Alexei Volkov
Car owners often face the problem of scratched or sun-damaged door pillars, which can be caused by UV rays or hard water stains. While this can be unsightly, there are several ways to restore the plastic pillars to their original shine. One method is to use a trim restorer product, such as Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer or Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer, which can be applied with an applicator pad or foam and then buffed with a microfibre cloth. Another option is to use a polisher, either by hand or with a machine, to restore the shine to the pillars. Taping off any areas you don't want to get polish on is an important first step, and it is also possible to use a mild detergent with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove scratches. For those on a budget, a strip of trim-coloured tape or vinyl from a car parts department can be used to cover up scratches.
Characteristics and Values Table for Restoring Hard Plastic Door Pillars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of Damage | Scratches, swirls, sun damage, fading, stains, watermarks |
| Tools | Microfiber cloth, foam applicator, car machine polisher, orbital polisher, mild detergent, magic eraser, trim restorer, ceramic coating |
| Steps | Tape off areas to avoid polish residue, apply compound or trim restorer to applicator, work into trim, buff residue off, clean with isopropyl alcohol |
| Products | Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer, Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer, Cerakote Ceramic Trim Restorer Wipes, Subaru vinyl overlay |
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What You'll Learn
Using a machine polisher
First, clean the pillars with an Isopropyl Alcohol mixture and a microfiber cloth. Next, apply a small amount of compound to the foam applicator and work it into the trim using circular motions. Once the product begins to turn clear, stop polishing and buff off the residue with a microfibre cloth.
You can use a variety of products for this process. Meguiars’ Ultimate Compound is a versatile product that can be used by hand or with a machine polisher. It is effective and cost-efficient. Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer is another product that can be applied to the applicator pad and massaged into the faded black areas of the door pillars.
If the door pillars are oxidized, you can try wet sanding the oxidation away and then polishing the sanding marks with a 2-step polishing method. Start with 1500 grit or higher to avoid frying the CC. If the spot grows, you have CC failure. In this case, you will need to remove the lip spoiler and wet sand until it is a matte finish. Then, apply a dust coat of Spraymax 2K Clearcoat, wait 5 minutes, and then apply a single wet coat.
Dry ice cleaning is another method to remove oxidation and restore the trim.
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Polishing by hand
Next, apply a small amount of compound to a foam applicator and work it into the trim. It is best to use circular motions until the product begins to turn clear. Once this happens, buff the residue off with a microfibre cloth.
You can also use a trim restorer such as Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer, Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer, or Cerakote ceramic trim restorer wipes. Apply the product to an applicator pad and massage it into the faded black areas of the door pillars. Allow the product to sit for a few minutes before removing any residue with a microfibre towel.
Additionally, you can try using a mild detergent with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to clean the pillars before applying any restorer products.
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Applying a trim restorer
To restore hard plastic door pillars, you can use a trim restorer. This is a product that helps to remove scratches and swirls from the plastic surface, restoring its original shine.
When applying a trim restorer, the first step is to clean the door pillars with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. This will remove any dirt, dust, or residue from the surface and prepare it for the restorer.
Next, you will need to apply the trim restorer to the door pillars. You can use an applicator pad or foam applicator for this process. Massage a small amount of the product into the faded or scratched areas of the door pillars, using circular motions until the product begins to work into the trim.
Leave the restorer to sit for a few minutes. The recommended time varies from source to source, but generally, it should be left for around five minutes. This allows the product to soak into the plastic and restore its appearance.
Finally, use a microfiber cloth to buff the residue off the door pillars. This will remove any excess product and reveal the restored surface. For best results, use a microfibre towel to buff the surface until it is smooth and shiny.
There are a variety of trim restorers available on the market, including Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer, Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer, and Cerakote ceramic trim restorer wipes. These products can be purchased online or at automotive stores, and they are designed to restore the appearance of faded and scratched trim.
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Removing scratches
If you are polishing by hand, start by applying a small amount of compound to a foam applicator and work it into the trim using circular motions. Once the product begins to turn clear, stop and buff the residue off with a microfibre cloth. You can also use a mild detergent with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
If you are using a machine, a car polisher will yield the best results. Apply some compound to the desired areas and then use the machine to polish the pillars. Finally, wipe off the residue with a cloth.
For products with longer durability, you might want to choose a ceramic coating for the trim. Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer lasts for up to two years and is easy to apply using the provided applicator. Alternatively, you can try Cerakote ceramic trim restorer wipes, which are available at Walmart.
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Protecting against sun damage
While black plastic trim looks great on cars, it is prone to sun damage, scratching, and swirl marks. The good news is that there are ways to protect and restore your car's hard plastic door pillars from sun damage. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:
Protecting your car's hard plastic door pillars from sun damage is a proactive approach to maintaining their appearance. Here are some steps you can take:
- Park in the shade: The simplest way to protect your car's pillars from sun damage is to park in a shaded area. This could be a garage, carport, or under a tree. Minimizing direct sunlight exposure will significantly reduce the chances of sun damage.
- Use a sunshade: If you can't find shaded parking, consider investing in a reflective sunshade that fits inside your windshield. This will block a lot of the sun's rays from entering the car and damaging the interior, including the door pillars.
- Apply a ceramic coating: Consider getting a ceramic coating professionally applied to your car. This creates a protective layer over the paintwork and can help prevent sun damage. Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer is a product that can be used for this purpose and provides long-lasting protection.
- Use vinyl wrap or tape: Applying a vinyl overlay or trim tape specifically designed for car pillars can add an extra layer of protection. This is a cost-effective solution, and the vinyl or tape can be replaced as needed.
Restoring sun-damaged pillars
If your car's hard plastic door pillars have already sustained sun damage, there are ways to restore their appearance:
- Clean the pillars: Start by cleaning the pillars with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. This will remove any dirt, dust, or grime that has built up and provide a fresh surface to work on.
- Apply a trim restorer: Use a trim restorer product, such as Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer, and massage it into the faded black areas of the door pillars using an applicator pad or foam applicator. Allow the product to soak into the surface for a few minutes.
- Buff the surface: After the restorer has been given time to work, use a microfiber towel or cloth to buff the surface gently. This will remove any remaining residue and help restore the shine to the pillars.
- Consider polishing: If the sun damage is extensive, you may need to use a polisher. Tape off any areas you don't want to get polish on, especially rubber seals, and use a compound with a 3-inch orbital polisher kit. Set the polisher to a low speed and work it into the pillars. Wipe off the excess compound with a cloth when finished.
Remember, protecting your car's hard plastic door pillars from sun damage is the best way to maintain their appearance. However, if sun damage occurs, you can use these restoration techniques to bring them back to life.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a trim restorer like Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer or Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer. First, clean the pillars with an isopropyl alcohol mixture and a microfiber cloth. Then, apply the restorer to the applicator pad and massage it into the faded areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before removing any residue.
Cerakote ceramic trim restorer wipes are an affordable option, costing around $15 at Walmart.
Yes, you can restore door pillars by hand. Tape off any areas you don't want to get polish on, then apply a small amount of compound to a foam applicator and work it into the trim. Once the product becomes clear, buff the residue off with a microfiber cloth.
You can apply a ceramic coating to protect against sun damage.
You can buy a strip of trim-coloured tape or vinyl from Subaru for around $12-15. Open the door, remove the rubber seal, and replace the vinyl.
