Maya Ellison
Plastic is a common material in modern cars, used in everything from headlights to bumpers. However, age, hot weather, and other factors can cause the plastic trim in your car to fade over time. Luckily, there are several simple methods to restore faded auto plastic. Some common methods include using a heat gun, olive oil, or a plastic restorer product.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth
To restore faded auto plastic, it is important to start with a clean surface. This will help the treatment absorb better and prevent burning contaminants into the plastic.
One way to clean the plastic is to use isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. First, pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto the microfiber cloth. Then, gently rub the cloth over the plastic surface in circular motions, ensuring that all areas are covered. The alcohol will help to remove any dirt, grime, or oils that may be present on the plastic. It is important to ensure that the cloth is not too wet, as you do not want excess liquid dripping onto other parts of your car. Go over the plastic a few times, turning the cloth over if it starts to get dirty, until the surface is clean and free of any residue.
Using a clean, dry microfiber cloth is important as it is gentle and effective at picking up and holding dirt, dust, and oils. It will help to ensure that you do not scratch the plastic surface while cleaning. It is also important to note that you should wear gloves and eye protection when handling isopropyl alcohol, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Once the plastic is clean, you can move on to the next step of restoring the faded plastic, such as using a heat gun, olive oil, or a plastic restoration product.
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Treat with a product like Solution Finish or olive oil
To restore faded auto plastic, you can treat it with a product like Solution Finish or olive oil. Solution Finish is a solvent-based modified black carbon product that can restore the colour to faded, oxidised plastic trim. It is designed to restore narrow pieces of trim around windows and wipers. It can also be used to restore plastic trim on cars, trucks, or SUVs. It dries quickly and leaves no greasy residue.
Before applying Solution Finish, it is important to clean the plastic thoroughly to remove any dirt and oils. This will ensure that the product can bond evenly to the surface. The Solution Finish Precision Trim Kit includes denatured alcohol that can be used to clean the desired area.
To apply Solution Finish, use a microfiber towel to wipe off any excess. You can also use the included finger pocket to apply the product neatly to small areas.
Olive oil can also be used to restore faded auto plastic. It is a simple and straightforward solution that cannot harm the plastic. Wash the plastic thoroughly before applying a small amount of olive oil to a rag or cloth. Rub the plastic in a circular motion, then wipe away the excess with a dry rag. Olive oil can restore the black plastic's natural colour and add shine. However, it may start to smell bad after a few months as it goes rancid.
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Use a heat gun to restore colour
Using a heat gun is a popular method for restoring the colour of faded auto plastic. This method works best for car trims and bumpers. You can buy or rent a heat gun online or from hardware stores.
Before using a heat gun, ensure that the plastic surface is clean and dry. This is important because heating the plastic draws out the oils within the material, and a clean surface avoids burning contaminants into the plastic. Cover nearby non-plastic objects with a flame-resistant tarp, as heat guns can warp or discolour the surfaces of non-plastic items.
When using the heat gun, hold it about 3 inches away from the plastic surface and move it around slowly. Avoid stopping or slowing down too much, as this may cause the plastic to melt. As you move the heat gun, the plastic should change to a darker, richer colour. Once you have covered the entire surface, turn off the heat gun and inspect the new colour. If you are happy with the result, you are done! If not, you may need to apply olive oil or paint the object instead.
Note that the heat gun method is temporary, and the plastic will eventually fade again. Each time you use a heat gun, the plastic becomes more brittle and prone to cracking and breaking. Therefore, this method can only be done a few times.
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Apply a UV protectant like Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer
Solution Finish Over the Top (OTT) Plastic Sealer is a long-term UV protectant for new and restored plastic trim. It is a flexible thermoplastic sealer that combines toughness with UV resistance and a clear gloss seal. It dries to a durable coating that offers technologically advanced performance, without an artificial “wet look”.
To use Solution Finish OTT, first ensure that the plastic trim is clean and dry. Then, apply the sealer to the surface and allow it to cure for 20 to 30 minutes. You can apply additional layers of the sealer to achieve a deeper, darker finish. However, it is recommended to not apply more than three coats.
After applying the sealer, do not wash the treated area for at least 12 hours. If the solution gets on other areas that are not being treated, wipe it off immediately with a clean towel. It is also recommended to not use alcohol or strong cleaners before application. Instead, use a damp microfiber towel to wipe down the treated trim.
Solution Finish OTT is suitable for protecting various components of a vehicle, including bumpers, pads, panels, trim, mirrors, mud flaps, window trim, seals, running boards, truck bed caps, covers, and handles. It can be used as a standalone sealer for new or slightly faded plastic and rubber trim, or after using Solution Finish Black or Fusion Grey to lock in the look of restored trim.
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Re-apply treatments regularly
To keep your car's plastic trim looking new, you will need to re-apply treatments regularly. The frequency of re-application depends on several factors, including the product used, the colour of the plastic, and the amount of sun exposure.
If you are using olive oil to restore the colour of your plastic trim, you will need to re-apply it at least weekly. Olive oil can restore black plastic's natural colour, clearing up any faded or discoloured areas. However, the shiny, black finish provided by olive oil will fade after repeated washings or weather exposure. Therefore, regular re-application is necessary to maintain the desired appearance.
If you are using a heat gun to restore faded plastic trim, you should be cautious and treat the surface with olive oil, WD-40, or a trim restoration product after heating. The heat gun method is not a permanent solution, and repeated use may damage the plastic. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method sparingly and in combination with other treatments, such as olive oil, to prolong the results.
For a more permanent solution, you can use a plastic restorer like Solution Finish Trim Restorer. This product is designed to restore the colour and sheen to faded plastic, rubber, and vinyl. After the first application, your trim can stay black and looking new for approximately eight months or longer. A second application can last even longer, as it works to fix the damaged plastic, not just dress it. To maintain the appearance of your plastic trim, you should re-apply this product regularly, following the recommended schedule provided by the manufacturer.
Additionally, you can use a sealant like Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer to protect your plastic trim from harmful UV rays and prevent fading and deterioration. This sealant can be used as a standalone treatment or as a topper on plastics that have been restored with Solution Finish Trim Restorer. It is a long-lasting product that does not need to be re-applied after every car wash, providing extended protection for your plastic trim.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to restore faded auto plastic. Firstly, you can clean the plastic with isopropyl alcohol or soap and water, then use a product such as Solution Finish, which is designed to restore colour to faded plastic. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun to draw out the oils in the plastic, but be careful not to damage the plastic. You can also try applying olive oil to the surface of the plastic to restore its shine.
There are several products on the market that can be used to restore faded auto plastic, including Solution Finish, Cerakote, Sem Color Coat, and Fluid Film. You can also use olive oil, mayonnaise, or WD-40 to restore shine to the plastic.
Auto plastic can be protected from fading by using a sealant or protectant, such as Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, which protects plastic from harmful UV rays. Keeping the plastic clean and free of dirt and grime can also help to prevent fading.
