Black exterior trim dye

[arcooke]

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

[Ron Ketcham]

ValuGard.net
ETR Kit, take a look at the training video and then look under TSB's of manufacturers who have and still do require it's use for vehicles still under warranty that have exterior trim concerns.
The ETR lasts for years and is easy to apply.
Grumpy

[Accumulator]

What Ron said Very user-friendly, good results.

BUT...I'm a little surprised that the trim on a late-model Challenger needs such drastic attention I mean, the ETR kit worked great on the pieces I needed to really bring back from the dead, but those are pretty few and far between even though my beaters were purchased in simply *awful*/neglected condition.

Here's what I've done on my exterior trim, including some pieces that were very oxidized:
-Clean with IPA (for the initial work, hey...it's cheap)
-Consider using KAIO on pieces that might need it, but be sure to buff it off *BEFORE* it flashes/dries. KAIO is very good for oxidation and it's pretty gentle
-Clean with Griot's Rubber Prep (yeah, plastics as well as rubber), repeating until things look OK (and that might take a while)
-Treat with Ultima's trim sealant (forget what they call it). I like two-three coats about 24 hours apart
OR
-Treat with ValuGard's Fast Finish QD and do it a few times (doesn't "layer" but mutliple applications usually look better than just one). Yeah, it'll need redone after the next wash, but there's a definite cumulative effect and it doesn't just wash off in the rain. I like to apply with a cotton/terrycloth towel

Just yesterday my wife was saying how nice the black beltline trim on the Tahoe is looking even though it's been weeks since I last washed it and it's been rained on numerous times. Said trim was simply *awful* when I bought it, all I've done was clean with the Rubber Prep and then Fast Finish after every wash. These days the Fast Finish is just a quick W-O-W-O that only takes a moment.


There's *some* black trim (generally, smooth hard plastics) that I just treat it like paint, KAIO topped with either KSG or 845 or even FK1000P (be careful with that last one lest you get staining). But I've been so happy with the Ultima and Fast Finish approaches that I'm gradually moving away from this LSP-based technique.

[arcooke]

Thank you both. That Valugard ETR kit looks excellent (but pricey).

It's more of a personal preference than a problem. Like I said, the trim isn't really all that faded, I just don't like that it doesn't blend well with the dark black paint. Because it's a dark gray instead of black, it makes the car look like it's faded when it's really not. Just me being anal I guess.

[Nth Degree]

I haven't tried the Valugard ETR system yet, but have wanted to. I have had good success with Forever Black. It took a little experimentation to get the results I wanted but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Not sure how much trim you have to cover. I have found it takes 2 coats (sometimes 3) to get even coverage with Forever black so two of the small bottles might be necessary but it goes a long way, even when laying it pretty thick as I would recommend. I buy it by the quart and each applications seems to use a negligable amount. I don't like the included applicator as it seams to leave bubbles that dry as little rings. I use a make-up applicator sponge for better results. Allow 15+ minutes to dry before doing next coat. Make sure to clean with a good APC first. I have noticed that on large surface areas it does look a little uneven at first. That usually goes away as it cures in an hour or so. Any remaining unevenness goes away after a wash or two as any product that remained on the surface is washed away. If a little gets on paint or glass it comes off very easily with a little rubbing alcohol.

[Ron Ketcham]

The kit is not available for individual usage, so there is enough in a kit to do an average of 30 to 40 vehicle's trim, (average use is very small, it goes a long, long way).
If when ordered, one gives a promo code of T10K, they get 10% off, or so it was the last I heard.
Professional detailers who do volume work make some good money using the kit to recolor damaged trim, as they only use about a $1.00 worth of product to do a couple of mirrors or door handles and can charge $20 to $50, depending, per job.
If you have some friends with discolored trim on their vehicles, you could quickly recover your cost by doing some repairs for them.
Grumpy

[chrisguga]

I have used Gtechniq's C4 with great results. It lasts ~2 years according to most.

[tomstin]

I've used Gator Back and have been very happy with the long term performance. On my 2001 Tacoma flares I used a foam roller and liked the little texture it left behind.

Welcome to GatorBack: Home of Automotive Protection Systems

[Accumulator]

.. the trim isn't really all that faded, I just don't like that it doesn't blend well with the dark black paint. Because it's a dark gray instead of black, it makes the car look like it's faded when it's really not...

I'd try using the Fast Finish on it a few times. And yeah, it really does behave differently on trim than any of my other QDs so this isn't just "try this QD instead of what you usually use"-type advice

Wonder if you could get AI to send a sample

[Ron Ketcham]

If he calls Beth at AI and asks, bet she will accomodate him.
Grumpy

[C. Charles Hahn]

If he calls Beth at AI and asks, bet she will accomodate him.
Grumpy

Indeed. She was also able to get me a bottle of the discontinued "toner" to use with the ETR kit on gray trim parts. Awesome customer service!

[salty]

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!!!