Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a common material used in modern cars, from the exterior to the interior. It is durable, lightweight, and cheaper to make than steel. However, plastic on cars can become damaged over time due to exposure to harsh weather conditions and the sun's UV rays, causing it to crack, fade, or discolour. Luckily, there are several ways to restore and revive car plastic to its original condition. This can be done using a variety of products and techniques, ranging from plastic restorers and protectants to heat guns and natural oils like olive oil. The process typically involves cleaning and treating the plastic, and in some cases, applying heat to restore its natural oils. By reviving car plastic, owners can maintain the appearance and value of their vehicles.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic trim with soap and warm water
To revive the plastic on your car, you must start by cleaning the plastic trim. This process will remove surface grime, dust, and dirt. It is important to clean the trim before applying any products to ensure the treatment is effective and to avoid any residue or discolouration.
Firstly, wash the plastic trim with soap and warm water. You can use a mild dish soap and a soft damp cloth to wipe away dust and surface dirt. Be sure to rinse well with clean water and dry the trim with a microfiber towel.
If there are any stains or more stubborn dirt, you can apply a small amount of mild soap or laundry detergent directly to the damp cloth and wipe the area until it is clean. You can also use a plastic auto cleaner for this purpose. Be sure to follow up by rinsing the area with clean water and drying it with a clean, dry cloth.
It is important to note that you should never apply any cleaning solution directly to the plastic, and always test an inconspicuous area first. Additionally, if your car is particularly dirty, it is recommended to wash the entire car first, and then focus on the plastic trim.
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Use a heat gun to restore the plastic's natural oils
Using a heat gun is a temporary way to restore the plastic on your car by heating and drawing out the plastic's natural oils from beneath the surface to restore its luster. However, this method is not long-lasting, and the plastic will eventually fade with use and will no longer have enough natural oils to draw out through heating.
Before using a heat gun, cover nearby non-plastic objects with a flame-resistant tarp to prevent discolouration. If your plastic object is dirty, wash it with soap and warm water and dry it off with a towel to prevent any dirt or stains from burning into the plastic.
When using the heat gun, keep it at least 5-10 cm away from the plastic surface and avoid using it on thin or flexible plastics. Keep the gun moving and avoid prolonged exposure in one spot to prevent melting or warping the plastic.
While heat guns can be effective in restoring the plastic's natural oils, they can also cause permanent damage if used incorrectly, making the plastic age faster and become brittle and prone to cracking. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when using a heat gun and follow the recommended safety guidelines.
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Apply olive oil to restore shine
Applying Olive Oil to Restore Shine on Car Plastic
To restore shine to car plastic, you can use olive oil. Firstly, clean the plastic trim with soapy water to remove surface grime, dust, and dirt. Rinse well with clean water and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.
Next, grab a bottle of olive oil and apply a coin-sized amount to a dry microfiber towel. You can also use extra virgin olive oil or try WD-40 as an alternative. Gently rub the oiled towel on the faded plastic using small, circular motions. If the cloth becomes dirty, turn it over, add more oil, and keep rubbing until the oil covers all the faded areas. Remember, a little goes a long way.
Allow the plastic trim to absorb the oil by letting it soak for five to ten minutes. Then, grab a separate dry towel and buff the surface lightly using rapid circular motions. You can also apply heavy pressure to remove any leftover oil grease and give the plastic an extra shine.
If you notice any patches that the olive oil didn't restore, try the process again, targeting the stubborn area more directly. For severe fading or discolouration, you may need to consider alternative methods, such as using a heat gun or spraying paint.
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Use a trim restoration product to renew colour and appearance
To renew the colour and appearance of plastic on cars, you can use a trim restoration product. These products are made for plastic and rubber, not car paint. They can be purchased at local automotive or mass retailers, or on Amazon.
Before applying a trim restoration product, it is important to clean the plastic surface thoroughly. This can be done using a microfiber cloth and a plastic-safe detergent. It is recommended to use a separate towel for restoring plastic trim, as heavier soils from other parts of the car can cause damage to plastic surfaces.
Once the surface is clean, the trim restorer can be applied using a foam applicator or microfiber cloth. Use a back-and-forth, overlapping motion to ensure the product is evenly applied to the entire plastic area. You can also use a detailing cloth with a 300 GSM microfiber blend, which is durable enough for multiple restorations while being soft enough for the car's interior plastic parts.
Some trim restoration products, such as Turtle Wax, can be sprayed directly onto the surface and then spread evenly with a microfiber cloth. You can add up to 2-3 additional layers to increase the level of shine, ranging from a natural matte look to a high-gloss finish. These products can also provide extra protection from UV rays, rain, and snow, and typically last for several months.
Other recommended products include Solution Finish, which is a solvent-based treatment that dissolves oxidation, restores black carbon to the treated area, and contains antioxidants and light stabilizers to prevent further UV damage.
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Protect from UV rays with a protectant spray
The sun's UV rays can cause damage to your car's exterior and interior. The damage can range from paint fading and oxidation to upholstery damage and dashboard cracking. To prevent this, you can use protectant sprays that are designed to block UV rays.
There are various protectant sprays available on the market, such as 303 Protectant, which can be sprayed directly onto surfaces and spread evenly with a microfiber cloth. These protectant sprays are designed to protect plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces on both the interior and exterior of your car. They can also add shine and enhance the appearance of your car.
It is important to note that not all car sealants, waxes, or coats offer effective protection from UV rays. Some products, such as PoorBoy's, specifically mention UV protection in their descriptions. Other products that offer UV protection include 303 Graphene Nano Spray, Griot's Ceramic 3-in-1, and Optimum Opti-Seal.
When choosing a protectant spray, look for those that contain powerful UV inhibitors to prevent damage from prolonged sun exposure. You can also opt for synthetic car sealants, which offer a clear coat of protection from UV light. Additionally, ceramic coatings provide a thick, clear coat of protection and can last up to 2-5 years, although they are typically applied by professionals.
By using protectant sprays and taking other precautions, such as parking in the shade or using a car cover, you can effectively protect your car from the sun's harmful UV rays and maintain its shine and overall condition.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a plastic restorer product, such as Turtle Wax Black in a Flash Trim & Tyre Dressing, to restore the plastic trim on your car. You can also use olive oil, which will restore the plastic's natural colour.
You should clean the plastic trim with soap and warm water before applying the product with a foam applicator or a microfiber cloth. You can also use a heat gun, but this may not be a long-lasting solution.
You can use a protectant, such as Turtle Wax Inside & Out Protectant, once a month to renew the shine of exterior plastic and protect it from UV rays and weather conditions.
