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Automobile plastic trim restorers

Posted on 7/29/25 at 5:13 pm
Posted by doublecutter
Member since Oct 2003
6988 posts
Posted on 7/29/25 at 5:13 pm
The black plastic trim on my SUV, around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and around rear bumper have faded. What is a good restorer to use considering ease of application and longevity?
Posted by ELLSSUU
Member since Jan 2005
7953 posts
Posted on 7/29/25 at 5:21 pm to
Solution Finish works as well as about any of them. Available in Amazon. A little goes a long way.
Posted by CAD703X
Liberty Island
Member since Jul 2008
90994 posts
Posted on 7/29/25 at 5:38 pm to
i used that 'forever black' shoe polish-looking junk back in the day and it was AMAZING. lasted for a very very long time; took discolored 'gray' trim all around my 4runner and made it nice and black again.
Posted by Civildawg
Member since May 2012
10163 posts
Posted on 7/29/25 at 6:59 pm to
Cerakote is the best I've used
Posted by VanRIch
Wherever
Member since Sep 2007
11449 posts
Posted on 7/29/25 at 9:55 pm to
I’ve used these wipes and they work really well. Cerakote Trim Wipes
Posted by Clames
Member since Oct 2010
18797 posts
Posted on 7/30/25 at 9:59 am to
quote:

What is a good restorer to use considering ease of application and longevity?



I found that blasting with a fan nozzle from my pressure washer then treating lasted far longer than any product alone.
Posted by DuckSausage
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2014
456 posts
Posted on 7/30/25 at 10:00 am to
I've seen videos online of using a propane torch to restore plastic stadium seats. I guess the heat brings the oil back up to the surface and brings the color back.

No idea if it works but I've been tempted to try it on my black trim that's faded.
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
19037 posts
Posted on 7/30/25 at 10:20 am to
quote:

I've seen videos online of using a propane torch to restore plastic stadium seats


A good heat gun will do the same thing with less risk of fire.
Posted by ThermoDynamicTiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2008
1435 posts
Posted on 7/31/25 at 1:38 pm to
Propane torch will remove oxidation. Just do it quickly.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
19072 posts
Posted on 7/31/25 at 8:27 pm to
30% glycerin 70% isopropyl alcohol
Posted by OceanMan
Member since Mar 2010
22589 posts
Posted on 8/3/25 at 6:41 am to
Did a good bit of research on this earlier this year:

Solution Finish - I bought some of this but never got around to applying it but plan to when it cools down to a large bumper section. I think it’s the best but a little tedious to apply, lasts a long time

Chemical Guys VRP - works fine, but temporary. Easy application, generally better reviewed than the other back to black type products. Can also be used on the interior.

Cerakote wipes - somewhat easy application but can show streaking. It definitely works and lasts a long time.

SEM Spray paint - most invasive option but this would likely be the most permanent and effective

Don’t advise any heat option, from what I’ve gathered, it would work temporarily, but as it fades again will be more washed out and would be harder to fix.
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