Omar Khalid
Black plastic trim on cars is prone to fading and discolouration over time, making the vehicle look older and less pristine. There are several methods to restore black plastic trim to its original colour, including using a heat gun, olive oil, car trim restorer, or black spray paint. Some methods, such as using a heat gun, are temporary fixes, while others, like repainting, are more permanent. Car owners can choose from a variety of off-the-shelf products, DIY solutions, and protective coatings to maintain the appearance of their vehicle's black plastic trim.
How to restore automotive black plastic trim
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for fading | UV rays, weather, road contaminants |
| Prevention | UV-resistant trim shine, protective layer |
| Restoration methods | Heat gun, olive oil, plastic restorer, black spray paint, car trim restorer, boiled linseed oil, peanut butter, Armor All, Autoglym’s Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax’s Pneu, Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer, Solution Finish Trim Restorer, Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer |
| Steps for heat gun method | Wash and dry the plastic, use heat gun on small areas, test on inconspicuous area first, apply olive oil or trim restoration product |
| Steps for olive oil method | Wash and dry the plastic, rub a coin-sized amount of olive oil into the plastic, buff with a dry cloth, re-apply oil at least weekly |
| Steps for plastic restorer method | Wash plastic with soapy water, wipe dry, apply product, buff lightly |
| Steps for black spray paint method | Wash and dry the plastic, use primer, apply paint, seal with clear coat |
| Steps for boiled linseed oil method | Rub on, clean off excess, allow to dry |
| Steps for car trim restorer method | Wash the plastic, apply product, wipe off residue |
| Steps for Solution Finish Trim Restorer | Use a microfiber applicator or foam applicator to apply, wipe off excess product, allow to dry for 6 hours, apply to a clean, cool surface in the shade, wear gloves and eye protection |
| Steps for Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer | Use as a standalone treatment on new or good-condition plastics, or as a topper on plastics that have been restored with Solution Finish Trim Restorer |
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun
Restoring automotive black plastic trim with a heat gun is a popular method, but it is not a permanent solution. The heat gun method works by drawing out the oils within the plastic, and it can also melt the rough fibrous surface. The heat gun should be set to a low or medium setting to avoid warping the plastic. Move the heat gun in slow, sweeping motions, ensuring even heat distribution. It should be held several inches away from the surface and moved in small circles to avoid burning the plastic. Once the trim darkens, a UV protectant can be applied to maintain the results and prevent further fading.
Before using a heat gun, it is important to wash and dry the plastic trim with soap and water. This is because using a heat gun on a dirty surface can burn in any dirt or stains. It is also important to cover nearby non-plastic objects with a tarp, as heat guns can warp or discolour the surfaces of non-plastic items.
There are conflicting opinions on the effectiveness of the heat gun method. Some people claim that it works well and can last for up to a year, while others find that it makes the plastic spotty or brittle. It is recommended to move the heat gun slowly and use an even pattern to avoid uneven results.
After using a heat gun, some people apply olive oil, WD-40, or a trim restoration product to make the surface darker and protect it from the sun and rain. However, these solutions are short-lived as they wash off easily with rain or car washes. Overall, while the heat gun method can be effective in restoring automotive black plastic trim, it is not a long-lasting solution.
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Applying olive oil
Olive oil can be used to restore automotive black plastic trim. It is a temporary solution that can improve the appearance of faded trim. Before applying olive oil, clean the plastic trim thoroughly to remove dirt and grime. Wash the plastic with soap and warm water, then dry it off with a towel.
To apply the olive oil, pour a small amount, about a coin-sized amount, onto a clean, dry microfiber towel or cloth. Extra virgin olive oil is best for this purpose. Gently rub the oiled towel onto the plastic trim in small, circular motions, focusing on the faded areas. If the cloth becomes dirty, turn it over, apply more oil, and continue rubbing until the oil covers all the faded areas. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can make the surface greasy.
Once the oil is applied, let the plastic trim absorb it. Allow it to soak for about 5 to 10 minutes. After that, grab a separate dry towel and lightly buff the surface using rapid circular motions. Turn the towel over and give it a final buff to remove any excess oil and to add shine.
It is important to note that the effects of olive oil are temporary. The shiny, black finish will fade after repeated washings or weather exposure. To maintain the results, reapply olive oil at least weekly and consider parking your car in a garage or shaded area to minimize sun exposure.
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Painting with primer
Once the trim is clean and dry, you can apply a coat of primer. Spray a light and even coat of paint primer over the surface. Avoid spraying one area for too long to keep the coat even and light. You can purchase a plastic primer online or from most craft stores. It is important to note that thin primer coats are ideal because heavy or multiple coats can alter the texture of the trim. Allow the primer to dry for the recommended time on the packaging, typically between 30 minutes to an hour.
After the primer is dry, you can proceed with painting the trim. Select a paint specifically designed for use on plastic trim pieces, such as spray trim paint. Carefully apply the paint, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Pay close attention to staying within the desired areas and avoiding any parts of the car that you do not want to paint. Depending on the paint brand, you may need to apply multiple thin coats, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
To enhance the durability and finish of the paint, consider applying a clear coat or sealant. This step will provide a glossy finish and protect the paint from fading and chipping. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer for the best results.
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Using plastic restorer
Using a plastic restorer is an easy and cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your car's black plastic trim. You can purchase a plastic restorer from an auto parts shop or online store. Most are easy to apply and require minimal effort. The typical instructions are to wash the plastic parts with soapy water, wipe them dry, apply the product, and buff lightly.
It is important to use products specifically designed for automotive plastics and follow the instructions carefully. You should also wear protective gear, such as gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling chemical fumes.
One popular product is Solution Finish Trim Restorer, which can be applied using a microfiber applicator or foam applicator. After application, wipe off any excess product with a clean towel and allow the plastic to dry for 6 hours. A second application can make the trim stay black and looking new for even longer.
Another option is to use a heat gun to apply heat to the plastic, which draws out the oils within the material and temporarily restores its black colour. Make sure to start with a clean or freshly-washed surface to avoid burning contaminants into the plastic, and heat one area at a time to prevent damage. Once the trim darkens, apply a UV protectant to maintain the results. However, this method is not a permanent fix as the natural oils will eventually deplete again.
In addition to using a plastic restorer, you can also use a plastic sealant to protect the trim from harmful UV rays and prevent fading and deterioration. Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer is one such product that can be used as a standalone treatment or as a topper on plastics that have been restored with Solution Finish Trim Restorer.
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Protecting from UV rays
The sun's ultraviolet light breaks down the plastic's surface, stripping away its natural oils and leaving it dry and faded. Therefore, it is important to protect your car's black plastic trim from UV rays.
One way to do this is by using a plastic restorer. Unlike temporary solutions, trim restorers penetrate the plastic’s surface, replenishing lost oils and providing UV protection. Look for a product that offers long-term durability, such as Torque Detail Plastic Restore. Clean the trim thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue. Use a microfiber applicator to apply the trim restorer evenly. Allow the product to absorb for a few minutes before buffing off any excess residue. Let it cure for at least 6 hours before exposing the trim to moisture. This method can keep plastic trim looking new for up to a year with proper maintenance.
Another way to protect your car's black plastic trim from UV rays is by using a UV protectant or plastic sealant. These products add a protective layer that blocks harmful rays and keeps the trim looking fresh. Apply the product with a microfiber cloth, in small sections. Some products combine the restorer and protectant in one, which is super convenient. If yours doesn’t, give the restorer a day to cure before applying the protectant.
In addition to using protectants and restoratives, you can also shield your car from direct sunlight by parking in a garage or any shaded area. This will help to reduce the amount of UV damage your car's plastic trim is exposed to.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way is to purchase a plastic trim restorer from an auto parts shop or online store. Most are easy to apply, requiring you to simply wash the plastic parts with soapy water, wipe them dry, apply the product, and buff lightly.
Yes, you can use olive oil or peanut butter to restore the colour of faded plastic trim. Simply rub a coin-sized amount of olive oil into the plastic using a washcloth or paper towel. Alternatively, the oils in peanut butter can restore the colour of faded plastic, but this method is messier and will make your car smell.
Black plastic trim generally doesn't have any protective coating, making it vulnerable to UV rays. To prevent fading, you can use a product like Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, which protects plastic trim from harmful UV rays.
The heat gun method involves using a heat gun to draw out the oils within the plastic material, restoring its appearance. It is a costly and complicated method that requires you to heat the plastic surface one area at a time to prevent damage.
There are several products specifically designed to restore black plastic trim, including Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax's Pneu, and Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer. These products will restore black plastic trim to its former glory while leaving a protective layer.
