Sofia Martinez
Over time, car interiors fade due to UV damage and exposure to sunlight. This can make your car look older than it is. There are several ways to restore car plastic interiors, including using plastic restorers, plastic and vinyl cleaners, and dressings. A more permanent solution is to refinish the parts with paint designed for plastic and vinyl, such as ColorBond LVP. This method can be cost-effective compared to replacement interior trim and restoration services, which can be expensive and hard to find.
How to restore car plastic interior
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for damage | Sun/UV exposure |
| Prevention | Use of UV protectant |
| Temporary solutions | Plastic and vinyl cleaners and dressings |
| Permanent solutions | Paint designed for plastic and vinyl (e.g. ColorBond LVP, Plastic Restore) |
| Application tools | Microfiber towel or sponge, microfiber/foam applicator |
| Application process | Clean surface, apply product, wipe off excess, allow to dry |
| Results | Consistent colour, darker trim, restored lighter panels |
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What You'll Learn
Using a plastic restorer
There are several plastic restorer products available, including Torque Detail's Plastic Restore, Solution Finish Trim Restorer, and CarGuys Plastic Restorer. These products are designed to restore and renew plastic surfaces, removing oxidation and grime, and providing a protective layer against harmful UV rays to prevent further damage and fading.
Before applying any plastic restorer, it is crucial to clean the surface thoroughly. Use a microfiber towel or sponge to apply the product, following the manufacturer's instructions. Some products may require multiple coats, while others may need to be buffed or wiped off after application. It is important to allow the solution to dry properly and to follow any specific instructions, such as avoiding washing the treated area for a certain amount of time.
In addition to using a plastic restorer, some people opt to use paint to restore their car's interior plastic. ColorBond LVP is a popular option, as it can be applied with a thin film thickness, reducing the risk of cracking and peeling. It is also used by car manufacturers, such as Ford, for spot repairs.
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Cleaning with isopropyl alcohol
While isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean car interiors, it is important to note that it can cause damage to plastic surfaces, leaving white stains or cloudiness. This is because the alcohol can remove the natural oils from the plastic and cause chemical etching. If you still wish to use isopropyl alcohol for cleaning your car's plastic interior, here is a general guide:
- Ensure the plastic surface is completely dry before applying any isopropyl alcohol.
- Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to apply the isopropyl alcohol to the plastic surface. Gently wipe down the surface, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Allow the isopropyl alcohol to sit on the surface for a few moments. This will help loosen any grime or dirt buildup.
- Using a clean microfiber cloth, gently wipe away the loosened dirt and any remaining isopropyl alcohol. Ensure you wipe in the direction of the grain of the plastic, if applicable.
- Inspect the area for any remaining stains or dirt. If necessary, repeat the process until the desired level of cleanliness is achieved.
- Once cleaned, it is important to restore moisture to the plastic. Apply a small amount of interior protectant, such as 303 Aerospace, to bring back the natural oils and protect the surface.
It is important to note that isopropyl alcohol can be harsh on plastic surfaces, and there are alternative products specifically designed for cleaning car interiors, such as Plastic Restore or ColorBond LVP, which may be more suitable and effective for restoring car plastic interiors. These products are designed to clean, restore, and protect plastic surfaces without causing damage or discolouration.
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Applying a UV protectant
Car interiors are exposed to damaging UV rays, which can cause harm to the upholstery and dashboard. To prevent this, you can use a UV protectant, which acts as a protective layer against these rays.
There are many products available that can be used to restore and protect your car's plastic interior. Firstly, you should ensure that the plastic surface is clean. You can use a product such as Plastic Restore to clean grime off interior panels, dashboards, and any plastic surface. This will also restore faded plastic back to black.
After cleaning, you can then apply a UV protectant spray. One option is the 303 Products Automotive Protectant Spray, which offers superior UV protection and helps to prevent fading and cracking. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including vinyl, plastic, rubber, and leather. It is important to note that this product should not be used on unfinished leather, fabrics, clear plastic, or gauge panels. It is recommended to reapply the product every 30-45 days for maximum protection.
Another option is Adam's Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant, which provides ceramic-infused UV protection for leather, vinyl, plastics, and glass. This product also has anti-static properties and leaves an OEM finish.
By using a combination of cleaning products and UV protectants, you can effectively restore and protect your car's plastic interior, maintaining its pristine condition.
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Using a heat gun
To use a heat gun effectively and safely, it is recommended to maintain a distance of about 3 inches between the gun and the plastic surface. The heat gun should be slowly moved around, ensuring that it does not remain in one spot for too long to avoid overheating and causing damage. This technique can be used on various plastic interior components, such as armrests, bumpers, and trim pieces.
It is important to note that while the heat gun treatment may provide temporary restoration, it is not a long-term solution. The treatment can make the plastic more brittle, increasing the chances of cracking and breaking over time. Additionally, the heat may drive oils to the surface, which can later oxidize, leaving the plastic weaker. Therefore, it is recommended to use products like Solution Finish, CarPro DLux, or Meguiar's Ultimate Black to restore and protect the plastic after using the heat gun.
Some people have also found success in combining the heat gun treatment with other methods. For example, one individual used a candle to "colour" the plastic after heating it, creating a glossy finish. Another person applied car wax after using a heat gun, which helped maintain the glossy finish for a longer period.
Overall, while the heat gun method may provide satisfactory results for restoring car plastic interiors, it is important to be cautious and aware of its limitations to avoid causing further damage to the plastic components.
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Painting with ColorBond LVP
ColorBond LVP is a great way to make your car's interior plastic look new. It is a permanent solution to refinish the parts with paint designed for plastic and vinyl. The paint is formulated to bond with leather, vinyl, and plastic while remaining flexible to adhere to the surface as it flexes, expands, and contracts. This keeps it from cracking and peeling. ColorBond LVP offers a full range of exact-match OEM colors for your vehicle's leather, vinyl, and plastic surfaces. It is the perfect choice for the interior of any vehicle, providing a seamless blend with your car's original interior.
The first step in using ColorBond LVP is to prepare the surface. It is important to ensure that the surface is meticulously cleaned and free from dirt, grime, and other contaminants before applying the color coat. A powerful surface prep cleaner can be used for this purpose. Once the surface is prepared, the ColorBond Adhesion Promoter can be applied to enhance the paint's adhesion to the surface.
After the surface is prepared and the adhesion promoter is applied, you can start painting with ColorBond LVP. The paint is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best matches your car's interior. The paint is easy to use and can be applied by spraying it onto the surface. It dries quickly, becoming dry to the touch in 45 seconds and fully curing within 10 minutes.
In just 10 minutes, ColorBond LVP establishes a molecular bond with the coated surface, ensuring that it won't flake, crack, or peel. It maintains its durability and preserves the original texture and grain of the surface, retaining the natural texture of the material. It provides superior coverage with a thin film thickness that allows the original leather grain texture to show through.
ColorBond LVP is a cost-effective solution for restoring your car's interior plastic. It is a do-it-yourself product that does not require complex equipment, making it ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. With ColorBond LVP, you can achieve professional-grade results and make your car's interior look new again.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to restore a car's plastic interior. You can use a plastic restorer to improve the appearance of your car's interior. You can also use UV light to restore the original colour of the plastic. Alternatively, you can use a refinishing paint designed for plastic and vinyl, such as ColorBond LVP.
The best way to restore car plastic interiors will depend on your budget and the extent of the damage. If you are looking for a temporary solution, you can use plastic and vinyl cleaners and dressings. For a permanent solution, you can use refinishing paint designed for plastic and vinyl.
To restore car plastic interiors with paint, you will need to prepare the interior by cleaning the surface with a product such as ColorBond Prep Cleaner. You can then apply an adhesion promoter to ensure the paint adheres properly. Finally, you can apply the paint with a microfiber towel or sponge.
