Black exterior trim dye

[Kean]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a product for darkening/restoring exterior black plastic trim. I'm looking specifically for a more permanent solution (a dye of some sort), rather than something that just temporarily deepens and shines it. I have a newer black Dodge Challenger, and while the trim isn't necessarily that faded (maybe just a bit), I think it would look a lot better if it was a deeper black. By default, it's more like a "very dark gray" that is noticeably lighter than the paint color.

I've heard fairly good things about Forever Black, but there are some mixed reviews. Is there anything that you folks swear by?

Thanks

What year is your Challenger? I have a 2010 R/T and I always thought of the trim bits (tail light surround, front grille area, rocker panels, etc.) as relatively black. For me, it's been the chin spoiler that seems to need a little darkening over time. In fact, I have some Wolfgang ETS on order now to see if that does the trick (while still providing some decent staying power).

Since new, I was initially using Wolfgang Fuzion on the trim of my Challenger but soon switched over to G/Techniq C4 (which is still on it today). C4 gives the trim enough "richness" while still looking relatively OEM and provides (for me) ~6-12 months of relatively solid performance depending on the surface it's being applied to. On the Challenger it has been working well but it needs re-application (the application on the front chin spoiler seems to have died off much sooner than the rest of the vehicle). ....I also have an order for another bottle C4 currently on the way.

btw, I also have the ETR kit and while I have been impressed with it in restoring older surfaces, I don't know if I would use it on trim that is otherwise healthy. ....but that's just me.

[Kean]

I used Gtechniq's C4 for the first time and wow! Instant black again mirror housing on Chev Lumina. If it lasts a month, I would be happy. Lasts for years, WOW. Must have!!!

Personally, I've had mixed results but when it works, it sure works. IMO/IME, it really depends on the particular surface and it's condition. I've had mixed results on some faded finishes.

[salty]

Ya I will have to figure that out. But it is so easy to use.

[TOGWT]

A product I've used with sucess is Trim-A-Shield - a water-based acrylic polymer formula that forms a molecular bond to vinyl and textured plastic, when dry, it forms a tough, resilient coating that remains flexible. When it cross-links (polymerizes) it forms a very dense, smooth surface that is air tight and water proof. This product is not a dressing but a renovation type product

It also resists common environmental hazards such as UV damage, dirt, grease and oil, the space between the surface and the coating is eliminated. Trim-A-Shield kit; contains GR-40 Trim Cleaner and Trim Dye (black or clear) – TOTL

[Kean]

Ya I will have to figure that out. But it is so easy to use.

As with most of these things, I chalk it up to a "YMMV" sort of thing. You may end up having great success with it as others have. Heck, even though it hasn't worked for me in every scenario I still buy it to use in situations where it does.

[Kean]

A product I've used with sucess is Trim-A-Shield - a water-based acrylic polymer formula that forms a molecular bond to vinyl and textured plastic, when dry, it forms a tough, resilient coating that remains flexible. When it cross-links (polymerizes) it forms a very dense, smooth surface that is air tight and water proof. This product is not a dressing but a renovation type product

It also resists common environmental hazards such as UV damage, dirt, grease and oil, the space between the surface and the coating is eliminated. Trim-A-Shield kit; contains GR-40 Trim Cleaner and Trim Dye (black or clear) – TOTL

I checked TOTL's website and only came up with an applicator brush for the Trim-A-Shield product in my searches on there. Are they still selling the kit?

[Ron Ketcham]

The UV-Gard in the ETR Kit may be used by it's self and be applied to clean vinyl and leather to accomplish the same.
The UV-Gard is a more robust formulation of the warranty product, Leather/Vinyl Protector, which is sold to dealers and is private labeled for Chrysler, Nissan, etc.
Since the UV-Gard is formulated for exterior use as the "clearcoat" for the ColorGard on exterior trim, it has a tighter polymeric chain and additional UV blockers than the interior use product.
I used it on the dash of my old Ranchero, for example, three years ago, and it is still protecting the dash, does not wash off and the dash looks like new.
My Sebring convertible's complete interior is done with it as well and as soon as I got the old Bird, applied it to all the interior vinyl parts, dash, the vinyl top etc.
The Sebring's application is going on close to 7 years at this point and still looks like it did when I bought it. It is a 1999, but the dash, etc look like the day it came off the assembly line.
Grumpy

[Accumulator]

Ron Ketcham- How to prep the UV-Garded surface when it comes time to redo?

[Kean]

Ron Ketcham- How to prep the UV-Garded surface when it comes time to redo?

I’m interested in this as well. Will UV-Gard apply over itself only requiring a thorough wipe-down/cleaning beforehand? …. scuffed prior to re-application? ….or does the existing product need to be removed first and if so, how is that best accomplished?

[Ron Ketcham]

Just get it clean of any silicones and reapply, no sanding, nothing like that, just a clean, oil and silicone free surface.
If you feel the need, the New Car Prep will clean it without damaging what is already on the surface.
Why would you reapply is the question, unless you plan on doing it in 4 or 5 years?
It lasts that long, at least. It's on the windshield wiper arms of my convert and has been since, I think, can't recall the year I bought it, but at least 2005, and no reapplication on an "outside" part.
The UV Gard will appear a bit shiney the first week or so, then it settles down to the factory original matt finish.
Grumpy

[Accumulator]

..Why would you reapply is the question, unless you plan on doing it in 4 or 5 years?
It lasts that long, at least...

Glad to hear it's so long-lasting. I was just wondering as it *invariably* seems that I no sooner get something just the way I want it only to have some kind of "oh [shoot] I can't believe this happened!" incident

[Kean]

....in my case I wondered in the event I accidentally scuffed/scratched the surface at a later time and wanted to correct it. I've been giving it some thought for a while now (using UVG on more trim pieces). Now that I have a new "beater" in my stable, I was planning on experimenting more with my ETR kit to see how comfortable I would be using it on other applications. ....not that the product isn't worthy but it's purely a personal comfort thing. Heck, it took me a while before I even started using my supply of Opti-Coat. Anything semi-perm/permanent gets me a little nervous.