Chloe Zhang
Faded plastic trim on your car can be an unsightly problem, but there are several ways to restore it to its former glory. The discolouration is often caused by exposure to sunlight, which can cause photo-oxidation, turning the plastic from black to grey. Luckily, there are many products available to restore the trim, such as Autoglym’s Bumper and Trim Gel, or Turtle Wax's Black in a Flash Trim and Tyre Wax gel. If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you can also paint the trim with a product like ColorBond Pro Tech Trim Color paint, which is designed to bond to automotive trim.
How to paint faded plastic trim
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for fading | Oxidation due to exposure to sunlight, UV rays, and oxygen |
| Prevention | Regular maintenance and protection from UV rays |
| Restoration products | ColorBond Pro Tech Trim Color, Back to Black by Mothers, Black in a Flash Trim and Tyre Wax gel, Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax's Pneu, Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer, boiled linseed oil, peanut butter |
| Restoration methods | Clean the surface, apply heat, use chemical solutions, paint, respray |
| Tools | Heat gun, microfibre towel, foam applicator, tape, sandpaper, pressure washer |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning the surface
Before you begin the process of painting faded plastic trim, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that you are left with a smooth, even finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the surface of faded plastic trim before painting:
Firstly, wash the plastic trim to remove any dirt, grime, or residue. You can use a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as a powerful car wash solution, or a simple soap and water mixture. Ensure that you rinse the trim thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Next, you may need to remove any loose paint or oxidation from the surface. This can be done with a heat gun, which will bring the oils in the plastic to the surface and reduce the appearance of oxidation. However, it is important to exercise caution when using a heat gun, as too much heat can warp the plastic and damage surrounding paint and rubber. Test this method on an inconspicuous area first. Alternatively, you can use a product like ColorBond Prep Cleaner or an off-the-shelf chemical solution specifically designed to remove oxidation from plastic trim.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you may need to sand it lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. This step will also help to remove any remaining loose paint or oxidation. Use a gentle hand to avoid damaging the plastic.
Finally, wipe down the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris created during the sanding process. You can also use a product like IPA to soften any remaining residue and ensure the surface is completely clean. At this point, the plastic trim should be ready for painting, but always follow the specific instructions of your chosen paint product.
By following these steps, you will effectively clean and prepare the surface of faded plastic trim, ensuring that the new paint adheres properly and that the final result is smooth and even.
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Using a heat gun
The exact mechanism behind why this treatment works is still debated. Some people believe that the heat gun is releasing oils, while others suggest it is leaching pigment or releasing moisture. It is also possible that the heat is melting the surface of the plastic, allowing it to flow and pool, which can result in an obvious spot that looks glossier than the rest of the trim. This melting can make the plastic more brittle and increase the chances of it cracking or breaking.
The duration of the results from heat gun treatment varies widely, from as little as a few weeks to up to a year or more. The variability in the duration is likely due to the specific chemical makeup of the plastic, as well as the environment and exposure to sunlight. It is worth noting that this treatment can only be done a few times before the plastic becomes too brittle.
Before attempting to use a heat gun on faded plastic trim, it is recommended to prepare the area by using heat-reflective material to protect surrounding paint and prevent damage. Additionally, it is important to discern that the plastic was made using the hydroforming method, as this process involves impregnating colour pigments into the plastic, which can be affected by the heat gun treatment.
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Applying a restoration product
Before applying a restoration product, it is important to clean the plastic trim to remove any dirt or grime that may affect the restoration process. You can use a product like Turtle Wax's M.A.X.-Power Car Wash for this step. Once the trim is clean, you can tape off the surrounding areas to protect them from any smudging or overspill.
There are several restoration products available that are specifically designed to restore faded plastic trim. These products can be found at your local auto parts store or online. Some popular options include Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax's Pneu, and Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer. These products can be applied with a microfibre towel or foam applicator, working them into the surface in a side-to-side, overlapping motion to ensure even coverage. It is important to follow the specific instructions on the product you choose, as some may require multiple coats or have different drying times.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you can consider respraying the trim with a paint specifically designed for plastic bumpers and trim pieces. Before painting, it is important to remove any loose paint and clean the surface with a product like ColorBond Prep Cleaner. You can then mask any areas you don't want to be painted and lightly sand the trim with 1200-grit wet-dry sandpaper. Finally, you can apply a light mist coat of paint, such as ColorBond Pro Tech Trim Color, adding additional coats as necessary.
Another option for restoring faded plastic trim is to use a heat gun to bring the oils in the plastic to the surface, reducing the appearance of oxidation. However, this method should be approached with caution as too much heat can warp the plastic and damage surrounding paint and rubber. It is always recommended to test any restoration method on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause further damage.
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Using oil
One of the most common oils used for this purpose is boiled linseed oil, which can be found at your local hardware store in the paint section. Linseed oil is a natural oil extracted from flaxseed, and it helps to "moisturize" the surface of the plastic, hiding the whitish/grey oxidation. To use this method, pour the boiled linseed oil on a clean white cloth and rub it onto the plastic trim. Remove any excess oil and allow it to dry. This method will need to be repeated over time as the linseed oil wears off and is not UV-proof.
Another option is to use a 50/50 mixture of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner. The paint thinner helps to improve the drying time and adds a layer of protection to the trim. Before applying this mixture, it is important to clean the surface of the trim with a wax remover or 90%+ isopropyl alcohol solution. This method can be used to restore the vibrancy of the plastic without resorting to paint, but it is not a permanent solution and will need to be reapplied over time.
For a quicker and more budget-friendly fix, you can use household oils like olive oil or even peanut butter. Peanut butter contains natural oils that can darken faded trim, but it can be a messy and smelly process. To use this method, apply smooth peanut butter to a clean microfiber cloth and rub it into the trim in circular motions. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before buffing it off with a dry towel. Similarly, olive oil can be applied to the trim to temporarily darken the plastic and add shine. However, these oil-based solutions are short-lived and can easily wash off with rain or car washes.
While using a heat gun to apply heat to the plastic trim can help draw out the oils and temporarily restore its colour, it should be done with caution as too much heat can warp the plastic and damage surrounding paint.
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Painting
There are several products available on the market specifically designed to restore black plastic trim. For example, Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel or Swissvax's more expensive 'Pneu' will restore black plastic trim pieces to their original condition while also providing a protective layer. These products will not damage any paintwork if there is overspill. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you can also use a paint specifically intended for bumpers and other plastic trim pieces, which can be found at your local car parts store.
Before painting, it is important to remove any loose paint from the trim. Additionally, you can lightly sand the trim with 1200-grit wet-dry sandpaper to help the paint adhere better. If you are using a spray paint, it is recommended to apply it in light, mist coats, adding additional coats as necessary.
Another method to restore faded plastic trim is to use a heat gun. This method works by bringing the oils in the plastic to the surface, reducing the appearance of oxidation. However, caution must be taken when using a heat gun as too much heat can warp the plastic and damage surrounding paint and rubber. It is best to test this method on an inconspicuous area first.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to restore faded plastic trim. You can use products specifically designed to restore trim, such as Autoglym’s Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax’s Pneu, or Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer. You can also use household products such as peanut butter, boiled linseed oil, or bleach. If the trim is too far gone, you may need to repaint it.
You can use products specifically designed to restore trim, such as Autoglym’s Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax’s Pneu, or Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer. You can also use household products such as peanut butter, boiled linseed oil, or bleach.
First, wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grime. Then, tape off the surrounding areas to avoid smudging. Finally, apply the product to the surface of the trim using a cloth, microfibre towel, or foam applicator.
To paint faded plastic trim, start by removing any loose paint and cleaning the surface. Then, mask any areas you don't want to be painted. Finally, apply a light mist coat of paint, such as ColorBond Pro Tech Trim Color, and add additional coats as necessary.
