(Ex) Black Plastic Trim - How To Get It Black Again ?
Discussion
On my wife's XC90 it has more than its fair share of (now) grey exterior trim.
I have used Autoglym bumpercare in the past and that looks ok for a few days but then fades.
Following advice I tried boot polish and that looked good for 5 mins but as the sun dried it out its gone very patchy.
Apart from re painting it is there anything else I can try ?
Cheers
I have used Autoglym bumpercare in the past and that looks ok for a few days but then fades.
Following advice I tried boot polish and that looked good for 5 mins but as the sun dried it out its gone very patchy.
Apart from re painting it is there anything else I can try ?
Cheers
If it's black plastic, ie no paint then try a hot air gun.
It doesn't work on all plastics but it does work on a lot. Don't melt the plastic, just heat it, it'll sweat and come up looking like new.
Try it on a small area and see if it works. As I said it's hit and miss on what plastics it works on though.
It doesn't work on all plastics but it does work on a lot. Don't melt the plastic, just heat it, it'll sweat and come up looking like new.
Try it on a small area and see if it works. As I said it's hit and miss on what plastics it works on though.
OnlyMX5ives said:
I think I'll give used engine oil a miss... 4 kids milling around something covered in engine oil seems like a recipe for disaster.
I'll get my wife to dig her hairdrier out... the neighbours will think she's gone potty !
Cheers
You can give it a go, but I don't think a hair dryer will get hot enough, you really need a proper hot air gun, same as you'd use for paint stripping.I'll get my wife to dig her hairdrier out... the neighbours will think she's gone potty !
Cheers
Just be careful when using it, you don't want to melt the plastic or damage anything else, but you'll need to get it fairly hot. It should then look like its damp/sweating. Wiping over with a rag (once you've moved the hot air gun out of the way!!!) will remove any residue.
Try it on a small bit first, some plastics it does nothing on and you'll only blister it. But on others it really really transforms them.
We found it worked wonders on older Rover 200/400's with the black or grey/brown plastic bumpers. These would go very white and powdery looking. After a going over with the hot air gun you'd swear it was a replacement bumper just been fitted. I was quite staggered first time I saw it.
You say you've tried shoe polish, but, I used to used the liquid shoe polish things, you know the sqeezy bottles with a sponge on the end, and the gold and it used to work a treat and last an age.
Also, cheap as, is you just get some ASDA stuff (other low price supermarkets are available)
Also, cheap as, is you just get some ASDA stuff (other low price supermarkets are available)
cramman said:
You say you've tried shoe polish, but, I used to used the liquid shoe polish things, you know the sqeezy bottles with a sponge on the end, and the gold and it used to work a treat and last an age.
Also, cheap as, is you just get some ASDA stuff (other low price supermarkets are available)
That's just silicon. Yes it works, but makes a mess if you get it on the paint. Also a real bugger if you need to have anything painted ever.Also, cheap as, is you just get some ASDA stuff (other low price supermarkets are available)
Any decent detailer and there is a detailing section on here so pop over for a look will suggest the following products.
Einszett silicon / vinyl gel. Apply with a sponge and it will last for months even with regular washing. Good on rubber too.
Chemical Guys New Look Trim Gel
Aerospace #303
Sonus Tyre and Bumper Dressing.
Black Wow....expensive for what it is and somewhat over hyped.
Remember to clean the plastic properly before layering up any gels and leave the product to settle before buffing.
Einszett silicon / vinyl gel. Apply with a sponge and it will last for months even with regular washing. Good on rubber too.
Chemical Guys New Look Trim Gel
Aerospace #303
Sonus Tyre and Bumper Dressing.
Black Wow....expensive for what it is and somewhat over hyped.
Remember to clean the plastic properly before layering up any gels and leave the product to settle before buffing.
Just a can (or two) or generic black vinyl dye (i.e. not paint) will sort it out just fine. Easier to do if you can get the trim off the car, though. Pretty much impossible to mess up as the dye soaks into the vinyl if you put too much on, rather than layering up on top of it (and loosing the texture, creating runs, etc.) if you were using paint.
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