How to restore heavily oxidized black plastic trim?

[Rsurfer]

Solution Finish is a great color restorer, but longevity is so, so. Top it with WETS, Dlux, or like Ron K. suggested, Wipe New (no experience with this product). Now you have a one two punch.

[JustJesus]

I like this thread.
Thanks guys!

[bodidly22]

2nd anecdote here... been using WipeNew for years (due to it being promoted on the front counter, classic marketing!) - LOVE IT. Works really really well. I don`t want to say it, but I get better results with WipeNew than DLUX

[Astouffer512]

Has anyone tried solution finish topped with the cerakote trim coating?

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[BMWWW]

Has anyone tried solution finish topped with the cerakote trim coating?

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Looks like there`s a more durable product than Solution Finish.

The Last Coat CeraTrim (just as/a bit more expensive) than the already high priced Solution Finish.. I guess you get what you pay for though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK53X8Tz3Kc

[grungy]

Funny you mention this combo as I just ordered the Cerakote trim coating to do just this on my 07 Expedition next week. Agree with Ron K. that SF by itself is decent but not had any luck with good longevity on its own. Will try to post before and afters and then some 6 month update as my vehicles sit outside 24/7 in Texas sun

[wannafbody]

2nd anecdote here... been using WipeNew for years (due to it being promoted on the front counter, classic marketing!) - LOVE IT. Works really really well. I don`t want to say it, but I get better results with WipeNew than DLUX

I used Wipe New on a set of wheels. It seemed to form a permanent bond and then slowly degraded. Now it`s kind of cloudy looking.

[Accumulator]

I used Wipe New on a set of wheels. It seemed to form a permanent bond and then slowly degraded. Now it`s kind of cloudy looking.

I thought Wipe New was for plastics/etc., wouldn`t have thought of it as something for wheels. Not that I know anything about it

[billg71]

Thanks to all for the suggestions, the Solution Finish arrived yesterday so I got the Mothers cleaner out and gave the bumper a thorough scrubbing, rinsed with water and wiped down with the cleaner from the kit. Applied the SF and the old, faded part of the bumper looks just like the part that`s under the tailgate, back to black for sure! There are a couple spots that are still grey but i`m pretty sure that`s where there was impact damage, I doubt they`ll ever come back.

Should have taken some pics but I`ll do that tomorrow and post, it looked great in the afternoon sun today as well.

Question: How long should I wait for the SF to cure before using the Gtechniq C4? And is it OK to just give the bumper a quick wash with the usual car wash soap or an APC beforehand? I`m guessing using a panel wipe or something like that would remove the SF. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill

P.S. Is there any benefit to be had from multiple coats of the C4? Not so concerned about the bumpers but the step rails see a lot of abuse.

[Accumulator]

Thanks to all for the suggestions, the Solution Finish arrived yesterday so I got the Mothers cleaner out and gave the bumper a thorough scrubbing, rinsed with water and wiped down with the cleaner from the kit. Applied the SF and the old, faded part of the bumper looks just like the part that`s under the tailgate, back to black for sure!

Glad it`s going so well! Sounds like the Solution Finish was just the ticket.

[billg71]

Here`s what the bumper looks like today, it evened out pretty well(better than it looks in the pics):




The light spots are probably impact damage, this was a work truck for almost 4 years.

I tried a second coat of the Solution Finish today but didn`t see any difference. I`ll let things settle for a day or two and then put on the C4.

Thanks to all for sharing their knowledge, it`s been a big help to know that I`m at least on the right track.

Best,
Bill

[BMWWW]

TBF, with the cost of Cerakoat/Solution Finish, on an old 4runner like the one I had, I`d honestly strip off those plastic parts, soak in degreaser/dawn, and just repaint it with a $10 can of plastic rattle can paint.
Then "coat" with the si02 spray and rinse to apply products for long term protection.

My $0.02

PS: 2 week update video that follows the one above released today:
https://youtu.be/cr1dcQceNyw

[billg71]

TBF, with the cost of Cerakoat/Solution Finish, on an old 4runner like the one I had, I`d honestly strip off those plastic parts, soak in degreaser/dawn, and just repaint it with a $10 can of plastic rattle can paint.
Then "coat" with the si02 spray and rinse to apply products for long term protection.

My $0.02

PS: 2 week update video that follows the one above released today:
https://youtu.be/cr1dcQceNyw

Great idea but too late. Thanks!

Best,
Bill

[bodidly22]

I thought Wipe New was for plastics/etc., wouldn`t have thought of it as something for wheels. Not that I know anything about it

no relevance here... but WipeNew is now owned by Rust-Oleum - not sure if that was known or not.. or relevant

[Lonnie]

Still wondering which trim products to use to restore and/or protect plastic trim?
See this EXTENSIVE review of trim restorers by Nth Degree (a little older from 2014, but still relevant):
Trim Restorer Showdown - Round 2 (Long and Pic heavy)

Edit: I read through this WHOLE thread. It is an epic and detailed test and review about trim restorers and well worth your time