Black plastic trim restore

[Robert Smith]

OK! That’s it. I’m done looking on YouTube. I’ve tried several products recently that swear they will “restore” the black plastic trim on cars that inevitably fades to grey. Nothing I’ve tried works. Anybody on the forum have something, or know something that ACTUALLY works?

Thanks!

 

[RenegadeBad_Dog]

Did you try the heat gun/ blow dryer trick? I personally never used it but I have a cousin who said it worked. Also check out the Mothers back to black it is the one product that I have found to last the longest. Or you could always paint the plastic. Hope this can help in some way. Plastic trim is a pain.

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[Robert Smith]

Thanks. I did try Mother’s and it did not work for me. I’m pretty close to painting it. I recently tried a product called 303. It went from light grey to medium grey, but the protective coating that was left seemed impressive. I may paint it then use the 303 again.

 

[1955moose]

I too have tried every one including mothers, with no luck. Prep, sand, and repaint is always best. If money isn't an issue spray through a spray gun with either plastic paint, or regular gloss black with a flattening agent to dull the paint from glossy. Prep is everything so take your time and prep well!

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[JExpedition07]

Plastic is like anything else, it looks new for a while but the UV rays eventually get it just like us. It’s more of an ongoing take care of it thing than a once and done thing. Like putting on sun screen, changing oil, cleaning the house. It’s like my interior plastics, I use ArmorAll on it all every few months and everyone says the interior looks brand new. I just use product to treat the plastics all over the truck every once in a while and it keeps it all in good shape. As far as what to use take your pick.

 

[GaryH2]

For exterior trim, I've tried Mother's Back to Black, but so far, the longest lasting stuff I've found has been Turtle Wax trim restorer in the box. Even that i really need to do several times a year to keep the trim from becoming gray.

Interior, I like Meguiers stuff. It doesn't seem to be as shiny or greasy as Armor all in my experience.

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[Robert Smith]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I will see what happens!!

 

[1955moose]

Like we always said riding fast motorcycles, keep the shiny side up, and the greasy side down!

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[ExplorerTom]

I've used that Turtle Wax stuff posted above. It was used on the rear bumper trim. After driving around for awhile, it collected dust like crazy because it was still "wet". And because it was on the rear bumper, when I was in the rear cargo area, the stuff got on my pants. I threw it away.

Maybe I used too much. I don't know.

Paint it. Ever since my Turtle Wax debacle, I've just been painting stuff. Lots more prep work, but it looks good for years afterwards.

 

[Habbibie]

OK! That’s it. I’m done looking on YouTube. I’ve tried several products recently that swear they will “restore” the black plastic trim on cars that inevitably fades to grey. Nothing I’ve tried works. Anybody on the forum have something, or know something that ACTUALLY works?

Thanks!

What exactly are you using that product for anyways? Your truck is literally all white with some what seems to be plati dipped wheels

 

[Robert Smith]

My Expedition has nearly every option offered by Ford that year except a block heater and remote start. It’s a nice vehicle and I would like to keep it that way. That bumper pad looks like hell. Besides I’m retired and have nothing better to do right now.

 

[GaryH2]

I gave up on my bumper pad. The Turtle Wax stuff made it too slippery. I use the Turtle Wax stuff on the other black plastic stuff my rig has (mirror caps, cowl, roof rack ends, etc).

I was actually considering getting a new bumper pad, but that's pretty far down the priority list at the moment.

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[Trainmaster]

Walmart sells a product called "Wipe New":
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wipe-New-Trim-Restorer/24726536

It's a bit expensive, but it works very well and lasts a year in New York. Seriously, this is far better than McGuyers and Back to Black. In all, an excellent product,

 

[Don Hall]

Is this product perfect....NO!, but it works on trim and tires, and at $14/gallon (5 gallon jug) it serves me well. An application lasts about 3 months, and takes about 2 pints. I'm crippled,
so any application is a tedious, painful chore. Use a 6" brush ($2.91 eBay) and a large pail. and tires and trim will take about 10 minutes (takes me 20 minutes).

http://www.detailingdirect.com/dressings/91069.htm



2004 bought new..... 17,900 miles now.

 

[Flexpedition]

Best option might just be to replace it. OEM part number for the rear bumper pad is 7L1Z17B807A or FO1191118. 2003 to 2017 use the same part. You can find aftermarket starting at around $35 or genuine Motorcraft for just over $50.

Rock Auto $35
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/ford,7L1Z17B807A,bumper+step+pad,737



I'd replace it as option 1, option 2 is to repaint it, 3rd would be heat gun. Last resort for me would be the already mentioned temporary products.

I don't have an EL, but have seen some, but not all, parts websites listing a slightly different part number for the EL along with a higher cost. I suppose there could be a difference, so proceed with caution.

 

[Adieu]

Tire shine

 

[Robert Smith]

I don’t think tire shine is going to work since I put the restorer on it already, but I’ll try. Same with paint. I have thought about replacing it but I can’t find any instructions on how to do it.

Thanks for the link.

 

[BlueStangGT]

Walmart sells a product called "Wipe New":
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wipe-New-Trim-Restorer/24726536

It's a bit expensive, but it works very well and lasts a year in New York. Seriously, this is far better than McGuyers and Back to Black. In all, an excellent product,

I’ve been several rounds on this issue and I’ve found this product to be the best. The prep is critical and the application a bit tedious but it outlasts everything else.

 

[Robert Smith]

Thanks. When it fades again I’ll give it a try. I wanted to try the shoe polish trick so I went to my local store and they had some on “quick polish” with a foam applicator on clearance. When I got home I found out why. Most of the liquid had evaporated leaving a paste almost. However the paste worked great!! It took a couple of coats and I finished it off with the 303 protectant. For now it looks new. We’ll see what happens.

 

[Robert Smith]

Hey Don. I forgot to mention, your Expedition looks great, like new!!