Maya Ellison
Black plastic trim on cars can fade over time, losing its original deep black colour and turning grey. This is caused by exposure to UV rays, which deplete the plastic's natural oils, as well as environmental contaminants like road salt, dirt, and grime. To restore black plastic trim, there are several methods and products available, ranging from DIY fixes to professional solutions. One temporary solution is to use a heat gun on a low or medium setting, which draws out the oils in the plastic, restoring its black colour. Other temporary solutions include using olive oil, WD-40, or peanut butter. For a more permanent solution, trim restorers and coatings can be used to nourish the plastic and provide an even finish. CarPro PERL is a recommended product for restoring black plastic trim, offering quick and easy application with minimal shine and UV protection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why restore black plastic trim | To maintain the overall visual impact of the car |
| Cause of fading | Exposure to harsh weather, UV rays, and contaminants from the road |
| DIY fixes | Applying heat, olive oil, WD-40, peanut butter, paint thinner, black spray paint, black plastic moisturizers |
| Professional solutions | Trim restorers and coatings, Carpro PERL, Solution Finish Black Plastic Restorer, UV-resistant trim shine |
| Preventative measures | Apply a UV protectant or plastic sealant, park in a garage or shaded area, avoid harsh chemicals and automatic car washes, regular cleaning and maintenance |
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What You'll Learn
Causes of fading black plastic trim
The black plastic trim on your car can lose its deep black colour and fade to grey or white over time. This happens due to exposure to various elements and contaminants. Here are the primary causes of fading black plastic trim:
Prolonged Sun Exposure
The sun's UV rays are a major contributor to the fading of black plastic trim. The UV radiation dehydrates and degrades the plastic on a molecular level, causing it to lose its colour and become brittle. This process is accelerated in environments with intense sunlight.
Weather Conditions and Road Contaminants
Harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, can take a toll on plastic trim. Additionally, when driving, surface water containing grime, salt, dirt, and other materials can be thrown onto the plastic surfaces. These contaminants accelerate the degradation process, making the trim more susceptible to damage and discolouration.
Lack of Protective Coatings
Unlike painted surfaces, plastic trim pieces typically lack a protective clear coat. This leaves them more vulnerable to the elements and UV radiation. Without a protective layer, the plastic is exposed to direct sunlight, road debris, and pollutants, leading to faster discolouration and deterioration.
Age and Lack of Maintenance
Ageing vehicles, especially those that are not regularly maintained, are more prone to fading trim. Over time, the natural oils in the plastic deplete, causing the surface to dry out and discolour. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and the application of UV protectants or plastic sealants, can help prevent and slow down this process.
By understanding these causes, you can take preventive measures to maintain the deep black finish of your car's plastic trim and keep your vehicle looking its best.
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Using a heat gun
Firstly, ensure the plastic trim is clean and dry. It is important to remove any dirt and grime as this can affect the final result.
Next, set your heat gun to a low or medium setting to avoid warping the plastic. Keep the heat gun between 4 and 6 inches away from the surface of the trim to prevent burning or melting. Move the heat gun in slow, sweeping motions, ensuring even heat distribution. You can also try moving the heat gun in small circles to get an even colour.
Once the trim has darkened, apply a UV protectant to maintain the results and prevent further fading. This method is not a permanent fix as the natural oils will eventually deplete again.
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Applying olive oil
To renew black plastic trim with olive oil, start by cleaning the plastic trim thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. You can wash the plastic with soap and warm water, and then dry it off with a towel.
Next, grab a bottle of olive oil—extra virgin olive oil is best—and pour a coin-sized amount onto a dry microfiber towel or cloth. If you don't have olive oil, you can also use WD-40 or peanut butter, but be aware that peanut butter is messier and has a strong scent.
Gently rub the oiled towel on the faded plastic using small, circular motions. Ensure that the oil covers all the faded areas, adding more oil to the cloth if needed.
Once the oil has been applied to the plastic, let it soak for about five to ten minutes. Then, grab a separate dry towel and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions. Finally, turn the towel over and give the plastic a final buff.
Keep in mind that this method is temporary, and the olive oil will wash off with rain or car washes. To maintain the results, you will need to re-apply the olive oil at least weekly and take preventive measures to protect the trim from sun damage.
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Using a plastic restorer
To use a plastic restorer, start by cleaning the plastic trim thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or contaminants. This can be done using a product like Nonsense All Purpose Cleaner and an exterior detailing brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe off any residue with a clean microfiber towel. It is important to ensure that the surface is clean and free of any cleaners, oils, or silicones before applying the restorer.
Once the surface is prepared, you can apply the plastic restorer. It is recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area due to chemical fumes. Using a microfiber applicator or foam applicator, spread a thin, even coat of the restorer over the plastic trim. Allow the product to dry for several hours.
After the restorer has dried, you may need to buff off any excess product with a clean towel. Some products may require a second application for longer-lasting results. To enhance and extend the life of the treatment, you can also apply a plastic sealant or UV protectant over the restored trim.
It is important to note that while plastic restorers can provide effective results, they may not be a permanent solution. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and protecting the trim from UV exposure, is necessary to maintain the restored appearance. Additionally, be cautious not to over-apply the product, as this can lead to a greasy or sticky finish.
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Preventative measures
Firstly, it is important to understand the root cause of the issue. Plastic contains essential oils, and when exposed to UV rays, these oils deplete, causing the surface to dry out and lose its colour. Therefore, the best way to prevent discolouration is to protect the trim from UV rays. Using a premium protectant, treat the plastic areas of your vehicle while they are still new and undamaged. Ensure that the protectant contains UV-blocking polymers to prevent oxidation, ageing, and cracking. By regularly applying such a protectant or dressing to the exterior plastic trim, you can prevent future oxidation and fading.
In addition to using a UV protectant, you can further shield your car from direct sunlight. Park your car in a garage or shaded area to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. If parking in a shaded area is not possible, use a car cover to protect your vehicle from the sun's rays.
Furthermore, avoid harsh chemicals and automatic car washes that can strip protective coatings and accelerate fading. Environmental contaminants like road salt, dirt, and grime can also harm the plastic trim. Therefore, regularly clean and maintain the trim to extend its lifespan.
While some household items like olive oil and WD-40 can temporarily darken plastic trim, these solutions are short-lived as they wash off easily. Instead, opt for a high-quality trim restorer that will provide effective and lasting results. CarPro PERL is a recommended water-based silicone-oxide dressing that provides UV protection and can be applied quickly and easily.
By following these preventative measures, you can effectively protect your black plastic trim from fading and maintain the appearance of your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Black plastic trim fades due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, harsh weather, and road debris. Sunlight is the main cause of fading as UV rays dehydrate the plastic and degrade it on a molecular level.
There are several ways to restore black plastic trim. One way is to use a heat gun on a low or medium setting to draw out the oils trapped within the material. You can also use olive oil, WD-40, or peanut butter to temporarily restore the trim. For a more permanent solution, you can use a high-quality trim restorer or plastic sealant to protect against UV rays and prevent sun damage.
There are several products available to restore black plastic trim. CarPro PERL is a water-based silicone-oxide dressing that can be applied quickly and easily. Solution Finish Black Plastic Restorer is another effective product that works to fix damaged plastic. For UV protection, you can use Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer.
