Plastic Trim Restorer: How to Make Faded Trim Look New
Dulled trim will give the impression of aging your entire vehicle unnecessarily. Even when you have pristine paint, nothing ruins its look faster than that faded plastic. Enter the plastic trim restorer.
The great thing about this process is that you won’t have to go all out for a complete detail. Instead, you can easily bring back that rich, black color without spending much time doing so. In fact, I’m going to show you how it’s done, in less than an hour’s worth of work.
Why Plastic Trim Fades (And How a Plastic Trim Restorer Helps)
Plastic trim becomes discolored due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and air. With time, the ultraviolet rays cause the oil within the plastic material to fade, causing black trim to appear like chalky gray.
This is how it happens:
- The plastic surface loses moisture from the effects of UV rays
- Oxidation leads to fading
- Dirt and chemicals accelerate the process
Even washing of your vehicle cannot undo these effects. Actually, certain harsh detergents only worsen the situation, leaving your trim even more unprotected.
The working of plastic trim restorer involves:
- Moisturizing the plastic
- Reviving its dark color
- Protecting it from further UV damage
There are products that only remain on the surface temporarily and wear off easily. There are others that can adhere to the surface more effectively.
What You’ll Need for Plastic Trim Restoration
Before you begin, prepare all of your equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly without any streaks.
- Trim & Plastic Restorer (US Made, 352 Reviews)
- Microfiber towels
- Applicator foam pad
- Car Wash Soap
- Bucket and water
- (Optional) Interior Cleaner
How to Apply Plastic Trim Restorer (Step-by-Step)
Here's where most people tend to get things wrong.
The process itself is quite straightforward, however, with the correct preparation and techniques the results will significantly improve.
Step 1 – Clean the Trim Thoroughly
First thing first - wash your car. It's extremely important that the surface is absolutely free from any dirt and oil.
Use soap and plenty of water. Clean the trim carefully making sure there is no dirt left. In case the trim is particularly dirty, do two rounds.
Dry the area thoroughly.
Tip: Restorer won't properly bond with the surface if there is still water in the texture.
Step 2 – Apply a Small Amount First
Apply just enough product onto the applicator pad.
Begin with a small portion of the surface for more control over the results.
Smoothly apply the product to the trim.
Step 3 – Work It Into the Surface
Remember that you need to massage it into the surface and not simply apply.
Using moderate pressure, make circles over the surface. You'll notice how quickly the color returns.
Pay special attention to the edges and textured areas.
Step 4 – Let It Absorb
Leave it to act for a few minutes.
This will help in ensuring better bonding and more durable coating. If wiped too early, the restorer may not produce its intended effects.
H3: Step 5 – Wipe Off Excess
Wipe the surface with a dry microfiber towel.
This will remove any excesses and prevent any oily stains and smears.
The result should look perfectly clean and rich black color without any glossiness or oily feeling.
Step 6 – Let It Cure
Avoid contact with water for several hours, if possible.
This will give the plastic trim restorer enough time to properly bind to the surface and provide protection
Tips to Keep Trim Looking New Longer
Once you restore your trim, the next step would be to maintain it.
How to maintain it:
- Parker under shaded areas, or park under any cover whenever possible.
- Use mild soap and avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Reapply trim restorer after every three months.
- Do not use automated car washes, which contain high detergents.
Lastly, do not wait for the trim to fully turn grey before performing any maintenance tasks; light maintenance will be more efficient.
For anyone planning on maintaining his or her car’s interiors, here is one guide:
car interior cleaning guide
If you are looking into protecting your car paint, the following may help:
ceramic coating spray what it is how to apply
Plastic Trim Restorer FAQs
-
How long will a plastic trim restorer last?
Depends on the weather and how often you wash your car. Usually lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. -
Can it be used to restore trim that is extremely oxidized?
Yes, but it may take several applications. Oxidation is a lengthy process and requires patience. -
Is it safe for all types of plastics?
Safe for almost all exterior and interior trim plastics. It's better to test a little area before applying. -
Should I use it regularly?
Once every two to three months will do fine. If your car spends most of its time under the sun, you may want to apply once a month. -
Will it work on my interior trim?
Sure! It's particularly useful on dashboards and doors panels. Don't forget to wipe off.
Bring Your Trim Back to Life
Old-looking trim doesn’t necessarily make your car old; it just needs to be fixed.
A plastic trim restorer, when used correctly, can make your car look brand new in less than an hour. It is one of the quickest changes you can make.
For a quick and easy fix that will work well and have everything included, try the
Trim & Plastic Restorer.
More detailing advice can be found in these articles:
clean car dashboard no residue
| # | Anchor | URL | Type |
| 1 | Trim & Plastic Restorer | https://carfidant.com/products/carfidant-trim-plastic-restorer | Product |
| 2 | cleaning-leather-car-seats-step-by-step | https://carfidant.com › blogs › car-care-tips › cleaning-leather-car-seats-step-by-step | Internal |
| 3 | iron-remover-guide | https://carfidant.com › blogs › news › iron-remover-guide | Internal |
| 4 | plastic-trim-restorer-faded-trim-fix | https://carfidant.com › blogs › car-care-tips › plastic-trim-restorer-faded-trim-fix | Internal |
