Omar Khalid
Black plastic bumpers can be restored to their original colour in several ways. Over time, black plastic can fade and discolour, but this can be remedied with a heat gun, olive oil, or black spray paint. For those seeking a more permanent solution, there are off-the-shelf products designed to restore black plastic trim, such as Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, or Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer. If your bumper is severely damaged, it may be best to replace it.
How to restore plastic bumper black
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prone to | Fading, discolouration, folding, shrinking, cracking, scratches |
| Prevention | Keep out of harsh sun and unpredictable weather |
| Cleaning | Wash with soap and warm water, dry with a towel |
| Off-the-shelf products | Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax's Pneu, Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer |
| DIY | Use a heat gun, olive oil, black spray paint, black plastic trim moisturiser, bumper/trim paint, trim dye, plastidip, truck bedliner/raptor coating |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic bumper with soap and water
To clean a plastic bumper with soap and water, start by examining the bumper for any paint transfer or ingrained grime. If there is paint transfer, spread a light layer of lacquer thinner over the marks and repeat until they disappear.
Next, wet the bumper with water. Then, apply car soap or a vinyl cleaner to a rag and scrub the bumper with it. If the grime is particularly stubborn, scrub the bumper with a toothbrush.
If the bumper is severely oxidized or sun-faded, you may need to try a different method, such as using a dedicated plastic restorer.
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Apply olive oil to the surface
To restore the black colour of a plastic bumper, you can apply olive oil to its surface. Start by washing the plastic surface with soap and warm water to remove any dirt. Dry it off with a towel. Next, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a washcloth, paper towel, or dry microfiber towel. You can also use extra virgin olive oil for this purpose. Rub the oil onto the faded plastic in small circular motions. If the cloth gets dirty, turn it over, add more oil, and continue rubbing until the oil covers all the faded areas. You can always add more oil later if needed. Allow the plastic to absorb the oil by letting it soak for five to ten minutes. Finally, grab a separate dry towel and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions.
The olive oil will restore the plastic's natural colour, clearing up any faded or discoloured areas. It is similar to black plastic trim moisturisers, which restore car trims and bumpers by adding moisture to their surface. You can also use WD-40 in a similar way to olive oil. However, the shiny black finish will fade after repeated washings or weather exposure, so make sure to reapply oil at least weekly to keep the bumpers looking new and to protect them from harsh UV rays.
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Use a heat gun on the plastic
Using a heat gun on plastic is a temporary solution to restore its colour. It is not a permanent fix, as the plastic will eventually fade again. However, it is a useful method to try before resorting to painting the plastic.
Before using a heat gun, cover any nearby non-plastic objects and areas of the plastic item you do not want to heat with a flame-resistant tarp. This is because heat guns can warp or discolour the surfaces of non-plastic items, and you may not want to heat the entire plastic object.
Then, wash the plastic with soap and water to remove any dust or debris. For a thorough cleaning, you can immerse the object in water. Dry the object with a towel before applying heat to prevent burning in any dirt or stains.
When you are ready, move the heat gun around the plastic surface, holding it around 3 inches away. You should see the colour change to a darker, richer shade. Once you have covered the entire surface, turn off the heat gun and check the colour. If you are happy with the result, you are finished. If not, you can try another pass with the heat gun, or move on to an alternative method such as applying olive oil or painting the plastic.
The process works by heating the plastic to its glass-transition temperature. This causes the crystal structure of the molecules to break and allows them to move around with one another. Some sources claim that this releases the natural oils in the plastic, allowing them to flow to the surface and restoring the colour. However, others dispute this, arguing that there is no oil in plastic, and that the process simply remelts the surface layer, mixing the oxidised surface with the substrate.
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Spray paint the bumper
Spray painting your bumper is a great way to restore its colour and shine. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Preparation:
First, you need to prepare the bumper for painting. Start by washing the bumper with soap and warm water to remove any dirt, grease, or wax. You can use a scuff pad for this step. Once it is clean, dry the bumper thoroughly with a towel.
Priming:
Before painting, it is essential to apply a primer to the bumper. The primer will help the paint adhere better to the surface and ensure a more durable finish. Sand the primer once it is dry.
Painting:
Now, you are ready to spray paint the bumper. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, including a respirator mask, gloves, and eye protection, and old clothing. Start by shaking the spray paint can according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the paint is mixed properly. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface of the bumper and spray in steady, even strokes, overlapping each stroke slightly to ensure full coverage. Apply 3-4 coats of paint, allowing adequate drying time between each coat as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Clear Coat:
After the final coat of paint has dried, apply a clear coat to protect the paint job and add shine. Two-part clear coats, also known as 2K clear coats, are recommended for the best results. Apply 4 coats of the 2K clear coat, allowing drying time between each coat.
Drying and Curing:
Once you have finished applying the clear coat, allow the paint job to cure for at least 24 hours before handling or exposing the bumper to any harsh conditions. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific drying and curing times.
Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area and follow the safety instructions on the paint and primer cans. With these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking finish and restore your bumper to its former glory.
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Use a plastic trim restorer
Black plastic bumpers and exterior trim can turn grey, crack, fade, or deteriorate when exposed to harsh sunlight and unpredictable weather. The easiest way to restore faded plastic bumpers is to purchase a plastic trim restorer.
Using a plastic restorer is a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your car. However, it is a short-term solution as torched plastic will eventually turn dull and grey again. To avoid this, you can use a plastic trim restorer as a base and then use a plastic sealer on top to protect the plastic from harmful UV rays.
To use a plastic trim restorer, start by washing the plastic parts with soapy water and wiping them dry. Then, use a microfiber or foam applicator to apply the restorer onto the plastic. Wipe off the excess product with a clean towel and let the plastic dry for about 6 hours.
For best results, apply the restorer to a clean, cool surface in a well-ventilated area. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection as the restorer can stain clothing and skin. Before applying the restorer, use IPA 70-90% (Isopropyl Alcohol) to remove any cleaners, oils, or silicones from the plastic. Shake the bottle well and spread a thin coat over the area in an even motion, covering the area completely.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to restore black plastic on a bumper. You can use a heat gun, olive oil, or black spray paint. If you want a longer-lasting solution, you could try using a blowtorch lightly on the surface, melting the outer layer, or use a product specifically designed to restore black plastic trim, such as Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel.
First, wash and dry the plastic surface. Then, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a cloth and rub it into the plastic. After a few minutes, buff the surface with a dry cloth to remove any excess oil.
Yes, there are several products available specifically designed to restore black plastic trim. Some examples include Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax's Pneu, and Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer.
You can use a typical spray paint or a bumper/trim paint. If you use spray paint, make sure to use a primer first to help the paint stick and then apply a coat of clear primer once it's dry to protect the paint. Trim paint adheres better and does not require a primer.
