Alexei Volkov
Plastic car mouldings are prone to damage from harsh weather conditions, road contaminants, and UV rays. Over time, plastic car parts can fade, crack, and dry out, requiring costly replacements. To prevent this, it is important to regularly clean and protect plastic trim and mouldings. This can be done through the application of protectants, dressings, or waxes, which provide a protective coating against UV rays, fading, and oxidation. Additionally, when painting or powder coating plastic car parts, it is crucial to follow the proper procedures to avoid overspray and ensure a durable finish. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help keep plastic mouldings in good condition and reduce the risk of melting due to sun exposure.
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What You'll Learn
Wash plastic mouldings with a high-quality soap and mitt
To protect your car's plastic mouldings, it is important to regularly wash and detail them. Over time, unprotected plastic mouldings can become damaged by the sun's harsh UV rays, road salts, bugs, and other oxidizing contaminants. This can cause the plastic to dry out, crack, and become cloudy, faded, and brittle. Washing your plastic mouldings with a high-quality soap and mitt will help to remove built-up dust, dirt, debris, and surface impurities, keeping them in good condition.
When washing your car, use a high-quality wash mitt made from microfiber or foam, which is soft and gentle on plastic surfaces. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch and damage the plastic. Choose a pH-balanced car wash soap or shampoo that is designed for use on automotive plastic. Avoid using regular dish soap or household cleaners, as these may be too harsh and strip away any protective coatings on the plastic.
Work in small sections, focusing on one area at a time. Apply a small amount of soap to the mitt and gently scrub the plastic mouldings, using circular motions to lift away any dirt and grime. Rinse the mitt frequently in a bucket of clean water to avoid transferring dirt back onto the plastic. Pay extra attention to areas that are particularly exposed to the sun, such as trim and bumper covers, as these areas are more prone to UV damage and discolouration.
After washing, dry the plastic mouldings thoroughly with a soft, clean microfiber towel. Ensure that all excess water and soap residue are removed to prevent water spots and streaking. Once the plastic mouldings are completely dry, you may want to apply a layer of protectant or dressing to shield against UV rays and colour fading. Choose a product specifically designed for automotive plastic, and follow the instructions for proper application.
By regularly washing your plastic mouldings with a high-quality soap and mitt, you can effectively remove dirt and grime while also preparing the surface for additional protection. This will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your car's plastic mouldings, keeping them looking their best for years to come.
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Apply a UV-protectant to prevent colour fading
Plastic car mouldings are highly susceptible to damage from UV rays. The sun's harsh UV rays can cause plastic to fade, crack, and dry out. To prevent this, it is important to apply a UV-protectant to your car's plastic surfaces.
There are various products available that can protect your car's plastic mouldings from UV damage. These include sprays, waxes, and dressings specifically designed for car trim. When choosing a product, opt for one that offers UV protection and is suitable for plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces.
Before applying any product, it is crucial to clean the plastic surface thoroughly. Wash your car as you normally would to remove any built-up dust, dirt, and debris. You can use a high-quality wash mitt and a pH-balanced car wash soap for this step.
Once the car is washed and dried, use a microfiber applicator pad to apply a fine layer of the chosen protectant over the plastic trim and mouldings. Ensure that you work the product into the plastic with moderate pressure, spreading it evenly. Allow the protectant to cure for 5 to 10 minutes before buffing off any excess with a clean microfiber towel.
Depending on your location and the intensity of sunlight exposure, you may need to reapply the protectant periodically. If you live in an area with constant intense sunlight, consider reapplying the protectant monthly. For most other places, reapplication every two months should be sufficient. Remember to clean off any previously applied layers before adding new ones to prevent discoloration.
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Use a premium protectant to prevent oxidation
Plastic car mouldings are susceptible to damage from harsh UV rays, road salts, bugs, and other oxidizing contaminants. Over time, plastic dries out and begins to look cloudy, faded, and aged. To prevent this, you can use a premium protectant to treat the plastic areas of your car.
The best way to prevent plastic oxidation is to protect the trim before it fades. Using a premium protectant, treat the plastic areas of your vehicle while they are still undamaged and unfaded. You can use car trim products on any uncoated plastic surface on your car. These products are also suitable for rubber and vinyl surfaces.
There are several premium protectants available on the market, such as Turtle Wax's Trim Restorer, a silicon-infused formula that leaves a glossy finish. Another option is Turtle Wax's Inside and Out Protectant, which can be used on both the interior and exterior plastics of your car and leaves a less glossy finish.
To apply a premium protectant, first, wash your car as you normally would using a high-quality wash mitt and pH-balanced car wash soap. Then, apply a fine layer of protectant to the plastic surfaces of your car using a microfiber applicator pad. If you live in an area with constant intense sunlight, you may need to apply a new layer of protectant every month. In most places, once every two months should be sufficient.
In addition to using a premium protectant, you can also take other measures to protect your plastic car mouldings. For example, you can select heat-resistant materials such as vinyl or aluminium, which are less susceptible to melting than plastic. Regular inspection and maintenance of your plastic mouldings can also help keep them in good condition and reduce the risk of melting due to window reflections.
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Choose heat-resistant materials to prevent melting
Car plastic mouldings, such as the trim around windows and doors, can melt due to the reflection of sunlight off nearby windows. This reflection intensifies the sun's rays, increasing the risk of melting. To prevent this, it is important to choose heat-resistant materials for your car's plastic mouldings. Vinyl and aluminium are good options, as they are more resistant to melting than wood or plastic.
When selecting a plastic moulding material, consider the type of plastic used. Some plastics are more susceptible to melting when exposed to heat. The colour of your car is also a factor, as darker colours absorb more heat, exacerbating the problem. By choosing a lighter colour for your car and heat-resistant materials for your plastic mouldings, you can reduce the risk of melting.
Regular maintenance and inspection of your plastic mouldings can also help keep them in good condition. This includes cleaning and protecting them from the elements, such as rain, road salt, and tree sap, which can cause fading and cracking over time. Additionally, using a premium protectant or dressing on the plastic, rubber, or vinyl areas of your vehicle can help prevent oxidation and fading.
If you are painting your plastic mouldings, you can use a heat-resistant primer and paint designed for plastic surfaces. Clear lacquer can also be applied over the paint to provide additional protection. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow each layer to dry before adding subsequent coats.
By choosing heat-resistant materials and maintaining your plastic mouldings, you can help prevent melting and keep your vehicle in good condition.
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Paint plastic mouldings to revitalise the exterior appearance
Painting plastic mouldings can be a great way to revitalise the exterior appearance of your car. It can make your car look brand new without needing to respray the entire surface. From plastic wing mirror caps to bumper strips, most plastic trims and parts of a car's exterior can be painted over. However, it's important to note that the process may vary depending on the car's make and model.
Before painting, it's crucial to prepare the plastic car parts. If possible, remove the plastic trims from the body panel by carefully working a razor or dedicated tool between the two surfaces. Be cautious to avoid damaging the underlying surface or breaking the plastic moulding. If removal is not feasible, use masking tape to cover the surrounding bodywork and prevent overspray. For curved parts, consider using perforated trim masking tape to easily accommodate the bends.
Once the area is masked off, thoroughly scrub and clean the plastic mouldings to remove any dirt, residue, or existing caulking. Pay close attention to the edges and ensure the surface is free of impurities. After cleaning, gently sand the entire surface with sanding paper or a sponge to enhance the adhesion of the primer. Wipe down the mouldings with a clean rag soaked in isopropyl alcohol to eliminate sanding dust and residual oils.
The next step is to apply a suitable primer, such as an acrylic latex primer designed for exterior PVC surfaces. Use a small brush to apply the primer to the edges of the moulding, being careful not to get any on the tape. Then, use a larger brush to paint over the face of the mouldings in short, smooth strokes. Ensure you have a consistent application by backtracking into the painted section to prevent leave-off lines. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
After the primer is dry, gently sand any imperfections, such as drip marks or brush lines, and wipe away the sanding dust with a clean rag. Now, you can apply your chosen paint colour, either with a brush or spray paint. If using a brush, cut in carefully against the caulking, and then coat the rest of the moulding face, being mindful to avoid creating runs or drips. If spray painting, hold the can perpendicular to the surface and apply light coats to build up coverage. Finally, consider adding a clear lacquer coat for a shiny appearance and extra protection.
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