Best "back to black" trim restorer / protectant...?
- Thread starter pologuy
- Start date
tom p.
Active member
Polo, there are many of these products out there, I guess I`ve only tried a few. The CQuartz Dlux, to me, is outstanding and lasts a LONG time.
John U
Member
I like Cerakote on my external plastics.
Pologuy:
Please see this link to a thread I started on this very subject about restoring faded black trim:
https://www.autopia.org/forums/car-...dly-faded-black-trim-cladding.html?highlight=
Then there is this more recent thread on restoring plastic:
https://www.autopia.org/forums/auto...k-plastic-trim.html?highlight=Solution+finish
Highly-respected Autopian Ron Ketcham`s post is #11 gives the products and methods you might want to consider.
One over-the-counter (OTC) product most Autopian`s consensus is to avoid is Mother`s Back-to-Black. It just does not "work" as advertised, unless they have changed the formula (which I think they have). I used it, but found the Meg`s consumer line Ultimate Black Plastic Trim Restorer works "better" and it is OTC and inexpensive (AKA Cheap. Like myself, Captain Obvious).
There are two vehicles that have acres (well, a lot) of black or grey plastic cladding and trim: The Honda Element SUV? and the Chevy Silverado Avalanche truck. I would be interested in seeing pics of these vehicles` trim done by any Autopian detailer.
I have my own trim "nemesis" that needs attention: the black plastic trim in the rear bumper top fascia that acts as a protective trim for the rear hatch access of a 2006 Ford Freestyle. Being exposed to the sun like it is, it always looks faded and a dingy grey. The other "problem" trim is the roof body gunnels just above the doors. Those, too, are exposed directly at the sun and become pretty faded, along with the roof rack support covers.
I also understand the concern you have for getting black trim to look its best again. There is nothing more "unappealing" to see a shiny, just waxed vehicle, only to have its look diminished by faded or less-than-cared-for trim. The cowl piece between the lower windshield and the engine compartment is a prime example.
Please see this link to a thread I started on this very subject about restoring faded black trim:
https://www.autopia.org/forums/car-...dly-faded-black-trim-cladding.html?highlight=
Then there is this more recent thread on restoring plastic:
https://www.autopia.org/forums/auto...k-plastic-trim.html?highlight=Solution+finish
Highly-respected Autopian Ron Ketcham`s post is #11 gives the products and methods you might want to consider.
One over-the-counter (OTC) product most Autopian`s consensus is to avoid is Mother`s Back-to-Black. It just does not "work" as advertised, unless they have changed the formula (which I think they have). I used it, but found the Meg`s consumer line Ultimate Black Plastic Trim Restorer works "better" and it is OTC and inexpensive (AKA Cheap. Like myself, Captain Obvious).
There are two vehicles that have acres (well, a lot) of black or grey plastic cladding and trim: The Honda Element SUV? and the Chevy Silverado Avalanche truck. I would be interested in seeing pics of these vehicles` trim done by any Autopian detailer.
I have my own trim "nemesis" that needs attention: the black plastic trim in the rear bumper top fascia that acts as a protective trim for the rear hatch access of a 2006 Ford Freestyle. Being exposed to the sun like it is, it always looks faded and a dingy grey. The other "problem" trim is the roof body gunnels just above the doors. Those, too, are exposed directly at the sun and become pretty faded, along with the roof rack support covers.
I also understand the concern you have for getting black trim to look its best again. There is nothing more "unappealing" to see a shiny, just waxed vehicle, only to have its look diminished by faded or less-than-cared-for trim. The cowl piece between the lower windshield and the engine compartment is a prime example.
The Guz
Mike
Chris West of solution finish covers it well here
Funny you should post that video...
Pan, the Organizer, states that his newest favorite trim restorer and protectant is The Last Coat CeraTrim.
Ron Ketcham
Active member
Looking for "long lasting" no re-dressing after a rain? Apply Solution Finish,allow dry time, apply a coat or two of Wipe New. Think "base coat-clear coat" Lasts for over a year.
Coatings=crack
Active member
Hmmm... wonder if the “sponsor” Pan. Has he had it on a vehicle for over a year?
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tom p.
Active member
I bought a Wipe New kit about a month ago. Had kind of a strange experience with it. The 1.5 oz. bottle I bought at Target showed a date code of April 2019. The bottle was completely gelled when I got around to trying it, VERY strong odor. I sent a note to Rustoleum and they said, no, not normal and offered to refund the $14. They can`t send a replacement product. So, I went to AAP and bought another kit which turned out to be the towelette wipes - - I didn`t realize it until I got home. I haven`t tried it yet.
I have since searched for the kit with the liquid in the 1.5 oz. bottle. I wonder if it has been discontinued. I don`t see it anywhere.
I have since searched for the kit with the liquid in the 1.5 oz. bottle. I wonder if it has been discontinued. I don`t see it anywhere.
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tom p.
Active member
Geez, that`s kind of an embarrassment when you witness how poor these mainstream products perform. Completely unacceptable. Good video and good scientific method by that person.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Huh, when I tried it it didn`t do anything much, not really different from any normal "Vinyl/Rubber Cleaner" and certainly not capable of restoring any fading. Didn`t do *squat* to the bits on the Tahoe. Well, it did clean them OK but they still looked awful.
Maybe they`ve changed it, or..more likely I bet...some plastics just respond differently. OR...the Tahoe was just more trashed than Autopians would try to fix.
Ron Ketcham
Active member
Wipe New does not contain "pigment", so understand that, think of it more as a clear coat over the Solution Finish such as a vehicles paint system. Which extends the life of the "base coat-color" It is NOT a short term dressing but a true coating.
Accumulator
Well-known member
I NEVER woulda considered that product had you not schooled us about it. Never. Sure glad you chimed in.