Omar Khalid
Sun-bleached car plastics can be a real eyesore, but there are several ways to restore them to their former glory. The sun, specifically UV rays, is the main culprit behind the discolouration of car plastics. Over time, the sun dries out the oils in the plastic, causing it to lose its colour and shine. While prevention is always better than cure, there are ways to restore sun-damaged plastics. From using commercial plastic conditioning products and hydrogen peroxide to heat guns and hair dryers, there are several methods to bring back the dark, rich colour of car plastics.
How to Redarken Sun Bleached Car Plastics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Sun, UV rays, heat, and elements |
| Prevention | Regular washes, polishes, and proper storage |
| Temporary Solution | Applying heat with a hairdryer, heat gun, or torch |
| Permanent Solution | Repainting with spray paint or vinyl dye |
| Commercial Products | Solution Finish, TriNova Plastic & Trim Restorer, CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit, IGL Coating’s Ecocoat Trim, and Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer |
| Other Methods | Hydrogen peroxide, plastic polish, and peanut butter with a ceramic coating |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic
To clean sun-damaged car plastics, you will need to remove any dirt, debris, and residues. Begin by giving the car a good wash with a high-quality car wash soap.
If your car has intense sun damage, you can try using a strong solvent like methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), which can be purchased at an auto parts store. It is important to wear gloves and use MEK in a well-ventilated area. Try it on a small, hidden area first to ensure it does not damage the plastic.
If your car has light sun damage, you can try using a plastic buffing product to remove scratches and cracks caused by sun exposure. Place a coin-sized amount of the product on a cloth rag and buff the scratch using circular motions. Wipe off the product with a microfiber cloth.
Once the plastic is clean, you can move on to the next steps of restoring the colour and shine of the plastic.
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Apply hydrogen peroxide cream
If your car's plastic has been sun-bleached, you can use hydrogen peroxide to restore its colour. Before applying the hydrogen peroxide, ensure that the plastic is clean and dry. You can use a microfiber cloth dampened with lukewarm water to wipe down the plastic, removing any dirt, dust, or debris.
- Wear plastic gloves and safety goggles. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and eyes, so it is important to protect yourself.
- Tape over any coloured labels or decals. Hydrogen peroxide is only effective for restoring white or grey plastic, so cover any coloured areas you want to protect with tape.
- Paint the hydrogen peroxide cream over the faded or discoloured area. Use a 9-12% hydrogen peroxide cream, which you can find in hair colouring kits or at hair salons. You can use a paintbrush, foam brush, or even an old toothbrush to apply the cream.
- Seal the item in a clear plastic bag. If the item is too large for a bag, use clear plastic wrap. This will prevent the cream from drying out and ensure that the sun's UV rays can reach the treated area.
- Set the bag in direct sunlight for 4 hours. Place the item outdoors in a spot where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, but avoid placing it on a hot surface, such as asphalt.
- Check the bag and rotate it every hour. Take the item out of the bag and apply more cream if it looks like it is drying out.
- Remove the cream before it dries. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the cream, and be sure to remove all of it to avoid scratching the plastic.
- Repeat the process as needed. You may need to treat the plastic multiple times to achieve the desired results.
It is important to note that this process may not work for all types of plastic, and the results may not be permanent.
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Use a heat gun
Using a heat gun to restore sun-bleached car plastics is a tricky process that requires patience and consistency. The heat gun must be held consistently at a distance of roughly 4 to 6 inches away from the plastic surface. It is important to keep the heat gun moving to avoid applying too much heat to a single area, which can cause the plastic to melt and result in a discoloured and glassy smooth surface. Aim for a medium-low heat setting on the heat gun and work slowly and patiently across the plastic, focusing on small sections at a time. This process can take some time, so set aside an afternoon for the task.
When using a heat gun on car plastics, it is crucial to be mindful of the heat intensity and adjust the angle of the heat gun accordingly. Keep an eye out for the appearance of spots, which is an indication of "sweating" and means that the plastic is starting to melt. If this happens, move the heat gun further away from the surface and allow the area to cool down before resuming. The transformation occurs rapidly, so it is important to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the process.
The technique of using a heat gun on sun-bleached car plastics involves breaking down the plastic's molecular composition with heat. This allows the chemical bonds to realign as the polymers cool, resulting in a wet, glossy surface. While this method can restore the shine of the plastic, it is not a permanent solution. The plastic will still require proper care and protection, and the process may need to be repeated for older plastics or those with heavier UV damage.
It is worth noting that using a heat gun on car plastics is not recommended for beginners. Plastics can degrade over time due to sun exposure, and applying heat can further break down the plastic's composition. There are alternative methods to restore sun-bleached car plastics, such as using commercial plastic conditioning products or hydrogen peroxide for severe damage. Additionally, regular maintenance, including washes, polishes, and proper storage, can help prevent sun damage and maintain the appearance of car plastics.
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Apply a plastic restorer
Before applying a plastic restorer, it is important to clean the sun-damaged plastic thoroughly. This is a crucial step in the restoration process, as it removes dirt, debris, and any residues that may interfere with the application of the restorer.
To clean the plastic, start by wiping it down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any surface dirt or debris. You can use lukewarm water or a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and warm water for tougher stains. Ensure that you dry the surface completely with a clean microfiber cloth before moving on to the next step.
Once the plastic is clean and dry, you can apply a plastic restorer to restore its colour and shine. There are a variety of products available, such as Solution Finish Trim Restorer, which can be applied using a microfiber or foam applicator. After application, wipe off any excess product with a clean towel. Allow the restorer to dry for at least 6 hours; some products may require a longer drying time of up to 12 hours.
For best results, follow the specific instructions on your chosen product, including the recommended number of coats and the time between applications. Some products, like Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, can be applied as a topper to enhance and extend the life of the treatment. This product also serves as a UV protectant, safeguarding the plastic from further sun damage.
It is important to note that some methods of restoring sun-bleached plastic, such as using a heat gun or torch, are temporary fixes and may cause further damage to the plastic over time. Additionally, some products may only be suitable for certain colours of plastic, so be sure to choose a restorer that is compatible with the colour of your car's plastic trim.
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Seal and protect the plastic
To seal and protect car plastics from sun damage, you can use a variety of products and techniques.
One option is to use a plastic restorer, which can bring back the dark, rich colour of car trim and protect against further sun damage. These products, such as Solution Finish and TriNova Plastic & Trim Restorer, include UV protection to shield against sun damage and can last up to a year with consistent use. Other products, like CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit, are known for their durability in diverse climates.
Another option is to use a heat gun to restore the colour of sun-bleached plastic. This process involves slowly breaking down the plastic's molecular composition and allowing the chemical bond to realign as the polymers cool, leaving a wet, glossy surface. It is important to be cautious when using a heat gun, as too much heat can cause the plastic to melt. The key is to keep the heat gun moving and maintain a consistent distance of 4-6 inches from the surface. This method is not a permanent solution and will require proper care and protection, but it can help extend the life of your plastic.
Additionally, you can use a paint product to seal and protect car plastics. When using paint, it is important to follow the directions on the product, including drying times and the number of coats required. After painting, be sure to clean the surface with a high-quality car wash soap. It is also important to take safety precautions when working with paint, such as wearing eye protection, gloves, and clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using paint products.
For a temporary solution, you can try using hydrogen peroxide. Apply the cream to the sun-damaged plastic and seal the item in a clear plastic bag to prevent the cream from drying out. Set the bag in direct sunlight for 4 hours. The sunlight will help reverse the sun damage, but you may need to repeat the treatment for the plastic to return to normal.
To prevent sun damage to car plastics, it is important to take care of your car with regular washes, polishes, and proper storage, especially if you live in an area with intense sun exposure. Commercial plastic conditioning products can also help preserve valuable items and prevent sun damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Sun-bleached car plastics can be redarkened using a heat gun, which breaks down the plastic’s molecular composition, allowing the chemical bond to realign as the polymers cool, leaving a wet, glossy surface. You can also use a hair dryer or leave the plastic out in the sun on a hot day.
There are several products available to restore sun-damaged car plastics, including:
- IGL Coating’s Ecocoat Trim
- Solution Finish
- TriNova Plastic & Trim Restorer
- CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit
- XPS
- Meguiar’s Ultimate Black plastic restorer
Car plastics can be protected from sun damage by using commercial plastic conditioning products. Regular washing and polishing can also help, as well as proper storage, especially if you live in a place with intense summers.
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays dry out the oils in car plastics and damage the material at a molecular level. This causes the plastic to lose its colour and shine, becoming brittle and prone to cracking.
