What can be done to maintain or even repair the appearance of black plastic trim?
I’ve heard that boiled linseed oil and paint thinner may work together, but I am skeptical of the paint thinner chemically compromising the plastic. Old wives tale, or will it work?
the top layer of the plastic has degraded. You could try to remove it, but you'll remove the factory texture and it'll look like crap. Plastic isn't very durable.
You could replace the parts, or just live with it.
What's the best thing to use for faded plastic? To make it look less faded. Or to prevent it from fading.
a garage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PESThtMujS8 this guy uses 4 different products to compare. for me i found mothers brand not so great as it needs to be reapplied almost monthly and is a bit "oily". products i use here in oz are an australian brand bowdens, this works best for my vehicle in the aussie sun. always read the instructions on any packaging as they will state how often you need to apply.
Hmm. Doesn’t seem like any last. But need to be constantly reapplied.
Does he have a video on everything?! Amazing.
Scotty Kilmer is a religion.
yup. replacement is the most sensible fix. I don't like pumping money into snake oil that lasts months and needs to be reapplied over and over. It's a waste of time. I just accept that plastic fades and live with it. Problem solved. I don't need to impress anyone.
BLO will peel off over time, and thinner will degrade plastic.
That’s my fear with the thinner.
‘I don’t need to impress anyone’ - THIS
All these products I have tried, and for each of them you have to keep re-applying them. There is no such thing as a “one and done” compound. Your money, you decide how to proceed: 1.) keep reapplying; 2.) buy a new trim piece and install (can be pricey); 3.) just live with it. For myself I eventually went with #3 but every now and then I go back to #1 (using Solution Finish – Black Plastic & Vinyl Restorer) for a season, before going back to #3 again. 🙂
Thanks fine the suggestions. Doesn’t seem to be a “magic bullet”.
About one month ago, all of the outside plastic on my car has permanent streaks and became dull. The black around the outside mirrors and the plastic that divides the windows. Detailer said he could not get it out.
I used Back to Black for years and then found 303 Protectant. I think the 303 is easier to use. Over time it has to be reapplied same as Back to Black.
The tfl guys did a video last year where they spray painted old trim. Came out pretty good (10 foot test, anyway)
Besides keeping the car in a shade or garage, what can be done to prevent fading of black plastic parts? Or at the very least, minimize fading?
If already faded, what can be done to restore the black plastic to like new, or close to new condition?