Chloe Zhang
Faded plastic car trim can make your vehicle look old and dated. There are many ways to restore it, ranging from DIY solutions to store-bought products. DIY solutions include using olive oil, WD-40, or mayonnaise. However, these methods may not be long-lasting. Store-bought products such as plastic trim restorers, sealants, and dyes are also available, but they can be pricey. Other methods like using a heat gun or blow torch have been tried by some, but these can be risky and may damage the plastic.
How to restore faded plastic car trim
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial products | Plastic trim restorer, Solution Finish Trim Restorer, Meguiars plastic restorer, Sem color coat, Fluid film, Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, Back to Black, Cerakote, Ceramic coating, Black WOW, pinnacle black label ceramic trim restorer, Forever Black Bumper & Trim Dye Kit, Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer polish, BF Tires and Trim sealant |
| Home products | Olive oil, WD-40, Mayonnaise, Car wax |
| Tools | Microfiber cloth, Microfiber applicator, Foam applicator, Blow torch, Heat gun, Propane torch |
| Techniques | Rubbing, Sanding, Spraying |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the trim with soapy water and a microfiber towel
To restore faded plastic car trim, it is important to start with a clean surface. This will ensure that the restoration product you choose will adhere properly and that you are not trapping in any dirt or grime.
First, prepare a mixture of soapy water. You can use a standard car wash soap or a mild dishwashing liquid diluted in a bucket of water. Dip a microfiber towel into the soapy water and wring it out so that the towel is damp, not dripping wet.
Next, gently wipe down the plastic trim with the damp microfiber towel. Work in small sections, using circular motions to lift any surface grime, dust, or dirt. Rinse the microfiber towel frequently in a separate bucket of clean water to avoid transferring dirt back onto the trim.
Once you have cleaned the entire trim piece, give it a final rinse with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue. It is important to ensure that the trim is thoroughly rinsed and free of any soapy residue, as this could impact the adhesion of the restoration product.
After rinsing, use a clean, dry microfiber towel to gently wipe down the trim and absorb any remaining moisture. Ensure that the trim is completely dry before moving on to the next step, which may involve applying a restoration product or conditioner.
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Apply olive oil or WD-40 with a cloth
To restore faded plastic car trim, you can use olive oil or WD-40. Both of these products can temporarily darken plastic trim and add shine. However, these solutions are short-lived as they wash off easily with rain or car washes.
To begin, clean the plastic trim thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime. You can wash the plastic with soap and warm water, and then dry it off with a cloth. Next, apply a small amount of olive oil or WD-40 to a clean microfiber cloth. You only need a coin-sized amount of oil. Gently rub the cloth onto the faded trim using small, circular motions. Ensure that the oil is covering all the faded areas. Allow the plastic trim to absorb the oil by letting it soak for five to ten minutes.
Finally, grab a separate dry cloth and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions. Turn the cloth over and give it a final buff. Your trim should now be restored to its original colour. Remember that this solution is temporary, so you will need to re-apply the oil at least weekly to maintain the finish.
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Use a plastic restorer product, like Solution Finish
Solution Finish is a plastic restorer product that can be used to restore faded plastic car trim. It is designed to restore black vinyl and plastic car trim to its original, or better than original, condition. The product comes in a 12 oz bottle and features a versatile formula that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including window trim, handles, bumpers, wiper blades, and more.
To use Solution Finish, start by cleaning the plastic trim with isopropyl alcohol to ensure there is no residue, only bare plastic. Then, apply a small amount of the restorer to a clean cloth and gently rub it onto the plastic surface. Wipe off any excess product with a dry cloth to achieve a smooth, revived finish. For best results, use a microfiber applicator or foam applicator to apply the product, and allow the plastic to dry for 6 hours after application.
Solution Finish provides a long-lasting finish and superior levels of durability and protection. It is easy to use and can instantly revive the colour of faded plastic trim. The product is silicone-free and VOC-compliant, creating a like-new finish. It is worth noting that Solution Finish also offers a sealer that can be used over the restorer to enhance and extend the life of the treatment. This sealer, called Over The Top, protects plastic trim from harmful UV rays, preventing fading and deterioration.
Overall, Solution Finish is a highly effective and durable solution for restoring faded plastic car trim. With its advanced polymer technology, it provides a long-lasting and superior finish that protects and revives the trim. The product is easy to use and can be applied quickly with a cloth or towel, making it a convenient and efficient option for car detailing.
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Apply a plastic sealant, like Solution Finish Over The Top
Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer is a long-term UV protectant for new untreated plastic trim or old plastic trim that has been restored with Solution Finish trim restorer. It can also be used as a standalone sealer for new or good plastic and rubber trim. This flexible thermoplastic sealer combines the ultimate in toughness and UV resistance with a clear gloss seal. It dries to a durable coating that offers technologically advanced performance, without an artificial “wet look”.
To use Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, first ensure that the plastic trim is clean. For best results, clean the plastic trim with isopropyl alcohol so there is no residue, only bare plastic. Then, apply the Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer using a microfiber applicator or foam applicator. Wipe off any excess product with a clean towel and allow the plastic to dry for 6 hours.
After the first application, your trim will stay black and look new for approximately 8 months or more. A second application can last even longer, as the product works to fix the damaged plastic and not just dress it. To achieve an even deeper, darker finish, apply additional layers of the Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, allowing 20 to 30 minutes of cure time between coats. It is not recommended to apply more than 3 coats.
Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer can be used to protect bumpers, pads, panels, trim, mirrors, mud flaps, window trim, seals, running boards, truck bed caps and covers, and handles. It is a great way to protect plastic trim from harmful UV rays so the plastic doesn't fade and deteriorate.
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Use a heat gun to restore colour
Using a heat gun is an effective way to restore the colour of faded plastic car trim. This method works by heating the plastic to draw out the oils trapped within the material, restoring its original colour. It is important to exercise caution when using a heat gun, as too much heat can melt the plastic and cause discolouration.
To begin, ensure that the plastic trim is clean and free of any dirt or contaminants. This step is crucial as burning contaminants into the plastic can cause damage. Use a small handheld microfiber applicator to clean the trim thoroughly.
Once the trim is clean, set the heat gun to a low or medium setting. You should avoid using a high setting to prevent warping the plastic. Hold the heat gun four to six inches away from the surface of the trim and move it in slow, sweeping motions to ensure even heat distribution.
As the plastic heats up, its molecular composition will break down, allowing the chemical bonds between the polymers to realign. This process will bring the pigment back to the surface, restoring the colour of the trim. You may notice that the trim darkens as it heats up, indicating that the oils are being drawn out.
After treating the trim with the heat gun, you can apply a trim restoration product, such as olive oil or WD-40, to make the surface darker and add shine. These products can provide additional protection for the trim. Finally, apply a UV protectant to maintain the results and prevent further fading.
While the heat gun method is effective, it is not a permanent solution. The natural oils in the plastic will eventually deplete, causing the colour to fade again over time. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures, such as applying a UV protectant or parking your car in a shaded area, to prolong the results.
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Frequently asked questions
One method is to clean the plastic trim with soapy water, then rinse and dry it with a microfiber towel. Next, apply a coin-sized amount of olive oil to the towel and gently rub the oil onto the faded plastic in small, circular motions. Finally, grab a separate dry towel and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions. Other DIY methods include using store-bought plastic restorers, such as Meguiars, or products like mayonnaise or WD-40.
There are several products available on the market for restoring faded plastic car trim. Some popular options include Solution Finish, Black WOW, pinnacle black label ceramic trim restorer, and Forever Black Bumper & Trim Dye Kit. You can also use a heat gun or blow torch to restore the colour of the plastic, but be careful not to heat any area for too long.
You can use a plastic sealant, such as Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, to protect your plastic trim from harmful UV rays and prevent fading.
