with soap and warm water, then dry it off with a towel. Next, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a cloth. You can use a dry microfiber towel. Then, 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 keep rubbing until the oil is covering all the faded areas. Don't hesitate to add more oil if necessary, but keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Allow the plastic trim to absorb the oil by letting it soak for five to ten minutes. Finally, grab a separate dry towel and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions. Turn the towel over and give it a final buff.
The shiny, black finish provided by this method will fade after repeated washings or weather exposure, so make sure to re-apply oil at least weekly to keep bumpers and trim looking new while getting much-needed protection from harsh UV rays.
If you would prefer to use a product made specifically for cars, you can apply most black plastic moisturisers in a similar way to olive oil. You can buy car trim moisturisers at most automotive stores. Read the specific instructions carefully before applying the product.
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Use a heat gun or hair dryer
Using a heat gun or hair dryer is an effective way to restore black plastic bumpers. This method is ideal for car trims and bumpers, but it should not be used on black plastic attached to flammable materials. Before applying heat, ensure the plastic surface is clean and dry. Wash the object with soap and warm water, removing as much dirt as possible. Dry it off with a towel.
When using a heat gun, hold it several inches away from the surface. Power on the heat gun and move it in small circles around the discoloured plastic. Avoid keeping the heat gun in one place for too long, as this can cause uneven colouring and potentially burn the plastic. It is recommended to test the heat gun on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure you are satisfied with the colour change. Turn off the heat gun and inspect the new colour of the plastic. As you apply heat, you should see the plastic change to a darker, richer colour.
Using a hair dryer to restore black plastic bumpers is a similar process. Ensure the hair dryer is set to a high heat setting and move it in small circles around the discoloured plastic, avoiding keeping it in one place for too long. This method may take longer than a heat gun, but it can be effective in restoring the colour of the plastic.
It is important to note that using a heat gun or hair dryer on plastic may only be a temporary solution. The effect may last for about a week, and repeated applications could further damage the plastic.
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Apply a plastic restorer or sealant
To keep your plastic bumpers black, you can apply a plastic restorer or sealant. There are several products on the market designed to restore black plastic trim pieces to their former glory while also providing a protective layer.
Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel is one such product, and Swissvax's Pneu is another, more expensive option. Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer is a pricier choice that, according to the manufacturer, lasts up to two years. For a more affordable option, you can try Mothers Back in Black, which costs $11 a bottle and can be used multiple times.
If you are looking for a more natural solution, olive oil can be used to restore black plastic. Simply rub a coin-sized amount of olive oil into the plastic using a washcloth or paper towel. After a few minutes, buff with a dry cloth to remove any excess oil.
For a longer-lasting solution, you can use a plastic restorer like Solution Finish Black Plastic Restorer, which works to fix damaged plastic rather than just dressing it. Before applying the product, use IPA 70-90% (Isopropyl Alcohol) to remove any cleaners, oils, or silicones from the plastic. Then, shake the bottle well and apply a small amount to an applicator pad or microfiber sponge. Spread a thin coat over the area in an even motion, covering the area completely. Allow the solution to penetrate for 3-4 minutes, then use a clean microfiber towel to buff off any excess and wipe off any glass or paint. For the best results, apply to a clean, cool surface in a well-ventilated area, and do not wash the treated area for at least 12 hours afterward.
To provide additional UV protection, you can use a plastic sealant like Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer. This product can be used as a standalone treatment on new or well-maintained plastics or as a topper for plastics that have been restored with a trim restorer. It protects plastic trim from harmful UV rays, preventing fading and deterioration.
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Spray paint as a last resort
If you've tried other methods to restore your plastic bumpers, such as olive oil, peanut butter, or off-the-shelf products, and nothing has worked, you may consider spray painting as a last resort. While it is not the preferred method, as plastic bumpers are meant to be bare plastic, it can be an effective solution for restoring the black colour.
Before you start spray painting, it is important to clean and prepare the surface. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris by washing the bumper with soap and water. Dry it off with a towel, and consider using a product like IPA 70-90% (Isopropyl Alcohol) to remove any remaining cleaners, oils, or silicones from the plastic. It is also important to note that you should either remove the bumper from the vehicle or mask the surrounding areas very well to avoid overspray.
When choosing a spray paint, look for a product specifically designed for plastic bumpers, such as SEM Trim Black or Rustoleum black trim and bumper paint. These products will help you achieve a sleek, black finish that looks like new. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully, as some may require light sanding before painting.
After spray painting, it is important to protect your work. Consider using a clear primer or a product like Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer to protect the paint from fading and chipping and to provide a protective layer against UV rays. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying any additional products.
While spray painting can be an effective solution for restoring black plastic bumpers, it may not be a permanent solution. The paint may eventually fade or chip, and you may need to repeat the process. Additionally, always test the paint on an inconspicuous area first to ensure you are happy with the colour and finish.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bumpers fade due to exposure to sunlight and UV rays.
You can use a plastic restorer, such as Solution Finish Black Plastic Restorer, to prevent your plastic bumper from fading. You can also use a plastic trim moisturiser, or a natural oil like olive oil or boiled linseed oil.
You can use a heat gun on the discoloured area, or paint the bumper with black spray paint.
You can use products such as Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax's Pneu, Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer, SEM Trim Black, or Rustoleum Black Trim and Bumper Paint.
