How to restore exterior black plastic trim

[MPBGT]

It's amazing what routine care of plastic will do for you, I just detailed a friends Jeep Cherokee that has the same textured plastic door handles as my Dodge Ram. I routinely use 303 Aerospace on my door handles and they look great, I tried the same on his neglected Jeep handles. It made them look better, but nowhere near as nice as the ones on my truck.

I look forward to seeing more results on this.

[AutowerxDetailing]

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[DrMark]

Going to follow this thread. As most of the bottom of my Ford Expy is Grey or Black Vinyl. Also want to see how the pillar cover come out...looks like mine may have gotten stains with tree sap this past few months.

[rmagnus]

I've had good long term results with CG Natural Shine Dressing

[cardaddy]

So other than a good scrub, what products would be recommended?

I replaced the rubber at the top of the door, against the windows on all 4 plus the lift gate on my sons 4Runner as it was just too brittle. The rest of the rubber trim around the windows was a bit oxidized (black would rub off) and I used a fresh Brillo pad (with the soap) with good results.

The trim around the fixed windows is more vinyl and had spots on it that also responded to the Brillo treatment. I also have a very soft wheel 3M buffing pad that's drill mounted that will buff and polish without scratching that had mixed results.

Mike I just want to thank you for this timely thread (as I've just started a reconditioning project on a 98 4Runner). I am very interested in the methods and products you use to bring these items back to life.

I am most interested in this subject including listings of products, info on whether they are 'slick' on surfaces like running boards and bumpers, as well as satin and/or gloss finishes. Also any information as to longevity on various materials (plastic vs vinyl vs rubber).

As always, thank you for your passion and dedication to the industry, especially to this forum and it's members.

Thanks,

Cardaddy / aka Tony

[Mike Phillips]

It's amazing what routine care of plastic will do for you, I just detailed a friends Jeep Cherokee that has the same textured plastic door handles as my Dodge Ram.

I routinely use 303 Aerospace on my door handles and they look great, I tried the same on his neglected Jeep handles. It made them look better, but nowhere near as nice as the ones on my truck.

And that's what it's all about.


Routine maintenance = find something you like and use it often.

As always, thank you for your passion and dedication to the industry, especially to this forum and it's members.

Thanks,

Cardaddy / aka Tony

Thanks Tony...


This is my first day back to work after Mobil Tech Expo and it's always very rewarding to touch bases with other detailers in the industry with the same passion for the craft...

[Big Boi]

May I ask what it was that you used in this demo?

[CAD]

Thanks for this info. I am very interested in getting exterior plastic restored. Where do you find aerospace 303?

[720eyes]

the brush that is showen in post #17, is it one of the Cyclo brushes?

[builthatch]

a while back i posted about something called renu finish. apparently it's super popular on amazon now (before you couldn't find it anywhere) but anyway i still have my original bottles and i find it to be amazing at restoring the sorts of items Mike is showing here. depending on how aged and neglected the plastic is you might have to do several applications but the bottom line is once you are done, it is about as permanently restored as physically possible. at least that is my experience. i've used it on eighth gen civic roof gutter trim and wiper cowls...MBZ rubber window trim...wrangler flare extensions, etc., etc.