Ethan Clarke
Faded car interior plastic is a common issue for car owners, especially when the plastic is exposed to sunlight. There are several ways to restore faded car interior plastic, ranging from using restoration oils, plastic cleaners, sponges, and heat guns, to refinishing with paint designed for plastic and vinyl. The latter is a more permanent solution, while the former are temporary fixes. Some products on the market, such as ColorBond LVP, Turtle Wax Trim Restorer, and Torque Detail's Plastic Restore, can help restore the original colour of the plastic and protect it from further damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Protect plastic trim from harsh weather conditions, especially extreme heat and freezing cold temperatures |
| Protect from harmful UV rays | |
| Avoid using dish soap | |
| Products | Turtle Wax Trim Restorer |
| Torque Detail's Plastic Restore | |
| 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray | |
| AG Vinyl & Rubber Care | |
| ColorBond LVP | |
| Poorboys Trim Restorer | |
| Techniques | Apply heat |
| Use a UV LED lamp | |
| Spray the interior with a chemical mixture | |
| Flame torching |
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What You'll Learn
Using a product like Plastic Restore or Turtle Wax Trim Restorer
To restore your car's interior plastic, you can use products like Plastic Restore or Turtle Wax Trim Restorer. These products are designed to bring back the original colour and elasticity of faded plastic surfaces while also protecting them from further damage caused by weather conditions such as rain, heat, and snow.
Before applying any trim restorer product, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface to remove any dirt, stains, or abrasive contaminants. This can be done using an interior detailer, a multipurpose cleaner, or a simple microfiber towel or sponge. It is crucial to pay attention to intricate spaces such as air vents and dashboard crevices.
Once the surface is clean, you can apply the Plastic Restore or Turtle Wax Trim Restorer. These products are typically easy to use and can be applied with a microfiber towel or sponge. Massage or buff the product into the surface until it is fully absorbed. These products are designed to leave a shine and provide long-lasting protection against factors such as car washes, storms, salts, and UV rays.
It is worth noting that black trim is more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and UV rays, so it may require more frequent applications of these products to maintain its appearance. Additionally, always keep your cleaning and detailing tools separate to prevent cross-contamination and potential damage to your plastic finish.
By following these steps and using products like Plastic Restore or Turtle Wax Trim Restorer, you can effectively restore and protect your car's interior plastic, giving it a fresh, like-new appearance.
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Cleaning with soap and water
To restore your car's faded interior plastic with soap and water, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to identify the type of plastic you are dealing with. For hard plastics, you can use soapy water and sandpaper. Fill a bucket with soap and water, and dip sandpaper into the solution. Then, rub the surface of the plastic in a circular motion, covering each faded area 5-6 times. Repeat this process with 220-grit sandpaper, and then rinse the surface.
For exterior trim and plastic, a similar process can be followed. Fill a bucket with one part car soap and two parts water. Soak a sponge in the bucket and scrub the plastic in circular motions until dirt and residue are removed. Rinse the soap off with water and dry the plastic with a microfiber cloth.
If you are dealing with softer plastics, a different approach is needed. Mix detergent, household cleaner, water, and bleach, and add the mixture to a spray bottle. Take your plastic outside and spray the discolored area. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes before rinsing the area with cold water. Finally, wash the plastic thoroughly with soap and water.
Additionally, if you are looking to remove scuff marks from car interior plastic, a mild soap-and-water mix can be used. Apply a baking soda and water paste to matte or textured surfaces and gently rub with a soft cloth. Rinse and wipe the area clean.
It is important to note that after using any of these methods, you should apply a UV protectant to prevent further fading and sun damage.
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Applying restoration oils
Before applying restoration oils, it is important to clean the plastic trim thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime. Wash the plastic trim with soap and water, rinsing away any remaining dirt and dust. For a thorough cleaning, immerse the object in water. Dry the plastic trim completely before proceeding.
Next, you will need to apply the restoration oil. You can use a variety of restoration oils, such as olive oil, WD-40, or a black plastic trim moisturizer. Pour a small amount of your chosen oil onto a clean microfiber towel or cloth. You can also apply the oil directly to the plastic surface, but be careful to only use a small amount to avoid excessive residue.
Rub the oiled towel onto the plastic trim in circular motions, ensuring even coverage. Allow the oil to absorb into the plastic for a few minutes. If using a heat gun, now is the time to apply heat to the plastic. Move the heat gun slowly and evenly over the surface to avoid warping the plastic. The heat will draw out the natural oils in the plastic, enhancing its luster.
Finally, buff off any excess oil or residue with a clean microfiber towel. This will help to prevent streaking and ensure a smooth finish. Allow the trim to cure for several hours before exposing it to moisture. With proper maintenance, your plastic trim should look new for up to a year.
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Using UV light
Over time, UV damage can cause the interior plastic of your car to fade. This includes black plastic, interior panels, car trim, and dashboards. To restore the plastic, you can use a UV LED lamp, which can be purchased on Amazon. Place your car in a dark spot, like a garage, and shine the UV light on a specific spot for a while, then repeat this process for other spots. You may also need to spray the interior with a chemical mixture to enhance the effect of the UV light.
Alternatively, you can use a plastic restorer, such as Torque Detail's Plastic Restore, to restore the colour of faded plastic and protect it from future UV damage. Simply apply the product to the interior plastic and trim with a microfiber towel or sponge. Another option is to use a heat gun or hairdryer to heat the plastic and restore its colour. However, this method may eventually cause the plastic to turn grey and dull, and repeated use can further damage the plastic.
There are also various car interior plastic restorers available that can be applied directly to the faded plastic to restore its appearance. For example, ColorBond LVP is a paint that bonds with leather, vinyl, and plastic, preventing cracking and peeling. It is highly opaque and flexible, making it suitable for spot repairs. You can also use WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant to restore plastic fading. It is safe for use on metal, rubber, wood, and plastic and will not harm painted metal surfaces.
To protect plastic trim from harmful UV rays and prevent fading and deterioration, you can use a sealant such as Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer. This can be used as a standalone treatment on new or well-maintained plastics or as a topper on plastics that have been restored.
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Painting with ColorBond LVP
ColorBond LVP Universal Interior Automotive Spray Paint offers a range of colours for your vehicle's leather, vinyl, and plastic surfaces. It is a popular choice for those looking to restore their car's interior. ColorBond LVP is a molecular bonding paint that penetrates deep into the surface, enabling you to recolour leather and obtain a beautiful finish that is hard to distinguish from an actual leather surface.
The paint is dry to the touch in 45 seconds and fully cured within 10 minutes. It establishes a molecular bond with the coated surface and won't flake, crack, or peel. ColorBond LVP maintains its durability and preserves the original texture and grain of the surface, retaining the natural texture of the material.
The bundle includes everything you need to achieve professional results when applying ColorBond LVP to hard plastic surfaces. It comes with your selected colour, a powerful surface prep cleaner, adhesion promoter, and a tough 1K UV clear coat for long-lasting performance and durability.
It is important to note that a meticulously cleaned and prepared surface is essential for the best results. Ensure your surface is free from dirt, grime, and other contaminants before applying the colour coat.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a product like Plastic Restore or ColorBond LVP, which will restore the plastic's colour and provide a protective layer against UV rays.
Yes, you can use plastic and vinyl cleaners and dressings as a temporary solution.
To prevent damage, you should avoid extreme heat and cold temperatures, as these can cause plastic to stiffen, dry out and crack. You should also use a trim restorer product with UV inhibitors to protect against sun exposure.
