Black Trim "Restoration" Products

[wrightkarl]

Has anyone tried with success to restore faded black plastics ? There are so many miracle products but I'm sure most are snake oil..... Years ago I used to use the wipe on stuff that ran off when you washed it had to do it all over again, all been there I'm sure !

[Triumph Man]

I've used Autoglym trim gel to good effect - it has an amazing effect on really faded plastics, however, as you say, it does run off when it rains heavily (although I've found it's shower resistant. I think the real, permanent, cure is either a heat gun or paint the plastics with a suitable plastic paint.

[Speed addicted]

External plastics usually come up well with a heat gun.
Just a gentle heat though, you don’t want to melt things!

Either that or Autoglym trim gel has always worked for me

[MBVitoria]

wrightkarl said:

Has anyone tried with success to restore faded black plastics ? There are so many miracle products but I'm sure most are snake oil..... Years ago I used to use the wipe on stuff that ran off when you washed it had to do it all over again, all been there I'm sure !

When I had a mini with lots of black plastic trim I used Gtechniq C4 once and didn't have to touch it again for nearly a year. £20 a pack but well worth it IMO.

[GreatGranny]

I've done the heat gun treatment on my E36 in the past.
It was effective for a while but it eventually faded.
Wasn't confident doing it too many times in case it damaged the plastic.
The Autoglym stuff is pretty good, just needs to be applied regularly. Doesn't take long and worth it IMO.

[Philvrs]

Polytrol gets the best reviews, I’ve yet to try it though.

[sixor8]

Online review here in July 2022 by Yourcar. Gtechniq C4 top, Simoniz Jet Black the best value. No mention of the old 'Back to black.'

https://yourcar.co.uk/best-black-trim-restorer/

[Dr Interceptor]

I've tried lots of them over the years, but having stumped up once for Gtechniq C4 I won't buy anything else now.

[Chris32345]

Philvrs said:

Polytrol gets the best reviews, I’ve yet to try it though.

Very good stuff last months just don't leave too long as it has sticky finish then if it dries on the surface

Same goes for keeping it off the paint

[Demelitia]

The heat gun treatment just sweats out oils from plastics and makes them look good for a while.
As soon as they wash off you’re left with trim that’s worse than before.

Car-pro PERL is pretty good, durability and finish wise.
It’s handy to have around due to it being so versatile; it’s not just for trim.

Polytrol and C4 come up regularly as recommendations.

I now have some Forever black bumper and trim dye to try out when the weather is better.
There are some videos of its performance available that led me to want to try it out.

[Belle427]

Solution finish

[Jo-say8k]

Cherry Blossom black shoe restorer.
No really! It's just a dye I guess but it lasts for ages and doesn't streak down the paint.

[E63eeeeee...]

Not cheap - something like 40 quid a can last time I bought some, but the actual dog's bks. I've done loads of 20+ year old trim with it and it comes up amazingly well and lasts.



Did this bumper insert with it 18 months ago, still looks new.

[s m]

Dr Interceptor said:

I've tried lots of them over the years, but having stumped up once for Gtechniq C4 I won't buy anything else now.

+ 1

[PRO 5T]

Anyone tried Cerakote?