What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we all know the drill, you spend all arvo washing and waxing the paint, but those grey, faded plastics just let the whole car down. In this guide, I'm going to show you how to actually restore that trim rather than just slapping some greasy 'tyre shine' on it that'll wash off the first time it rains. We're talking about fixing the damage caused by our brutal sun and keeping it that way.
The Reality of Aussie Plastics
What You'll Need to Get the Job Done
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Preparation is Everything
The Deep Clean
Give the whole car a wash first, but pay special attention to the plastics. Use your APC and the brush to scrub the grain. You'll likely see brown muck coming off, that's old wax and road grime.
Dry it Thoroughly
Water is the enemy of trim restorers. Use a leaf blower if you've got one to get the water out from behind the mirrors and trim edges. If it drips while you're applying the product, it'll streak.
Tape it Up
Unless you've got the hands of a surgeon, tape off the paint bordering the plastic. Some restorers (especially the permanent ones) are a nightmare to get off clearcoat if they dry.
Watch Out
The Restoration Process
Panel Wipe
Wipe the plastic down with your IPA or panel prep. This removes any leftover soaps or oils. Skinny-dip plastics won't hold a bond, so make sure they're 'squeaky' clean.
Shake Your Product
If you're using something like Solution Finish, the pigment settles at the bottom. Give it a proper good shake for a minute.
Prime the Applicator
Put a few drops onto a foam or microfibre applicator. You don't need to soak it, a little goes a long way.
Apply in Sections
Work in small areas, maybe 30cm at a time. Use circular motions to really work the product into the texture of the plastic.
Level it Out
After applying, I usually wait about 30-60 seconds, then lightly wipe over it with a clean microfibre. This ensures an even finish without 'high spots' or puddles.
Check for Missed Spots
Look at the trim from a few different angles. It's easy to miss a bit under the lip of a bumper or around a door handle.
Second Coat (Optional)
If the plastic was really thirsty and it still looks a bit patchy, give it a second coat after about 10 minutes. This is common on older Jeeps or Subarus.
The Cure Time
This is the most important bit. Most proper restorers need 4-12 hours to cure. Keep it out of the rain and don't go driving through a dust storm immediately after.
The Magic of Solution Finish
Watch Out
Keeping it Black
Common Questions
Can I use this on interior plastics?
How long will this actually last?
Will this fix scratches in the plastic?
My trim is painted, not raw plastic. Can I use these products?
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