Ethan Clarke
Plastic is a common material in modern cars, used in everything from headlights to bumpers and grilles. However, plastic car parts can become damaged over time due to various factors such as sun exposure, harsh weather, and extreme temperatures. This can cause the plastic to fade, discolour, crack, or deteriorate, making the car look old and dated. While replacing old plastic car parts is an option, it can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several DIY methods for restoring old plastic car parts to their original condition, including using plastic restorers, heat guns, olive oil, and specialised paints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for restoration | Plastic car parts can fade, crack, or deteriorate over time due to age, sun exposure, extreme weather, harsh cleaning chemicals, smoke, and spills. |
| Commercial products | Plastic restorers, such as Plastic Restore, 303 Aerospace, ColorBond LVP, and black plastic trim moisturizers, are available for purchase from auto parts shops, online stores, or automotive stores. |
| DIY solutions | Washing with soapy water, applying olive oil, using a heat gun, or painting with black spray paint. |
| Maintenance | Repeated or periodic treatments are often necessary to maintain the restored appearance. |
| Replacement | Severely damaged plastic parts may need to be replaced instead of restored. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning with soapy water
Cleaning plastic car parts with soapy water is a great way to restore them to their former glory. It's a simple and effective method that can bring back the shine to dull, faded plastic. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Soapy Water Solution
Get a bucket and fill it with warm water. Add a mild car soap or liquid laundry detergent to the water and mix well to create a soapy solution. You can also use plastic auto cleaner or a mild detergent, ensuring it is suitable for plastic. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the plastic.
Step 2: Vacuum and Rinse
Before applying the soapy solution, it is important to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Use a soft-bristled paintbrush or a handheld dust mop to wipe away dust, especially from crevices and hard-to-reach areas. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush or Q-tips for detailed cleaning. Then, vacuum the interior of your car to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Finally, rinse the plastic surface with clean water to remove any remaining loose dirt.
Step 3: Apply the Soapy Solution
Dip a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge into the soapy solution and apply it to the plastic surface. Gently scrub the plastic, using circular motions, to remove any dirt, grime, or residue. Ensure you cover all the faded or discoloured areas. For more stubborn stains, you can increase the concentration of soap or detergent in the solution or use a plastic-specific cleaner.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once you have finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the soapy solution off the plastic with clean water. Ensure that all soap residue is removed. Then, dry the plastic surface with a microfiber cloth or a soft towel. It is important to ensure the surface is completely dry before moving on to any other restoration steps, such as applying a plastic restorer or olive oil.
Tips:
- If you are working with hard plastics, you can use sandpaper dipped in soapy water to scrub the surface.
- For exterior plastic parts, cover any painted areas around the plastic with masking tape before applying the soapy solution.
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Using olive oil
Olive oil can be used to restore old plastic car parts. It is a cheap and natural alternative to plastic trim restorers, which can be expensive.
First, wash the plastic car parts with soapy water to remove any dirt or grime. Rinse well with clean water and dry with a towel. It is important to start with a clean surface, as this will help the olive oil absorb better into the plastic.
Next, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is best) onto a washcloth or paper towel. You can also use a soft rag. Apply the oil to the faded plastic in small, circular motions. Only use a small amount of oil, as a little goes a long way. If the cloth becomes dirty, turn it over, add more oil, and continue rubbing until the oil covers all the faded areas.
After rubbing the plastic for a few minutes, use a dry cloth to buff the surface and remove any excess oil. If there are still patches of discolouration, repeat the process, adding more oil and directly targeting the stubborn areas.
It is worth noting that olive oil can go rancid after a few months, and it may start to smell bad. To avoid this, wipe away any excess oil with a dry rag several times so that the surface is not too slick.
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Applying heat guns
When using a heat gun, it is important to keep the gun moving and to avoid holding it too close to the plastic. The ideal distance is around 3 inches (or 5-10 cm) from the surface. Starting with a low-temperature setting is recommended, as using a high-heat setting may melt or warp the plastic. It is also crucial to work slowly and methodically, maintaining an even pattern to avoid spotting or uneven results. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the plastic parts are thoroughly cleaned before applying heat, as years of cleaning products can build up and lead to blotchy outcomes.
While heat guns can be effective in restoring colour and shine, it is important to note that this method only works temporarily. The results are short-lived, and the process can be repeated a few times at most. With each application of heat, the plastic becomes more brittle, increasing the chances of cracking and breaking. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternative methods, such as trim restorers like Solution Finish or Cerakote, which can provide longer-lasting results and protect against UV damage.
For those new to using heat guns, it is advised to proceed with caution. Practising on a scrap piece of automotive plastic can help familiarise oneself with the technique and reduce the risk of damaging the actual car parts. Additionally, removing the trim before applying heat can minimise the risk of heat damage to nearby parts. Combining the heat gun method with other treatments, such as applying Solution Finish or car wax, can also enhance the durability of the results.
Although heat guns can be purchased at a relatively low cost, they may not be the best long-term solution for restoring old plastic car parts due to their temporary nature and the potential for repeated applications to compromise the integrity of the plastic. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks and consider alternative methods that may offer more lasting results.
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Painting
Preparation:
Firstly, remove the plastic parts from the car's exterior if possible. This will make it easier to paint the parts and avoid getting paint on other areas. If removal is not possible, mask off the surrounding areas with tape to prevent overspray. Use a dedicated tool or a razor to carefully loosen plastic trims from the body panel, being cautious not to damage the underlying surface or break the plastic moulding. For curved parts, perforated trim masking tape can be useful, as it easily conforms to bends. For straight edges or slight bends, precision masking tape can be used to ensure no gaps are left for paint to seep through.
Cleaning and Sanding:
Once the part is removed or masked, clean the plastic surface with soap and water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. You can also use a product like ColorBond Prep Cleaner. After cleaning, dry the part with a cloth. Then, sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (around 1200 to 220-grit) to create a texture that will help the paint adhere better. Work slowly and aim for a smooth finish. After sanding, wipe away any dust with a brush.
Priming:
Apply a coat of primer to the sanded surface. The primer will help the paint stick better and provide a more durable finish.
Now, you are ready to paint! Use a paint designed for plastic car parts, such as ColorBond LVP or ColorBond Pro Tech Trim Color. These paints are formulated to bond well with plastic and are flexible, reducing the risk of cracking and peeling. Apply the paint in light, mist coats, and add additional coats as needed. For the best results, follow the specific instructions on your chosen paint product.
Clear Lacquer:
After painting, apply a clear lacquer to provide a shiny appearance and protect the paint job. Apply four to five coats of lacquer, allowing each layer to dry for around 15 minutes before adding the next.
Reinstallation:
Once the paint and lacquer are completely dry, remove the masking tape and reinstall the plastic parts in reverse order of removal.
Tips:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when painting.
- Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a respirator, to avoid inhaling paint fumes or coming into direct contact with the paint.
- If you are unsure about the products or processes, consult a professional or a local body shop for advice.
Remember, restoring old plastic car parts with paint can be a rewarding project, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Take your time and follow the instructions specific to your chosen products for the best results.
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Using plastic restorers
Some popular plastic restorers include Plastic Restore, Solution Finish Trim Restorer, C4 by Gtechniq, ColorBond LVP, and 303 Aerospace. Plastic Restore is easy to use, has a pleasant smell, and provides a protective layer against harmful UV rays. Solution Finish Trim Restorer can be applied with a microfiber applicator or foam applicator and can last for eight or more months. C4 by Gtechniq forms a bond with the plastic and can last up to two years. ColorBond LVP is a paint designed for plastic, vinyl, and leather that can make car interior plastic look new. 303 Aerospace can also be used to restore faded car interior plastic.
It is important to note that some plastic restorers may not provide long-lasting results. For example, using a heat gun or torch on plastic can bring out the natural oils and restore its luster, but this is only a temporary solution as the plastic will eventually fade again. Dressings are another short-term solution, as they wash away after 3-6 weeks and need to be reapplied after each car wash.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to restore old plastic car parts. You can use a plastic restorer, which is available at auto parts shops and online stores. You can also use plastic and vinyl cleaners and dressings as a temporary solution. For a permanent solution, refinish the parts with paint designed for plastic and vinyl. Alternatively, you can wash the plastic parts with soapy water, wipe them dry, and then apply olive oil or use a heat gun on the faded area.
Auto interior plastic colours can fade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight. To restore car interior plastic, you can use leather, vinyl and plastic paint such as ColorBond LVP. You can also use products like Plastic Restore to clean grime off plastic surfaces and provide a protective layer against harmful UV rays.
Black plastic trim is prone to fading and discoloration over time. To restore it, you can use a black plastic trim moisturiser or olive oil. You can also use a heat gun as a temporary solution, but this may not be effective after several treatments. For severe fading or discoloration, you may need to spray paint the plastic black.
