Ethan Clarke
The plastic cladding on a Chevy Avalanche is known to fade and discolour over time, especially the black trim pieces. There are several methods to restore the plastic trim on an Avalanche. Some products that can be used include Future floor wax, Armor All, Turtle Wax's ICE, Wipe New, Cera Trim, and linseed oil mixed with mineral oil. Alternatively, you can pay a body shop to sand and paint the plastic, use a semi-OEM backed Gatorback coating, or spray the trim with bedliner.
How to restore plastic trim on an Avalanche
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial products | Wipe New, Armor All, Turtle Wax's ICE, Carworx RR, ArmorDillo TS-1, Future floor wax, Solution Finish, Cera Trim, Cerakote trim restoration, Dupli-color trim and bumper paint, Gatorback coatings |
| Homemade products | Boiled linseed oil and mineral oil (mixed at a 60/40 ratio) |
| Professional services | Body shop to sand/grind down the plastic and have it painted |
| Chevrolet-provided product | A product that you apply every 3 months to prolong fading |
| Other methods | Using a heat gun, blow torch, or bedliner |
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What You'll Learn
Using products like Armor All, Turtle Wax, or Wipe New
Armor All Extreme Shield Wax is a popular product for restoring plastic trim on an avalanche. It is a solvent-based formula that cleans off silicon and infuses carbon back into the oxidised plastic, leaving it looking and feeling new. It does not give an oily or wet look and can last for up to 3-4 months. However, some users have reported that it only lasts for a week or two.
Turtle Wax's Renew/Restore range offers a variety of products for car trim restoration, including their #1 selling Scratch Repair & Renew. Their rubber and plastic trim restorer is an easy-to-use, liquid formula that is buffed into any unpainted surface with a microfiber hand cloth. It leaves a shine and provides long-lasting protection against car washes, storms, salt, and UV rays. Their Graphene Acrylic Trim Restorer is another option, but it dries quickly and may require multiple applications to achieve an even finish.
Wipe New by Rustoleum is another effective product for restoring black plastic trim on an avalanche. It is a long-lasting solution, with some users reporting that they have not needed to reapply it even after years. It is important to note that while Wipe New is effective for interior trim, its durability on exterior trim may vary.
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Painting the trim
Before painting, it is essential to clean the trim thoroughly to ensure that the paint adheres properly and the final product looks smooth and even. Some people recommend removing all the trim pieces before painting to avoid overspray and paint specks on other parts of the vehicle. This can be a complex process, especially when dealing with larger trim pieces. If you choose to leave the trim in place, be sure to mask off surrounding areas carefully to protect them from paint.
When it comes to the painting process itself, you have a few options. One option is to use a roller or brush to apply a coating, such as the Semi OEM-backed Gatorback coating. This option is relatively inexpensive and can be done yourself. Another option is to use aerosol cans for a more even finish, but this can be more costly. You can also choose to have a body shop sand and grind down the plastic before painting it, but this will likely be the most expensive option.
It is important to note that you should not have to grind or sand the plastic excessively before painting. A proper cleaning and light sanding should be sufficient. Additionally, you may want to consider the colour you paint the trim. While you can match it to the body colour, some people choose to paint it grey or black, which can also provide a nice contrast.
There are a variety of products available on the market that can help you restore your Avalanche's trim. Some people have reported success with Future Floor Wax, while others have used oil-based products that are applied in a semi-thick coat and left to soak into the plastic. It is important to research and follow the directions for any product you choose to ensure the best results.
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Using a heat gun
The first step is to clean and polish the plastic trim thoroughly. This step is crucial as years of cleaning products can lead to blotchy results. A small handheld microfiber applicator can be used for this purpose. It is also important to ensure that the trim is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
The heat gun must be held between four to six inches away from the surface of the trim to prevent burning or melting. It is important to maintain consistent, moderate heat and not to overheat the trim. A good quality heat gun, such as a Porter-Cable gun, can help achieve optimal results. Move the heat gun slowly and use an even pattern to ensure uniform heating. Keep the heat away from painted areas, as it can damage the paintwork.
The heat from the gun will break down the molecular composition of the faded plastic, allowing the chemical bonds between the polymers to realign. This process draws out the natural oils and pigment from the plastic, restoring its colour and shine. The heat treatment can be followed up with automatic transmission oil to further enhance the shine.
While this method can effectively restore the plastic trim on an Avalanche, it is important to note that it may cause the trim to fade more quickly and become brittle over time. This is because the heat gun draws out the oils from the plastic, causing it to dry out and become more susceptible to damage. Therefore, it is recommended to use this technique sparingly and consider alternative methods such as plastic trim restorers or ceramic coating for long-term maintenance.
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Sanding and grinding the plastic
Before beginning the sanding process, it is important to remove all the trim pieces from the vehicle. This will allow for easier handling and ensure that only the desired areas are sanded. It is also crucial to wear the appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, a respirator, and gloves, to safeguard against plastic dust and debris.
When sanding the plastic trim, start with a coarse grit sandpaper or grinding attachment to remove the majority of the faded plastic. Move the sandpaper or grinder in smooth, consistent strokes along the direction of the plastic's grain to achieve an even finish. It is important to be cautious and avoid applying too much pressure, as this can melt the plastic or create uneven grooves.
Once the majority of the faded plastic has been removed, switch to a finer grit sandpaper to smooth out any scratches or imperfections left by the coarse grit. Take your time with this step, as a thorough job here will pay off in the final finish. Finally, a very fine grit sandpaper can be used to polish the surface and prepare it for painting or other treatments.
After sanding, the plastic trim will have a fresh, smooth surface that is ready for the next steps of the restoration process. It is important to work with clean, dust-free surfaces when applying paints, coatings, or other treatments to ensure optimal adhesion and a high-quality finish. Remember that proper preparation is key to achieving a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result.
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Semi OEM-backed Gatorback coatings
If you're looking to restore the plastic trim on your Avalanche, one option to consider is the Semi OEM-backed Gatorback coatings. This is a more affordable alternative to getting a body shop to sand and paint the plastic. The Gatorback kit costs $163, which is a one-time cost compared to buying four $23 aerosol cans each time you need to reapply.
The application process for Gatorback coatings is simple and can be done with a roller. It is important to note that proper preparation and cleaning of the surface are key to achieving the best results. Make sure to mask off the area and clean the panel thoroughly before applying the coating.
While some users have reported positive experiences with Gatorback coatings, lasting 3-6 years, others have noticed signs of minor fading after just 1-2 years. It's important to manage your expectations and understand that while Gatorback may last for years, it might not be a permanent solution. Additionally, some users have mentioned that the coating can be too thick and hard to apply, and if the coated surface gets scratched, the underlying colour may show through.
If you're seeking a longer-lasting solution, you might consider Carworx RR, which offers at least 20 applications and can be used on a variety of surfaces. However, if you're looking for a quick and easy DIY solution to restore your Avalanche's trim, Semi OEM-backed Gatorback coatings could be a suitable option.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try using products like Future floor wax, Armor All, Turtle Wax's ICE, Wipe New, Cera Trim, or boiled linseed oil and mineral oil. Alternatively, you can paint the trim or use a semi-OEM backed Gatorback coating.
Avoid using a heat gun as it can make the plastic brittle. Also, avoid using products like ArmorDillo TS-1, as they only last a few months.
Yes, you can pay a body shop to sand or grind down the plastic and have it painted. However, this option can be expensive.
