Professional Plastic Trim Restoration and UV Protection

Thoroughly wash the vehicle to remove loose surface contaminants. Pay special attention to trim gaps where red dust and sand accumulate. Use a pressure washer to flush out the 'hidden' dirt from behind trim panels. If the trim feels gritty, use a dedicated iron remover to dissolve metallic particles from brake dust that may have embedded in the plastic.

Apply your APC (diluted 1:5) directly to the plastic. Work in 50cm sections using a stiff detailing brush. Agitate in circular motions to pull out old waxes, silicones, and oils. You will likely see brown or grey suds; this is the oxidised plastic and dirt being lifted. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely using a dedicated air blower or microfibre towel.

Once dry, use automotive masking tape to cover any paint or glass surfaces adjacent to the plastic trim. Permanent restorers like Solution Finish or Gtechniq C4 can be extremely difficult to remove from clear coats if they cure. Ensure the tape is pressed down firmly to prevent 'creep' under the edges.

Wipe the trim down with a 70% IPA solution. This removes any remaining surfactant film from the APC. Run a clean finger across the plastic; it should feel 'grippy' and make a squeaking sound. If it feels slick, repeat the APC and IPA steps. A perfectly stripped surface is the only way to ensure the restoration lasts.

Ensure the surface temperature of the plastic is between 15°C and 30°C. If the plastic is too hot (a common issue in summer), the solvents in the restorer will flash off too quickly, leading to streaks and poor bonding. Work in a garage or under a high-quality carport.

Shake your chosen restorer bottle vigorously for 60 seconds. Apply a small amount (about the size of a 10-cent piece) to your microfibre applicator. Do not oversaturate the pad; a little goes a long way with professional-grade products.

Work in small sections (approx 30cm x 30cm). Apply the product using overlapping horizontal and vertical strokes (cross-hatching). This ensures the product penetrates all the 'peaks and valleys' of the textured plastic grain.

Watch how the plastic reacts. Extremely parched, sun-damaged trim will 'drink' the product almost instantly. If the plastic looks patchy within 30 seconds, apply a second light coat immediately while the first is still tacky.

After allowing the product to dwell for 1-2 minutes (refer to specific product instructions), use a clean microfibre towel to gently wipe the surface. This 'levelling' step removes excess high spots and ensures a uniform, matte-to-satin finish rather than a greasy shine.

Use the edge of your applicator to get right up to the masking tape. Precision here prevents 'halo' effects where the centre of a panel is dark but the edges remain grey and oxidised.

Use a high-intensity LED torch or work light to inspect the trim from multiple angles. If you see streaks, apply a tiny bit more product to the area and buff immediately to re-level the finish.

For interior plastics (dashboards, door cards), ensure you use a product specifically rated for interiors to avoid 'off-gassing' which can create a film on the inside of your windscreen. Apply thinly to avoid a slippery surface on touchpoints.

Most professional restorers require a 'dry' cure time. Keep the vehicle away from water, rain, or heavy dew for at least 12 hours. In humid coastal areas, extending this to 24 hours is recommended to ensure the chemical bond is complete.

Carefully peel back the masking tape at a 45-degree angle while the product is still relatively fresh. This ensures a clean line. If any restorer has bled onto the paint, wipe it off immediately with a clean microfibre dampened with IPA.