Introduction: How to Restore Faded Rubber or Plastic Trim

By 4DIYers
About: Car enthusiast YouTuber creating helpful tutorial videos on both repairs and customizations. Be sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button!

Video tutorial on how to restore faded rubber or plastic trim. For this I am using a product called Back to Black by Mothers. Do you have a product used to restore faded trim, please be sure to leave your recommendations in the comments below. If the trim is too far gone, then it may need to be repainted. For that I do have a tutorial so be sure to check that out. It’s important to take care of plastic and rubber components as they can bleach, discolour, or deteriorate from the outdoor elements. If you take the correct maintenance steps, this can help protect the trim, ensuring it has a long life and prevents costly replacements in the future.

Tools/Supplies Needed:

  • clean cloth
  • microfiber cloth
  • carwash soap and water
  • plastic trim restoring product
  • tape

Step 1:

For this I am using a product called Back to Black by Mothers. If the trim is too far gone, then it may need to be repainted. For that I do have a tutorial so be sure to check that out. First start by washing the vehicle to remove any dirt or grim which may affect the restoration process. Next tape off the surrounding areas such as paint or glass as this product may leave smudging on other surfaces.

Step 2:

For this I will be using the product on both hard plastic and rubber coated applications. For this truck I am working with the mirror and lower window trim. It’s important to take care of plastic and rubber components as they can bleach, discolour, or deteriorate from the outdoor elements. If you take the correct maintenance steps, this can help protect the trim, ensuring it has a long life and prevents costly replacements in the future.

Mix the product accordingly. Depending on which product you are using, it’s important to consult with the instructions first. Apply it to a soft clean cloth and work it into the surface. Depending on the severity of fading will affect how much work is required to bring the color and shine back. Apply more product when needed to the cloth.

Step 3:

Finally once done you’ll be left with an extremely glossy finish. Normally I like to finish up with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any access product and this will remove the excessively glossy shine to give a more subtle OEM look. Sometimes I find if there is too much product left on the surface, any moisture may leave water spots behind, so this also prevents that from happening.

Step 4:

Again using the same procedure as before, we can restore the rubber trim. Apply the product to the cloth and work it into the surface.

Once finished, remove the tape and ensure there is no access product left in the cracks.

Step 5:

Finally you’ll be left with something such as this.

Do you have a product or method used to restore faded trim, please be sure to leave your recommendations in the comments below. Stay up to date with my latest tutorials, don't forget to FOLLOW my profile and be sure to check out my YOUTUBE page as well for all your DIY needs.