Chloe Zhang
Plastic is a common material used in car interiors due to its low cost, lightweight, and durability. However, over time, interior plastic can fade due to UV damage, extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, and other factors. This can make the car look old and dated. There are several methods to restore faded plastic interior parts, ranging from cleaning and painting to using specific products like ColorBond LVP, Plastic Restore, or natural remedies like olive oil. Some suggest boiling water or using a heat gun to restore old plastic parts, but caution and expertise are advised for these methods. Replacement may be the best option for severely damaged parts, especially in vintage or classic cars.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic parts | Interior plastic parts, bumpers, headlights, bumpers, grilles |
| Faded plastic | Faded due to UV damage, extreme weather, harsh cleaning chemicals, smoke, spills |
| Cleaning products | Plastic Restore, 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray, ColorBond Prep Cleaner, soapy water, olive oil, baby oil, linseed oil, WD-40 |
| Painting | Dye, paint, ColorBond LVP, ColorBond Adhesion Promoter |
| Replacement | Replacement parts can be expensive and hard to find |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning plastic parts with soapy water
Plastic is a durable material used in car interiors in numerous ways. Over time, the interior plastic in your vehicle will likely fade because of UV damage, extreme weather, harsh cleaning chemicals, exposure to smoke, and spills. Cleaning plastic parts with soapy water is a great way to restore plastic interior parts. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather your supplies
You will need a sink, a plug, mild dish detergent, a soft rag, a garden hose, a bucket of warm water, and some clean, dry towels. If the plastic item has small nooks and crannies, it is also recommended to use an old, soft toothbrush.
Step 2: Prepare the soapy water
Fill the sink or bucket with warm water and add a couple of tablespoons of mild dish detergent. Stir the water and detergent until the soap is fully dissolved and some soap suds are visible. If you are using a bucket, you can also use a hose to spray down the dirty plastic before dipping your rag into the soapy water.
Step 3: Scrub the plastic
Dip your soft rag into the soapy water and start scrubbing the plastic surface. For smaller items with nooks and crannies, use an old, soft toothbrush to reach into the small spaces. Scrub the plastic gently but firmly, ensuring that you cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Once you have finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the plastic with clean water to remove any remaining soap. You can use a hose or a sink for this step. After rinsing, dry the plastic with a towel or let it air dry. Ensure that all soap residue is removed before considering the plastic fully cleaned.
Additional tips:
- For tough stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water or diluted bleach to scrub the plastic before rinsing and drying.
- If you are cleaning plastic with electronic components, use a sponge and warm water to wipe away any soap residue, and let the item sit for at least 48 hours before use.
- To remove built-up grime, you can use a vinegar and water solution. Spray the solution onto the plastic and scrub liberally until the dirt is removed.
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Using olive oil to restore colour
Over time, the plastic in car interiors can fade due to UV damage, extreme weather, harsh cleaning chemicals, exposure to smoke, and spills. While there are various commercial products available to restore the colour of plastic, olive oil can also be used for this purpose.
Before applying olive oil, wash the plastic surface with soap and warm water to remove any dirt. Dry the surface with a towel. Next, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a washcloth or paper towel. Massage the olive oil into the plastic by rubbing the cloth back and forth on the targeted area for several minutes. This process will help the plastic absorb the olive oil. Inspect the plastic for residual discolouration after removing any excess olive oil. If there are patches that the olive oil didn't restore, repeat the process while directly targeting those areas.
As an alternative to olive oil, baby oil or linseed oil can also be used to restore the colour of plastic. Additionally, a heat gun can be used as a temporary solution to bring out the natural oils in black plastic and restore its lustre. However, this method may not be long-lasting, as the plastic may eventually fade with use and lose its natural oils.
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Painting plastic parts
Painting plastic car parts is a great way to improve the visual appeal of your car and protect plastic parts from degradation, such as cracking, warping, and colour fading due to moisture or UV radiation. Before painting, it is important to identify the compatibility of the machined plastic part with the painting process. Factors such as adhesion make materials like ABS and PC good for painting.
Once the plastic and machining have been selected, the surface should be cleaned to remove any dirt, dust, or other contaminants. A mild-action detergent or a recommended plastic cleaner can be used for this step. Next, the surface can be sanded lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to improve adhesion and remove any gloss or imperfections. Sanding the surface helps create a texture that allows the paint to adhere better. After sanding, the plastic part should be cleaned again with warm water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Now, the plastic part is ready for painting. It is important to mask off the surrounding areas of the car with masking tape to prevent overspray and achieve a clean finish. Once the masking is complete, you can begin painting the plastic part. Depending on the colour change, multiple coats of paint may be required. After painting, clear lacquer should be applied over the paint with four to five coats, allowing each layer to dry for around 15 minutes before adding another. Once satisfied with the finish, let the paint dry for a few hours before removing the masking tape.
Finally, take a clean microfibre cloth and polish the plastic part to bring out the shine and remove any loose debris. This step will leave you with a perfectly smooth surface and a showroom-quality finish. It is important to note that plastic car parts can also be powder-coated, but this process is typically different from traditional powder coating due to plastic's sensitivity to high temperatures. A UV-cured powder coating process can be used to provide more durable plastic trims.
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Using plastic restoration products
Plastic restoration products are a great way to restore plastic interior parts. They are easy to use and cost-effective, and can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your vehicle, making it look well-maintained and more appealing.
There are several products available on the market, such as Torque Detail's Plastic Restore, 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray, Solution Finish Trim Restorer, and ColorBond LVP. These products can help restore plastic surfaces to their original state, making them look new again.
When using plastic restoration products, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. In general, the process involves cleaning the surface to be treated, applying the restoration product, and then allowing it to dry. For example, when using Torque Detail's Plastic Restore, you simply spray it onto the surface, let it sit for 15 seconds or so, and then wipe it off with a microfiber towel.
Some products may require multiple coats for best results. For example, Solution Finish Trim Restorer recommends allowing the first coat to dry for 6 hours before applying a second coat. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area when using these products, as they may produce fumes.
In addition to restoring the appearance of plastic interior parts, some products offer additional benefits such as UV protection, which can help prevent fading and discolouration caused by sunlight exposure.
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Replacing parts
If you are restoring a vintage or classic car, it may be best to replace the parts altogether. This is because, over time, the interior plastic in your vehicle will fade due to UV damage, extreme weather, harsh cleaning chemicals, exposure to smoke, and spills.
Collectors Auto Supply, for example, offers a wide range of vintage and classic auto parts for almost every make and model ever made. You can use their year/make/model vehicle search to find the parts you need.
If you are unable to find the parts you need, you can contact a body shop to ask if they can custom-mix a paint for your vehicle's interior. Before painting, you will need to remove the parts from the vehicle, being careful not to force the removal and crack the plastic. Once the pieces are removed, lightly sand them, clean them with an appropriate product, and let them dry.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to restore plastic interior parts is to use a plastic restorer product, such as Torque Detail's Plastic Restore or 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray.
Wash the plastic with soap and warm water, dry it with a towel, and then pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a cloth. Massage the olive oil into the plastic using small circular motions, adding more oil if necessary.
Yes, you can paint plastic interior parts. First, remove the parts from the vehicle, lightly sand them, and then clean them with an appropriate product. Once dry, apply a paint or dye that is specially formulated for plastic.
There are several products available for restoring plastic interior parts, including ColorBond LVP, Plastic Restore, 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray, and black plastic trim moisturizer. The best product for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If your plastic bumpers are severely weathered, it may be best to replace them altogether. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, there are DIY solutions you can try, such as using olive oil or a plastic restorer product.
