Getting outside black car trim black again?

Question

The frames around the windows and the front grill of my car are black plastic or metal (not chrome or silver). I have tried to use protectant to prevent fading of the black, but over time it has still faded. Is there any way to restore the color to make it look new again? Some product that restains it or something?

Answer 1

Okay, I have been there many times.

On metal trim that has been anodized or painted black, this is the only thing that has worked.
Buy superfine 000 steel wool and some WD-40 and spray the steel wool, then gently rub the metal trim pieces while the wool is wet, keep wettting it, then wipe excess of body of the car and let the trim air dry.

For plastic parts that are dyed back thru and thru (generally starts looking cloudy dark grey or even alittle white around the extremities), mothers has a decent product, I think its called black shine. Back to black works too.

For plastic that is PAINTED black and you can see fading or lifting of the paint, buy a can of satin black Krylon at walmart or the hobby/fabrics store. Clean with mineral spirits and a rag, use a clean scotch brite pad to scuff the area to be painted, Mask off other body colors with the blue masking tape and newspaper, THEN SPRAY 3 LIGHT COATS ON IT, waiting 15 minutes between coats.
Wa-- La! Just like new again!
This has worked on 4 cars I have owned.

Good luck.

Answer 2

MIghty C has it. Back to black is the best stuff to use works great. If you can find a wax that is called Collinite you can put that over it. Collinite's insulator wax will dry clear and seal it and help block UV light so it will stay black much longer. I only do mine once a year, its a 91 and the trim all looks brand new still, Never mind the big rust holes....that trim looks nice!

Answer 3

There is a product called "Back to Black". Works wonders.

Failing that a can of "Tyre Shine" and a bit of elbow grease should do.