How To Restore Black Trim on Your Car

When it’s fresh off the production line, the black plastic trim on your vehicle makes it look classy, adding an accent color and texture to your vehicle’s body. The thing is, as time goes on, black trim tends to fade, and it starts to look dingy. If this happens, you’ll want to restore the black trim on your car and return it to its sleeker appearance. In this article, we’ll go over a few tips and tricks on how to restore your black car trim and keep it looking good.

Causes of Fading Black Trim

Ultraviolet light exposure is the main cause behind fading black trim. Because the plastic trim on cars often lacks a protective coating, it can easily fade after being exposed to various elements. This is especially true of sunlight. The UV light in sunlight breaks down the plastic trim, turning the once-bright black plastic into a dingy gray. If you want to keep your black trim from fading for as long as possible, try to park in shaded areas away from the sun to avoid UV exposure. Your trim will still fade over time, but avoiding intense UV exposure when you can will delay the fading.

Small pieces of debris can also damage the trim as they fly past, scratching the plastic and leaving behind white streaks. Puddles on the road, which naturally have grime in them, also cause plastic deterioration when they splash against the trim.

Tools for Restoring Black Trim

There are different tools you can use to restore your car’s black trim plastic, including a heat gun or torch and trim dressings or restorers. Each of these tools requires different techniques, so be sure to do your research before you start using any of them. For the most part, each tool has its own benefits and challenges.

Heat Gun or Torch

Heating plastic trim draws out the oil, leaving the outside shiny and black again. Unfortunately, it isn’t a permanent solution, and the process can harm any painted or glass surfaces near the trim. Repeated heat application will also damage the plastic.

Trim Dressings or Restorers

To use trim dressings, you typically apply a few coats on top of the trim, which can take a while. True, dressings can bring back the trim’s original sheen, but they tend to last only three to six weeks. To maintain the sheen, you’ll need to reapply the dressing almost every time you wash your car. Dressings can stain other areas when they run down your car’s sides, so you’ll need to take care when applying them.

Restorers, on the other hand, prevent oxidation and nourish the plastic. Some variants also protect the trim from UV rays. Certain restorer solutions might need a finishing coat on top to seal the restorer.

Paint

While some trims are already the color of your vehicle thanks to the materials used, other manufacturers use paint to get the trims might to just the right shade. Either way, repainting is another way to restore plastic car trim. Buy good paint that won’t fade easily. The nice thing about painting your trim is that you get to pick between a glossy or matte finish. You can also choose a color that suits your vehicle and your tastes. Many professionals choose subtle grays instead of stark black paints to complement the wheels.

How To Use Black Trim Restoration Products

Keep the following tips in mind when using different trim restoration techniques:

• Make sure the trim is clean and dry before applying your chosen restoration product or solution.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid paint or plastic fumes.
• Wear protective gear, especially with stronger chemical restoration products, and avoid getting any of it on your skin and clothing.
• Buff off excess paint or solution to achieve a smooth look.
• Allow the layers to dry between applications.

Restoring your car’s black plastic trim is worth it to improve its overall appearance. You can always buy new trim, but depending on your car’s make and model, it’ll likely cost much more than restoring the trim yourself.

Find the Car Trim That’s Best For Your Vehicle

Are you thinking of replacing the old or damaged trim on your car or truck? Or perhaps your vehicle didn’t come with the trim you wanted, so you want to update its appearance. Be it bumper trims, fender trims, grille trims, or something else, CarParts.com has the car trim for your application.

Searching for an affordable yet high-quality car trim is a breeze here at CarParts.com. Plug your vehicle’s details into our website’s built-in vehicle selector, and you’ll see our suitable bumper trims, grille trims, and fender trims. When you find the part that fits your vehicle, use our fast and secure online process to order. Our strategically located distribution centers allow us to ship your order quickly. If you live in the continental US and order before noon ET, you can get your new car trim in just several business days.

When you need new car trim, look no further than CarParts.com. Check out our selection of bumper trims, fender trims, and grille trims and order today.