Omar Khalid
Plastic is a versatile material used in many car parts, from headlights to bumpers, grilles, and interior materials. However, plastic has its drawbacks. Over time, plastic surfaces can lose their colour and deteriorate due to sun exposure and harsh weather conditions. This is especially noticeable on exterior plastic trim, which can turn grey, crack, or fade, making your vehicle look old and dated. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore faded plastic trim, ranging from store-bought restorers to DIY solutions using household items like olive oil or canola oil. The best method for you will depend on your budget, the severity of the deterioration, and how long you want the results to last.
How to restore faded plastic trim
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial products | Plastic trim restorer, Cerakote wipes, Meguiars plastic restorer, Sem color coat, Solution finish |
| Homemade products | Olive oil, WD-40, Canola oil, Mayonnaise |
| Steps | Wash with soapy water, wipe dry, apply product, buff lightly |
| Additional notes | Avoid heat guns as they can damage the plastic |
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What You'll Learn
Clean with soapy water
To restore faded plastic trim, cleaning the plastic with soapy water is the first step. This will remove surface grime, dust, and dirt. It is important to use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the plastic trim. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the plastic finish. Instead, use a mild soap or detergent dissolved in warm water.
For more stubborn dirt or hard-to-reach areas, a soft-bristled brush or even a toothbrush can be used, but be careful not to scratch the plastic. It is important to be gentle when cleaning plastic trim to avoid causing any damage. Rinse the trim thoroughly with clean water from a hose or bucket, ensuring that all soap residue is removed. Soap residue can cause streaking or damage if left on the trim, so it is important to be thorough with the rinsing.
After rinsing, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to carefully dry the trim. Ensure all moisture is removed to prevent water spots and streaks, which can detract from the trim's appearance. A gentle buffing motion can be used to restore the shine and enhance the appearance of the plastic trim.
Cleaning the plastic trim with soapy water is an important first step in the restoration process, as it ensures that any dirt, grime, or contaminants that could interfere with the restoration process are removed. It also prepares the surface for the application of any treatment products, such as olive oil or a plastic trim restorer. Regular cleaning and re-treatment of plastic trim can help to maintain its appearance and prevent the buildup of grime and oxidation.
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Apply a plastic restorer
To restore faded plastic trim, you can use a plastic restorer product, such as Solution Finish Trim Restorer, Back to Black by Mothers, or a generic trim restorer from an auto parts shop.
First, clean the plastic trim with isopropyl alcohol or soapy water to ensure there is no residue, dust, or dirt. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.
Next, apply the plastic restorer. Shake the bottle well and pour a small amount onto a microfiber sponge or foam applicator pad. Spread the product evenly over the plastic trim, covering the area completely. Allow the solution to penetrate for 3-4 minutes.
Use a clean microfiber towel to buff off any excess product and wipe off any glass or paint. For best results, do not wash the treated area for 4-6 hours.
To enhance and extend the life of the treatment, you can use a UV protectant product, such as Solution Finish Over The Top Plastic Sealer, on top of the plastic restorer. This will protect the plastic trim from harmful UV rays and prevent fading and deterioration. Allow the plastic restorer to dry for 20-30 minutes before applying the UV protectant. Additional coats can be applied 30 minutes apart, but it is not recommended to apply more than 3 coats. After using the UV protectant, do not wash the treated area for at least 12 hours.
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Buff with a dry cloth
Buffing with a dry cloth is the final step in restoring faded plastic trim. Before you get to this stage, you need to clean the plastic trim with soapy water to remove any surface grime, dust, and dirt. Rinse well with clean water and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.
Next, you will need to apply a product to the trim. You can use a plastic trim restorer, olive oil, canola oil, or even mayonnaise. Apply a coin-sized amount of your chosen product to a dry microfiber towel and gently rub the oiled towel on the faded plastic using small, circular motions.
Once you have covered all the faded areas, grab a separate dry towel and you are ready to buff. Buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions. Turn the towel over and give it a final buff.
This method will restore the shine to your plastic trim, but it will not last forever. The finish will fade over time with repeated washings or weather exposure, so make sure to re-apply your chosen product regularly to keep the trim looking new.
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Use olive oil
Olive oil can be used to restore faded plastic trim. It is a simple and cost-effective method that can be done at home. The process is straightforward and does not require any heavy-duty chemicals.
Firstly, wash the plastic trim with soapy water to remove any surface grime, dust, and dirt. Rinse it well with clean water and wipe it dry with a microfiber towel. It is important to ensure that the plastic surface is clean and dry before proceeding to the next step.
Next, grab a bottle of olive oil, preferably extra virgin olive oil, from your kitchen cupboard. Pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a dry microfiber towel or cloth. You can also use a paper towel if you prefer. Remember, a little goes a long way, and you can always add more oil later if needed.
Then, gently rub the oiled towel or cloth on the faded plastic using small, circular motions. Make sure to cover all the faded areas with oil. If the cloth becomes dirty, turn it over, add more oil, and continue rubbing. Allow the plastic trim to absorb the oil by letting it soak for about five to ten minutes.
Finally, grab a separate dry towel and lightly buff the surface using rapid circular motions. Turn the towel over and give it a final buff. Your plastic trim should now look as good as new!
It is important to note that the shiny finish may fade over time due to repeated washings or weather exposure. To maintain the appearance of your plastic trim, reapply olive oil at least once a week to protect it from harsh UV rays and keep it looking new.
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Re-apply regularly
To keep your plastic trim looking new, you will need to re-apply your chosen product regularly. The frequency of re-application will depend on the product used and the condition of the plastic. For example, if you use olive oil, you will need to re-apply it at least weekly to protect the plastic from harsh UV rays.
If you opt for a product like Cerakote, you may only need to apply it once a year. However, it's important to note that even the best products will eventually wear off, and you will need to re-apply them to maintain the desired results.
Some products, like Fluid Film, are easy to re-apply as needed, while others, like the Sem color coat, may require more time and effort. This product, for instance, requires you to spray thin coats with 10-minute intervals in between.
Additionally, you can use products like mayonnaise, which can be rubbed in and then wiped off. However, it's important to note that these types of products may not last as long and will require more frequent re-application.
The key to maintaining the results of your restoration efforts is to be diligent about re-applying the product regularly and to find a balance between effectiveness and convenience for your specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase a plastic trim restorer from an auto parts shop or online store. First, wash the plastic parts with soapy water, then wipe them dry, apply the product, and finish by buffing lightly.
Yes, you can use olive oil, canola oil, or WD-40. First, clean the plastic trim with soapy water, then wipe it dry, apply a coin-sized amount of oil to a dry microfiber towel, and gently rub the oiled towel on the faded plastic using small, circular motions.
Let the oil soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, grab a separate dry towel and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions.
The shiny, black finish will fade after repeated washings or weather exposure, so it is recommended to re-apply oil at least once a week to protect the plastic trim from harsh UV rays.
Yes, some other products that can be used include Cerakote wipes, Sem color coat, Fluid Film, mayonnaise, Solution Finish, and Meguiars Plastic Restorer.
