How to Fix Faded Black & Dark Grey Trim
Whether we like it or not, plastic is becoming more and more prominent with each turn of the year in the automotive industry. Fenders, window cowling on hoods, bumper guards, you name it— It’s there and fading fast! The plastic is a cost effective way to offer customers a finished product without the hefty price tag of color matched fenders or metal components.
What’s a plastic fenders worst nightmare?
The Sun! Plastics get faded and oxidized over time due to the sun burning its way through the surface and draining out the pigment. Weather and the elements continue to wash out the surfaces and age your vehicle in dog years without your say so! Painted surfaces, windows, and all other surfaces have some form of protection or sealant against harmful UV rays, but plastic always seems to get the shorter end of the stick.
How can I regularly maintain my plastic for routine washes?
During your normal wash cycle, using Adam’s Eco All Purpose Cleaner or Adam’s Tire & Rubber Cleaner with a soft bristle brush can help remove any films or contaminants your normal wash may not rinse off entirely. Given that the plastic is a porous surface, using a brush helps target those pours and remove any grime or dirt the wash pad may pick up during the vehicle care process.
If you do not have a brush, always be sure to wash your plastics last to reduce the risk of picking up any unwanted debris in your wash pad and scratching your finish! After the wash cycle, help your unfaded, or temporarily dress your faded trim, with Adam’s VRT for a clean, factory-like appearance. Please note that for seriously faded trim, this is not your solution but rather a cost effective option for temporary satisfaction!
How can I restore my faded black trim?
For years, you could lather your plastics in a shiny/greasy product packed with silicone that really just sped up the fading process behind the scenes. But now you can rest assured that there is a much better, safer, and cost effective option right at your fingertips. Introducing Adam’s Black Trim Restorer, a solvent-based product that restores the pigment back into the plastic! This product not only penetrates the plastic and puts the color back where it belongs, but it also creates a UV blocker for months on end once its fully dried! With the use of our kit, you can thoroughly clean the plastic, then prep the surface with our Surface Prep to removes any films left behind from cleaning, then a silk applicator pad for easy installation.
How can I prevent my restored/ new trim from fading in the future?
With advances in modern technology, ceramics are quickly becoming the king of the block. Older waxes and dressings can leave a white, chalky build up if improperly used, but ceramics apply a 9H coating to plastic, vinyl, trims, or non-painted bumpers. With Adam’s Graphene Ceramic Coating, you’re pressing pause on the beautiful state of your plastics while the rest of the car plays on. This coating will last a minimum of 5 years and makes the surface extremely hydrophobic! The good part about the above suggestions is they work extremely well together, meaning that you can restore your black trim THEN ceramic coat it! Not only are you hitting pause now, but you hit rewind to the day you drove home your prized possession.
For extra help and assistance, our team is standing by to provide you with any further information you may need. If the methods above do not work for you or you need an extra hand with clarifying something please feel free to email us directly at tips@AdamsPolishes.com or give us a call at 1 (866)-965-0400
