Omar Khalid
Faded plastic bumpers can make your car look old and dated. There are several ways to restore the colour of plastic bumpers, ranging from DIY solutions to off-the-shelf products. For mildly deteriorated surfaces, a simple hack is to rub olive oil or boiled linseed oil into the plastic using a washcloth or paper towel. You can also use a heat gun on the faded area, but this is a temporary fix. For a more permanent solution, you can use bumper and trim paint or a plastic trim restorer product.
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What You'll Learn
Clean and dry the plastic bumper
To clean and dry the plastic bumper, start by washing it with soap and warm water. Use a microfiber towel to wipe away any surface grime, dust, and dirt. Rinse the plastic bumper with clean water and wipe it dry. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before applying any heat or oil treatment. This will help the plastic absorb the oil and restore its natural colour.
If your bumper has signs of severe weathering, such as folding, shrinking, large cracks, or deep scratches, it may be better to replace it. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, there are DIY solutions you can try. These methods are great for mildly deteriorated surfaces and only require a few essential household items.
Before applying any treatment, it is important to clean and dry the bumper thoroughly. This will ensure that the treatment adheres properly and helps restore the plastic's natural lustre. A clean and dry surface will also help prevent any dirt or stains from burning into the plastic if you use a heat treatment.
Using a heat gun on a dirty bumper can result in burned-in dirt or stains. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the bumper is clean and dry before applying heat. Wash the bumper with soap and water, removing as much debris as possible. Then, dry it off with a towel before applying any heat treatment.
Once the bumper is clean and dry, you can proceed with the chosen restoration method, such as using olive oil, boiled linseed oil, or a store-bought trim restoration product. These treatments will help bring back the deep black colour of the plastic bumper and improve the overall appearance of your vehicle.
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Apply olive oil or boiled linseed oil
To restore the colour of a plastic bumper, you can use olive oil or boiled linseed oil. This method is primarily for car trims and bumpers. Do not use this method on black plastic attached to flammable materials (like some plastic toys).
First, clean and dry the plastic bumper. Using a heat gun on dirty plastic can burn in any dirt or stains. Wash the bumper with soap and water, cleaning away as much debris as possible, and dry it off with a towel before applying oil.
Now, apply a coin-sized amount of olive oil to a washcloth or paper towel. You can also use extra virgin olive oil from your kitchen cupboard. Rub the oil into the plastic in small circular motions, targeting faded or discoloured areas. Remember, a little goes a long way, and you can always add more oil later if needed.
After rubbing the plastic for a few minutes, buff it with a dry cloth to remove any leftover oil. If the olive oil doesn't restore the colour of the plastic, you may need to use black spray paint.
Alternatively, you can use boiled linseed oil. Simply rub it on, clean off the excess, and allow it to dry. Note that linseed oil is prone to spontaneous combustion until fully dried, so keep any rags used for application in a cool, well-ventilated area and away from anything flammable.
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Buff the surface
Buffing the surface is the final step in restoring the colour of plastic bumpers using olive oil or black plastic moisturizer. After rubbing the plastic with oil or moisturizer for a few minutes, use a dry cloth to buff it. Use rapid circular motions to buff the surface and remove any leftover oil or moisturizer. If the cloth becomes dirty, turn it over and apply more oil or moisturizer as needed. Keep rubbing until the oil is covering all the faded areas.
Buffing the surface is also part of the process when using boiled linseed oil to restore the colour of plastic. After rubbing the oil into the plastic, clean off the excess and allow it to dry.
If you are using a heat gun to restore the colour of plastic, you will also need to buff the surface. First, clean and dry the plastic surface. Then, hold the heat gun several inches away from the surface and move it in small circles around the discoloured plastic. After treating the surface with heat, buff the surface lightly.
In general, it is important to note that the colour restoration of plastic bumpers is not permanent. The colour will fade after repeated washings or weather exposure, so regular maintenance is required.
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Use a heat gun
Using a heat gun is an effective way to restore colour to plastic bumpers. This method works by heating the plastic to its glass-transition temperature, allowing the molecules to move around and restoring the plastic's natural oils and colour. It is important to note that this process is temporary, and the plastic will eventually fade again as the oils deplete.
To use a heat gun to restore colour to a plastic bumper, follow these steps:
- Clean the bumper thoroughly: Use soap and water to wash away any dust, dirt, or debris that may have built up over the years. A power washer can be useful for this step.
- Dry the bumper: Use a towel or cloth to dry off the bumper completely before applying heat.
- Set the heat gun to a low or medium setting: A high temperature can warp or distort the plastic.
- Hold the heat gun 2-3 inches away from the surface: Do not stay in one spot for too long to avoid melting or discolouration. Move the heat gun slowly in small circles or an even pattern across the bumper.
- Inspect the colour: Once you have covered the entire surface, turn off the heat gun and inspect the plastic's new colour. If you are happy with the results, you are done.
It is important to note that using a heat gun on plastic bumpers is not a permanent solution. The colour will eventually fade again, and repeated use of the heat gun can make the plastic more brittle and prone to cracking. For a more permanent solution, consider using specialised products designed for restoring plastic, such as trim restorers or coatings. Additionally, using olive oil or paint can also help restore the colour of plastic bumpers.
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Apply bumper and trim gel
Bumper and trim gel is a rich gel that instantly transforms and protects all exterior unpainted plastic and rubber surfaces, restoring their original deep colour. It is a super-fast dressing that instantly restores colour and sheen to plastic bumpers and trim. The spray formula forms a clear protective shield to help preserve appearance and guard against ageing and weathering.
To apply bumper and trim gel, start by ensuring that the surface is clean and dry. Then, apply a layer of the gel to the surface. You can use a Perfect Polish Applicator or a sponge to apply the gel. Once you have applied the gel, buff off any excess gel with a clean microfibre cloth to prevent runs in wet weather.
The gel is easy to apply and will not damage paintwork. It can be used to rejuvenate all external unpainted plastic and rubber trim. It is important to note that bumper and trim gel is a dressing and is not a permanent fix. It is also not suitable for motorcycle driver controls or tyres.
Customers have found the gel effective, particularly on black bumpers and older milky grey exterior plastic. The gel is also appreciated for its quality and sturdiness, and its ability to create a uniform shine.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to restore the color of a plastic bumper. You can use a heat gun, olive oil, or black spray paint. If you want a more permanent solution, you can also try bumper and trim paint, or a trim dye.
It depends on the severity of the fading. For mildly deteriorated surfaces, a heat gun, olive oil, or plastic trim restorer can be effective. For more severe cases, spray paint or bumper and trim paint may be more effective.
First, clean and dry the plastic bumper. Then, hold the heat gun several inches away from the surface and move it in small circles around the discolored area. Avoid leaving the heat gun in one place for too long to avoid burning the plastic.
There are several paints specifically designed for restoring plastic bumpers, such as Rust-Oleum and Duplicolor. These paints offer different colors and application times, so choose one that fits your needs. Bumper and trim paint is also an option and adheres well even without a primer.
