Restoring faded black plastic trim on cars can make a world of difference in the overall appearance of your car.
Over time, plastic trim can become sun-bleached, weathered, and dull. But with the right techniques and products, you can easily bring it back to life.
As a professional detailer, I’ve tried various methods and products, and I’ve learned which ones truly work. In this guide, I’ll share the best tips and tricks, including my top recommendation, which you can find in our shop.
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Plastic trim, particularly on the exterior of your car, is constantly exposed to the elements. UV rays, rain, road salts, and pollution can all take a toll on the plastic, causing it to fade, oxidise, and lose its natural colour.
The key to restoring your trim is to rehydrate the plastic and bring back its original deep pigment.
There are a number of products and techniques available to restore black plastic trim. Here’s a rundown of the most effective options based on my experience and insights from the detailing communities at r/Cars, r/AutoDetailing, and Detailing World.
Without a doubt, one of the best products I recommend is the Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer. Although a bit expensive, this product is a favourite in the detailing world for a reason—it’s designed to also provide long-lasting protection.
The Gtechniq C4 bonds to the plastic, offering a permanent solution that doesn’t wash away with rain or car washes.
How to Use It:
What I love about this product is that it lasts for months—no need to reapply every few weeks like some other products. The finish is matte, providing a natural look that doesn’t appear overly glossy. Plus, it offers UV protection to prevent further fading, which is a huge bonus in the UK’s unpredictable weather.
How to Use It:
Why I Recommend It: This product provides a subtle, satin finish and is excellent for maintaining the natural look of your trim without the glossy shine some products leave behind. The silicone-free formula also ensures that it won't attract dust or dirt, making it a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance solution.
For those who want a product that not only restores but also moisturises and nourishes the trim, the YumCars Dress V2 Rubber & Trim Moisturiser is an excellent choice.
This product is designed to hydrate and protect rubber and plastic trims, preventing them from cracking and fading over time.
How to Use It:
Why I Recommend It: This product is ideal for protecting your trim against UV rays and harsh weather, ensuring long-lasting results. I’ve found that it works especially well on weathered rubber trims, making it a must-have in any detailer’s toolkit.
Here are some other plastic dressing and protection products if you’re interested in others.
For those who prefer a DIY approach to restore plastic trims, a mixture of boiled linseed oil and turpentine can be a cost-effective solution. This method is widely shared on detailing forums, including Reddit, where users swear by its effectiveness.
How to Use It:
While this solution can work well, I’ve found it doesn’t provide the same level of long-lasting protection as products that were engineered for this. It’s a good option if you’re on a budget, but you may need to reapply it more often.
An unconventional method I’ve experimented with is using heat to restore black plastic trim. This technique works by gently warming the plastic to help it regain its original colour.
How to Use It:
This method can be effective, but it requires caution. Overheating the plastic can cause damage, so it’s important to practise on a small area first.
Here’s a demonstration on YouTube on how to use this method by the Gander Flight channel.
Once you’ve restored your black plastic trim, there are a few things you can do to ensure it stays looking fresh for longer:
Restoring black plastic trim doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the right products, you can achieve impressive results. In my experience as a detailer, I highly recommend the Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer for its long-lasting results and UV protection.
Whether you choose a commercial product or a DIY solution, the key is to clean the trim thoroughly and apply the product carefully. By following these methods and tips, you’ll be able to restore your car’s trim and keep it looking great for months to come.
Tahmid Rashid (the one in the middle) is one of the three owners of CA Detailing, alongside his trusted cousin-brothers. A long-time car enthusiast, Tahmid founded Carbon Accents, a car styling store, in 2019. His passion for cars and maintaining his own BMW 1 Series (F20 M135i) led him to dive into the world of detailing.
With over eight years of experience developing products in another industry, Tahmid noticed that customers across the UK were often purchasing low-quality car detailing products. Driven to make a difference, he co-founded CA Detailing in 2021. His goal is to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices and to share his knowledge so that customers can make the most informed decisions when buying detailing products.
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