Benefits of a Trim Restorer
- Improve the look of your vehicle. Trim and plastic restorers deepen the dark color on the bumper and other plastic surfaces. It makes your car look as good as new and offers long-lasting results. The products also add a lustrous finish to the black parts that absorb UV rays to prevent further aging of your vehicle.
- Multifunctional. You can use plastic restoration products on all the plastic parts of your vehicle's interior and exterior, including rubber parts like the tires and window seals. The restoration formula is best for restoring the original color of leather seats, plastic bumpers, and plastic door handles.
- Safe and environmentally-friendly. Most plastic restorers won’t damage your trim even if you use too much of the product. Also, manufacturers are becoming more sensitive to the effects their products have on the environment, and that’s why most of the plastic renewal products on the market are eco-friendly and safe for human contact.
Top Brands
Chemical Guys
Chemical Guys is an American-based company that was founded in 1968. It manufactures a wide range of automotive detailing products that are sold in over 50 countries worldwide. This car detailer sells a wide range of products, including car shampoos, pre-wax cleaners, wax, sealants, leather protectors, polish pads, polish machines, air fresheners, and trim restorers. One of its cheapest car exterior plastic restorers is theChemical Guys Sprayable Dressing.
TriNova
TriNova specializes in automotive care products designed to treat aluminum, wood, granite, leather, and vinyl. Its products are eco-friendly, and some of them include waxes, tire shine sprays, car wash concentrates, plastic restorers, and a variety of interior detailing products. One of its best-selling plastic rejuvenatorsand vinyl restorersfor cars is theTriNova Plastic & Trim Restorer.
Mothers
Mothers is an American car care detailer headquartered in California. The company produces over 70 marine and automotive care products, including high-quality sealants, paints, car waxes, shampoos, brushes, and automotive tools. It has been in the car care industry since 1995, and one of its best black trim restorers is theMothers Trim & Plastic Restorer.
Forever Black
Forever Black is a new entrant in the car care industry and has taken the industry by storm with its specialized dyes that are more durable than most standard dyes. The company is Northern California-based, and its products are used in showrooms all across America. One of its best black bumper restorers is the Forever Black Bumper & Trim Formula.
Trim Restorer Pricing
- Under $15: Most trim restorers are affordable. Selecting a cheap product doesn't mean that you are sacrificing quality. However, cheaper products are packed in smaller tubes and bottles. You may have to buy them as a set to get the job done.
- Over $15: Trim restorers within this price range come in bigger bottles that could be up to a gallon in size. You will also find sets of two or more restorers. Most of these products come with a spray applicator for easy application.
Key Features
Formulation
Be sure to check that the trim restorer is compatible with the components of your car. Some formulations are too harsh for certain plastics and may corrode the material. The best plastic restorer products are silicone-free and form a long-lasting glossy finish. Silicon-based restorers have a glossier finish, but aren’t long lasting. The manufacturer often indicates the parts of your vehicle that the restorer is compatible with.
Durability
In this case, durability refers to how long the restorer stays on the plastic before discoloration reoccurs. Choose a product that works for a month before you have to reapply a fresh coat. Durable restorers are more economical and convenient, since you don't have to think of auto detailing your car every couple of weeks.
Protection Level
On top of restoring the color of plastics, the restorer should offer additional protection that prevents future discoloration. Get a product that's waterproof, dirt-resistant, and above all, offers UV protection, since UV rays are the main cause of discoloration.
Other Considerations
- User-Friendly: Get a trim restorer that's mild on the skin. The best products also have a low viscosity for fast and easy application. Choose an exterior trim restorer that comes with a spray applicator for easy application.
- Eco-Friendly: Choose a non-toxic product that doesn't contain any harmful chemicals that can cause a significant effect on the environment. Generally, eco-friendly detailing products don't have an unpleasant smell.
- Versatile: Not all plastic restorers are designed to be used on all plastic surfaces. You should check the manufacturer’s description to determine where you can use the product. The best trim and plastic restorer can be used on tires, bumpers, leather seats, rubber seals, engine components, and other plastic parts of your vehicle.
Best Trim Restorer Reviews & Recommendations 2021
The Trinova Trim Restorer is a fade-preventive formula that restores the original dark color of your trim. It darkens, shines, and prevents further aging of worn-out plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces. It also forms a protective coating against dirt, salt, and water. In case the trim gets rained on or you travel through dusty terrain, all you have to do is to wipe off the dirt layer on the coat to reveal the dark and lustrous trim.
What you will appreciate about this product is that it won’t leave behind oil streaks after a car wash or rain shower. It will also prevent the trim from cracking under intense sunlight. The product is easy to apply and comes in an eight-ounce bottle with an applicator pad. The restorer can last for up to 12 months and is recommended for both cars and motorcycles.
A major drawback of the product is that it may take up to three days to dry. It feels oily to the touch, and it can get messy when you apply it. That's because the bottle doesn’t have a spray applicator, and you have to use a cloth to spread the greasy product. You also have to constantly wipe off dust and dirt from the car trim because the product attracts dust. It may also be washed off by a heavy downpour.
Chemical Guys Sprayable Dressing comes in a 16-ounce bottle with a spray applicator for easy and fast application. It’s a water-based formula that dries a few seconds after you apply it on plastic, rubber, vinyl, and even on tires. The product is suitable for vehicle interiors and exteriors. It leaves a durable, silky shine and restores the original OEM look of your car trim. It’s also dry to the touch and won’t attract dust.
This non-greasy trim restorer is formulated with sun blockers that penetrate deep into the trim to prevent harmful UV rays from cracking or discoloring it. Its creamy texture is easy to apply and can last for weeks of driving through rough terrain and rainy weather. The product is also safe for engine components and can be used on bicycles, motorcycles, passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The product leaves a nice new-car look on your trim until it gets wet or it rains. It may form streaks when wet or leave a white discoloration on a dark trim. It also washes off in a heavy downpour. This spray has a strong smell that you may find nauseating if you use it in your car’s interior.
Mothers Trim & Plastic Restorer is a great product that restores the original dark color of your car trim. It also cleans the surface by removing dirt, waxy residue, and light oxidation. The product protects your trim from cracking, fading, and aging caused by UV rays, smog, water, ozone, harsh chemicals, and airborne contaminants.
The product comes in a 12-ounce bottle, and it’s easy to spread it on any black surface with an applicator pad. It leaves a perfect shine on your car and prevents further deterioration of the plastic parts of your car. This Mothers product is one of the best restoration gels to get a car with black plastic parts showroom ready in record time.
A major downside of the product is that it leaves a streak residue after a car wash or after being rained on. It also feels greasy to touch and may take a few days to dry. Moreover, the product’s shine doesn’t last long. The coat starts to thin out after only a few weeks, and you may have to put on a fresh coat every few weeks to maintain the shine.
Premium Pick
CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit
If you are looking for a non-messy way of restoring the color of your vehicle’s trim, then we recommend the Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat Kit. Instead of messy spray or squirt gels, you get a pair of gloves and 10 packages of pre-moistened wipes. You will only need to wipe the trim with the wipes, and the ceramic coat will bond to the plastic to restore the luster and original color of the trim.
Since it’s a ceramic product, it forms a long-lasting coat that can last for two years or about 200 washes. What’s more, the ceramic coat forms a protective layer against UV rays, dirt, and dust, which are the usual culprits that cause the trim to fade.
While it may be a durable product, it seems to work better on textured surfaces than on smooth surfaces. It leaves streak marks and spots when applied on a smooth surface such as the plastic on the side mirror.
The Car Guys Plastic Restorer not only works on plastics, but also works to rejuvenate faded rubber and vinyl. It’s an eco-friendly product that contains no harmful chemicals, and can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces. It contains UV inhibitors that repel UV rays to protect the applied surface from fading or drying.
Applying it will be fairly easy since it’s non-greasy and comes with an ergonomic applicator bottle. It dries after only a few minutes, and leaves a long-lasting coat that repels water and can survive a heavy rainfall. It will leave the surface looking as good as new for several months.
The main issue we take with this product is that it doesn’t protect the surface from dust, and may in fact attract more dust and lint. Also, it isn't going to make scratched surfaces look any better, and may be a hit or a miss with older vehicles.
The Solution Finish Black Trim Restorer is another product on our list that can also be used to restore faded vinyl and plastic on a car’s exterior. It's an advanced, silicon-free topcoat that polishes and seals the applied surface to leave a black matte finish. You needn’t worry about the surface looking dry since it also conditions the trim to give it a rich look.
It's designed to penetrate the trim so that it can prevent oxidation in the plastic to prevent future fading. It also bonds with plastic to offer protection from harsh UV rays and unfavorable weather conditions.
The price is its most significant drawback—it’s priced higher than most trim restorers on the market. The product is also sticky and the application can be messy. Besides that, it emits strong fumes, so it's best to prepare it in a well-ventilated area.
Adam’s Polishes is a respectable brand in the car care industry, so you may want to try out its trim restorer. The New Black Trim Restorer is a temporary dye that restores the black color to a faded exterior trim in a single treatment. It’s a ceramic-based coating that’s specially designed for plastic trims.
You only need to apply a few drops on the applicator pad, rub it in evenly, and leave it to settle for a few hours as it goes to work on your trim. When fully cured, it leaves a rich, black color, and the effects can last for several months.
Naturally, this product also has a few drawbacks. For one, it leaves a residue when fully cured, which can look unappealing if not wiped off. In addition, it doesn’t hold up well to water, and there may be watermarks on the trim if you drive your vehicle in a heavy downpour.
Another brand whose products are worth looking at is Armor All—it makes some of the best car detailing products. The Outlast Car Trim and Plastic Cleaner is designed to restore the original color of plastic, rubber, and vinyl trims. It does so by preventing oxidation and forming a protective layer against UV rays, both of which are the main causes of discoloration. What’s more, you can use it on trims of all colors.
When applied as recommended, it can last through 100 car washes. It takes less than 10 minutes to dry, and then you can use a wet microfiber cloth to wipe off any excess product. You can use it on vinyl rooftops, side mirrors, door handles, bumpers, and interior trim.
The main downside with this product is that it doesn’t give the best results when you only apply a single coat. You need to apply several coats if you want a long-lasting finish. Also, the shiny finish may only last for a few weeks.
Meguiar offers a liquid wax that goes on easily with only a towel or a pad. You only have to spray it on and gently buff the surface. When fully cured, it creates a lustrous black finish and a protective seal against UV rays. This keeps the surface from fading and conditions it to prevent cracks.
The product is designed to work on all exterior plastic surfaces, including rubber and vinyl trim. It will also come in handy for removing cloudiness, and reducing the appearance of scratches on your vehicle's trim.
However, the product emits strong fumes and should only be applied in a well-ventilated area. You should also wear gloves since prolonged skin contact can cause irritation. In addition, it’s not quite long-lasting and you may need to reapply it after only a month.
Tips
- After using a trim restorer, make the trim sparkle and hide scratches with some of the best polishes, sealants, and waxes. They will help bounce off UV rays and prevent scratches to keep your trim looking new for longer periods of time.
- If the trim restoration product fails, try using a UV-protected dye to prevent future fading from occurring. Select a black permanent dye for longer lasting color, and use masking tape to seal other parts of your car from the dye.
- Besides car detailing, you can restore the faded black plastic by using a heat gun to bring out the oils that enhance the color. You can also use oily peanut butter to restore black plastic or paint over the defective plastic.
FAQs
Q. Will the trim restorer remove the wax coating off my car?
A: It depends on how you apply the restorer. Trim restorers work by stripping off whatever is coating the exterior trim surface and replacing it with a protective layer that prevents fading, water, and dust. If you use an applicator pad to apply the chemical on the trim, it will remove the wax. However, it won’t remove the wax coat if it accidentally spills on parts of your car that are wax-coated as long as you don’t rub it in.
Q. How long do trim restorers last once they’re applied?
A: Exterior trim restorers are typically reapplied after a few weeks or months depending on the quality of the restorer. It also depends on the level of damage of your exterior trim, how much of the product you use, and your driving conditions. For example, if your car is old and you drive on rugged terrain under harsh weather conditions, then the trim restorer may only last for a week. It will last longer if you don’t frequently expose your car to heavy rain and harsh sunlight.
Q. How do I keep my trim from fading?
A: Assuming that you have a new car or have just restored your exterior trim’s color, you can prevent the trim from fading by keeping your vehicle parked away from direct sunlight. Hose down your vehicle to remove dust, and if you have to, give it a hard wash to remove tough stains using a mild detergent and a soft scrubber.
Q. What parts of my vehicle make up the trim?
A: The car trim is any black material on your car that may fade when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. This includes the door handles, roof rack, window rubber gaskets, mud flaps, fender flares, bumper, tires, side mirror cover, and lower rocker panel trim pieces. It also includes the plastic and rubber parts in your vehicle’s interior.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick is theTriNova Plastic & Trim Restorer. It's currently one of the most popular trims and plastic restorers that shields against UV rays, darkens the surface, and can offer up to one year of protection.
Our value pick is theChemical Guys Sprayable Dressing. It’s one of the cheapest trim restorers that will return your black trim to its original state.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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FAQs
Best Trim Restorers: Revive Your Car’s Faded Black Trim? ›
Using a trim restorer is the easiest and least time consuming way to restore black plastic trim. Good trim restorers will nourish the faded black plastic and keep it from going grey again. Plastic restorer will prevent oxidation that causes the grey look on your trims.
How do I make my faded car trim black again? ›Using a trim restorer is the easiest and least time consuming way to restore black plastic trim. Good trim restorers will nourish the faded black plastic and keep it from going grey again. Plastic restorer will prevent oxidation that causes the grey look on your trims.
What is the best black trim restorer? ›| Best car plastic trim restorer | Brand | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Cerakote | Ceramic Trim Coat |
| For the money | Chemical Guys | VRP |
| Spray plastic restorer | Meguiar's | Ultimate Black |
| Premium plastic restorer | Carfidant | Trim & Plastic Restorer |
In terms of longevity, Black Trim Restorer can last up to 6 months or more on exterior plastic without any boosting. It is recommended to seal in the results with ourGraphene Ceramic Spray Coating™ Advanced orGraphene Ceramic Coating™ once it is fully dry, to extend the life by up to 2 years or more.
How long does trim restore last? ›The product is easy to apply and comes in an eight-ounce bottle with an applicator pad. The restorer can last for up to 12 months and is recommended for both cars and motorcycles.
Can you use Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer? ›Meguiars Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer is perfect for use on any exterior plastic, vinyl, and rubber trim. It turns the dull black of the plastic into a deep rich shine. It's long-lasting and provides UV protection. This restorer is useful on bumpers, moulds, door handles and much more.
Does a heat gun restore faded plastic? ›The biggest don't when it comes to plastic restoration is this one: Do not use heat, heat gun or torches to restore your plastics.
Will wd40 restore faded plastic? ›CAN WD-40 BE USED TO RESTORE PLASTIC? Yes, WD-40® Specialist Silicone Lubricant can be used on plastic to help with restoring fading. WD-40® is actually safe* to use on metal, rubber, wood and plastic. It can also be applied to some painted metal surfaces without harming the paint.
How long does Turtle Wax Trim Restorer last? ›The Turtle Wax trim restorer works well and when dry does bring back trim color. You have to make sure you tape off area around part your applying it or it leaves a oily residue on paint. For price it is a good product, should last a month or more if you don't wash vehicle a lot.
When should you not use WD-40? ›It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
Does ceramic coating restore trim? ›
Ceramic coatings can restore your trim's shine and help it glow. Ceramic coatings won't necessarily reverse the damage, however. If your trim is in bad shape, ceramic coatings can help, but ultimately you may need to use other restorative solutions.
How long should I leave Turtle Wax on my car? ›You don't want visible streaks on a newly washed and waxed car. Wipe gently. Wait between 10 and 15 minutes before buffing the turtle wax off.
Does hydrogen peroxide damage plastic? ›H2O2 is a strong oxidizer. I wouldn't even dare try it on anything metal. On plastic, it would perfectly be fine as long as it's not the industrial 35% grade.
Does Vaseline restore plastic? ›If you have some old, faded electronics or other plastic gadgets in your house, you can make them look great again with just a dab of Vaseline.
What is trim restorer made of? ›Most plastic and vinyl trim restoring products on the market are made from oils and silicone that damage your trim over time. Our products are made of a silicone-free solution that uses natural oils, is VOC compliant, and won't damage your trim!
What does trim restorer do? ›A one step silicone-based trim dressing that restores a faded, dull exterior trim. We can restore all types of plastic trim, regardless of the color. The result is an attractive matte finish that restores the original luster to the trim.
How long does Meguiars Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer last? ›Utilizing break-thru UV clear coat technology, Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer Aerosol will shine and protect even after 100 washes.
When should I use Meguiars Ultimate Compound? ›If the finish has swirls, oxidation and/or stains, Meguiar's Ultimate Compound will be the best choice prior to waxing. In some cases, a car may need both the Smooth Surface Clay Kit AND Ultimate Compound prior to waxing.
Does Meguiar's Ultimate Compound remove oxidation? ›Meguiar's Ultimate Compound is the ultimate paint cleaner for removing below surface defects such as light to moderate oxidation, scratches, water spots and stains.
What's good for faded plastic? ›Fortunately, you can easily remove oxidation with sandpaper, vinegar, or a bleach solution. Plastic that has faded to a yellow or brown color was made with bromine, which causes the plastic to change color over time. However, you can reverse bromine discoloration with hydrogen peroxide.
Does heat ruin plastic? ›
Thermal Degradation – Plastic materials subjected to prolonged exposure to high temperatures will lose strength and toughness, becoming more prone to cracking, chipping, and breaking, at a rate in proportion to the temperature and time of exposure.
How do you make faded plastic clear? ›- Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a soft cloth or dip the cloth into a paste of baking soda and water. ...
- Rub the cloth over your plastic in a circular motion.
Olive oil can restore black plastic's natural color, clearing up any faded or discolored areas. Add a small, coin-sized dab of olive oil to a washcloth or paper towel—a little goes a long way, and you can always add more later as needed. Baby oil or linseed oil can also work as an alternative.
What restores oxidized plastic? ›A mixture of five cups of vinegar and one gallon of hot water can be applied via a spray bottle onto the affected area. Long-handled, soft-bristled cleaning brushes help to remove the oxidation. Continuing this manner in small sections works best so the solution does not dry out.
Does Turtle Wax Seal and Shine have a cure time? ›Turtle Wax
a 24 hour cure time with Ceramic Spray Coating. That being said, while SNS gives you some INSANE durability as a paint sealant, when you properly apply 2 coats of Ceramic Spray Coating onto a prepped car, you can get almost a YEAR of protection - which is longer than what you can expect from SNS.
Unless your clear coat has a few spots where it's starting to crack or fade away, then you can use a wax to kind of minimize how fast your clear coat deteriorates. What's definitely not going to happen is that you apply a wax to your paint that has no clear coat and your paint will once again by shiny or fixed.
Should I use Turtle Wax? ›Turtle car wax is an essential component to protecting your vehicle's exterior and keeping your paint job in good condition for longer. Whether your ride has a single-stage paint coat or a two-part base coat/clear coat paint job, you want to do more than just a quick soapy wash and rinse.
Does WD-40 help arthritis? ›WD-40 Does Not Help Arthritis
Due to the myth that WD-40 helps arthritis, the WD-40 company website includes the following statement regarding the myth (amongst other cool myths, legends and facts)… Fact: This popular headline, appearing at least once a year in the tabloids, is completely FALSE.
Restores surfaces to bare metal without scraping, chipping or scrubbing. For light rust, leave parts in 1-3 hours and for heavy rust, leave parts in the rust removal solution overnight.
Can you use WD-40 on human joints? ›Some have even tried spraying sore joints with WD-40 as they would to fix a squeaky, door hinge. But this folk remedy is not proven to work and may even be harmful. WD-40 contains petroleum distillates than can cause drying and irritation of the skin.
Can you buff out scratches on black plastic bumper? ›
Sandpaper: Micro-grit sandpaper is the easiest option to polish out deep scratches from plastic. It works best when dampened, to prevent further damage to the item. Plastic polishing compound: A polishing compound is the best option for fixing scratched clear plastic.
Why is the black plastic on my car turning white? ›Because it is unpainted, it is vulnerable to the elements.
Unpainted plastic parts deteriorate and fade, slowly turning white. Using a gloss enhancing product can improve looks, but it is only temporary.
Yes, by buffing, scuffing, and painting over the scratches, you can remove them from a plastic bumper almost permanently. However, this only applies to minor scratches that cannot be felt by running your fingers over them. Deeper scratches might need work at a body shop.
Can you restore faded black? ›A quick fix for how to restore faded black clothes is to re-dye the items. Use bicarbonate of soda or bleach to remove yellow stains from white clothes. Remember that prevention is the best way to stop your clothes from fading or getting stained.
How do you restore old faded and oxidized car finishes? ›Baking soda is one of the safest home remedies for oxidized paint because it acts as a gentle version of sandpaper and has no added chemicals or preservatives. Making a baking soda paste with water and gently rubbing it into the tarnished area should help to remove car paint oxidation.
What is back to black colour restorer? ›Back to Black is a high performance water based colour reviver and sealer which restores and enhances the appearance of faded black and dark coloured natural stone. Back to Black is especially suited for use on oxidised black and dark limestones, black slate, black granite and concrete paving.
How do you refresh faded color? ›- Use an At-Home Glossing Treatment. ...
- Use a Glossing System. ...
- Revamp Your Grown Out Color with Semi-Permanent Hair Color. ...
- Opt for Monochrome Color. ...
- Don't Underestimate Purple Shampoo. ...
- Try Temporary Root Touch-Up.
Fortunately, you can easily remove oxidation with sandpaper, vinegar, or a bleach solution. Plastic that has faded to a yellow or brown color was made with bromine, which causes the plastic to change color over time. However, you can reverse bromine discoloration with hydrogen peroxide.
Can heat repair old plastic? ›The basic idea is to apply heat to the edges being joined in order to melt the plastic until it is liquid enough to blend the edges together. Additional plastic can be melted into the groove to create a stronger bond, but depending on the situation this won't always be necessary.
Does WD-40 damage rubber or plastic? ›WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint.
How do you restore plastic with vinegar? ›
The method: Make a solution of water and vinegar using 1 tablespoon vinegar per 1 cup of water. Pour into the container and let the solution sit for 1 to 2 hours. Wipe clean, rinse, and dry.
How do you restore oxidized clear plastic? ›- Pour straight peroxide in a container.
- Put the plastic in the container.
- Allow the plastic to soak in the sunlight until the stain lifts.
- Rinse and dry.