Exterior plastic trim stays dark and protected when you clean it thoroughly, then apply a dedicated trim dressing. Bumpers, mirror housings, window surrounds and roof rails are made of textured plastic that fades to a chalky grey under UV exposure. Cleaning and dressing it regularly keeps it looking dark and new, and stops the fading that makes an otherwise clean car look tired.
Why plastic trim fades
Textured black plastic absorbs UV and slowly loses its oils and colour, going grey and patchy. The rough surface also traps dirt, wax residue and polish, which makes it look even worse. Once faded it can look like the car is much older than it is, even if the paintwork is in great shape, so it is well worth keeping on top of.
Clean before you dress
Dressing dirty trim just seals the grime in, so cleaning comes first.
- Wash the trim with car shampoo and an old soft brush to get into the texture.
- For ingrained dirt or old product, use an all-purpose cleaner and agitate.
- Rinse and dry fully before applying any dressing.
Clean, dry trim lets the dressing bond properly and last much longer.
Keep polish and wax off the trim
One of the most common mistakes is getting wax or polish on plastic trim while doing the paint. It dries to a stubborn white residue in the texture that is a pain to remove. Mask trim off when polishing nearby, and if you do get product on it, clean it off before it dries. This single habit prevents a lot of frustration.
Dress and protect
A dedicated trim dressing restores the deep black colour and adds UV protection to slow future fading. Apply it sparingly to clean trim with an applicator, work it in evenly, and buff off any excess so it does not sling onto the paint in the rain. Reapply every couple of months, or after a few washes, to keep the finish looking fresh.
Restore badly faded trim
Even badly greyed trim can usually be brought back rather than replaced, which saves a lot of money. We clean and restore exterior trim as part of our valeting service across Nottingham, Derby and the East Midlands. Get a quote to bring your trim back to black.
Trim faded to grey?
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