Help restoring faded plastic

S

stoppy

New member
Hi There,

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I have a really faded piece of hard plastic at the bottom of when windshield meets engine bay. Anyone have any experiences in restoring something like this? I have tried Chemical Guys bare bones but that didn`t do much. Not sure if hitting it with a DA with something abrasive would help? In searching I haven`t found a solid answer to this one.
Any help is appreciated!
 

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Solution Finish is my go to product for restoring plastics to their former glory. You can top it with DLux for longer lasting results.
 
Lots of different approaches these days, and it seems like all of `em have worked great/lousy for somebody.

My first-attempt is:

-Griot`s Rubber Prep
-Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus

That`s often sufficient and it`s very quick/easy and if it works I can just maintain with something like OCW/D156 for a year or more. Refreshing the UTTG+ before it really needs it can basically keep working forever IME. I only ramp up from this approach as needed.
 
I`ve recently started using McKee`s 37 Trim Restorer and really like it. I found it really easy to apply using a sponge applicator.

It was used on some plastic that was almost as faded as what is pictured and it has actually held on pretty well through the winter.
 
I have purchased the black bond but no chance to use it yet.
Heard from a rep of a competing product that D-LUX probably has the longest life though. Even though he is a rep from another brand, he said he has used DLUX and will swear it lasted over 18 months on one truck and 2 full years on another---- now thats a testimony for sure. The main thing I dont like about car-pro products is all 3 of them that I have used are VERY sensitive / tricky /picky to use. NO SUNLIGHT @ ALL during application or YOU WILL get streaking.
 
I’ve used solutions finish in past and it works well and last decent but sometimes it just isn’t worth the time it takes, but the other day I got a bottle of Poorboy world trim restore and I tried it out today and here is a 50/50 for you all.
500d9f95b8dbfc8f552aaf06785e473e.jpg
how long it lasts I can’t say but I can say I’m pleasantly surprised on how little was needed and easy it was to use


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
i like car pro pearl. i often find a really beat finish looks dramatically better the next day after curing. lasts a good while too.
 
Accumulator said:
Lots of different approaches these days, and it seems like all of `em have worked great/lousy for somebody.

My first-attempt is:

-Griot`s Rubber Prep
-Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus

That`s often sufficient and it`s very quick/easy and if it works I can just maintain with something like OCW/D156 for a year or more. Refreshing the UTTG+ before it really needs it can basically keep working forever IME. I only ramp up from this approach as needed.
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I agree, this is the best method of trim maintenance.

For restoring faded trim I`ll use OPC 3:1 and a soft boars hair brush to clean away as much oxidation as possible.

Then I use Capro Eraser to remove any residue (although I assume Griot`s rubber prep would be better suited for this task)

Then I apply Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant.

WETS seems to work better for me on faded trim than UTTG.

Like Accumulator said, maintaining your trim with either D156 or Optimum Car Wax will basically maintain the trim sealant for a LONG time. It`s been over a year since I applied WETS to my trucks plastic and rubber trim but because I use d156 bi-weekly and OCW bi-monthly my trim still looks like I just applied WETS.
 
LashingStanely- When I first read that you scrub it with a BHB I thought "his trim isn`t as bad as what I start with..." but then when I read how the UTTG+ isn`t as good for you (as Wolfgang) on *faded* trim I rethought it..I bet it`s just another of those things where YMMV.
 
Accumulator said:
LashingStanely- When I first read that you scrub it with a BHB I thought "his trim isn`t as bad as what I start with..." but then when I read how the UTTG+ isn`t as good for you (as Wolfgang) on *faded* trim I rethought it..I bet it`s just another of those things where YMMV.
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Dear Accumulator,

I can`t decide if your use of accoronyms is completely out of control or if I`m just a really lame millennial....I assume the latter.

Love,
Matt (age 29)
 
I seem to remember that Brandt tested a couple of products not to long ago regarding this subject. I think he also posted some pictures. You might try to contact him.
Jay
 
LashingStanley said:
Dear Accumulator,

I can`t decide if your use of accoronyms is completely out of control or if I`m just a really lame millennial....I assume the latter.

Love,
Matt (age 29)
Click to expand...

YMMV = Your Mileage May Very - I guess it *is* a bit before your time.



RTexasF said:
Finish Kare #425 has worked very well for me as well as on the painted surfaces.
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Are you talking about the pink liquid? The anti-static detail spray?
 
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