Solution Finish Black Trim Restorer

[Nick MasonPDG]

I received a sample of Solution Finish black trim restorer in my DetailBox this month and it came at the perfect time. I`ve noticed these white vertical streaks on the front bumper of my van, so I decided to give Solution Finish a shot. Although the bumper is originally a dark gray and not black, I figured Solution Finish would be able to restore the bumper to its original dark color.

Here`s what I used to get the job done:

- Generic multi-purpose microfiber towels
- Chemical Guys All-Purpose Cleaner diluted 10:1
- Gtechniq Panel Wipe
- Solution Finish sample bottle
- Boar`s hair detailing brush
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Microfiber applicator pad
- Nitrile gloves

I strapped on my gloves and began by cleaning off the bumper using Chemical Guys All-Purpose Cleaner and a bit of water to help activate it. I used a boar`s hair brush to do the cleaning since the bumper wasn`t overly dirty and it allowed me to get into the corners and crevices. After cleaning the bumper I performed 2 wipe downs with Gtechniq Panel Wipe, just to ensure that the surface was completely clean. Diluted IPA will also work for this step.

Application was very easy, I simply applied a dime sized drop to the microfiber applicator pad and spread it evenly across the bumper. As I spread the product and it began to thin out, I would just add another drop to the applicator and continue spreading until the bumper was completely coated. I would say a little goes a long way, I probably only used 1/3 of this small sample bottle. I let it sit for a few minutes, then very gently buffed off any excess. When you start buffing you will notice immediately where excess product is because it`s substantially glossier than the product that has actually bonded to the plastic. The bonded product leaves a like new finish. I would call it "sheen" because it does give off a shine, but it`s far from a high gloss wet to the touch type shine.

Here are the "how to use" directions directly from the manufacturer:

- For best results, apply to a clean, cool surface in the shade.
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Shake bottle well and apply a small amount to applicator pad or microfiber sponge.
- Spread a thin coat over area in an even motion, covering area completely.
- Allow solution to penetrate for 1-2 minutes.
- Use a clean microfiber sponge or foam pad to buff off excess and wipe off glass and paint (will stain unsealed paint).

The sample bottle


Here`s what I started with




Some cleaning action....You can see the dark black scuff marks, I was hoping they would become less noticeable after application


A couple 50/50 shots




aaaaand here`s the finished product




I followed the manufacturers directions and was very pleased with the results. As you can see, the white faded and streaking areas are no longer visible and black scuffs are less noticeable now that the bumper is darker.

I purposely got the product on the side markers as well as the paint for testing purposes. I immediately wiped it off with no issues at all, but I`m assuming if the product is left to cure for a minute or two it will likely need to be polished off.

I`ve marked my calendar to inspect the bumper every two weeks and eventually I will post an update of the long term durability.

[Todd@RUPES]

I`ve marked my calendar to inspect the bumper every two weeks and eventually I will post an update of the long term durability.

Very nice. I am looking forward to the updates!

[RaysWay]

Looks muchhhhh better now! But I think it will look even better if you keep applying coats. My motorcycle trim looked like that when I first bought it and everytime I washed it I would reapply Dlux or C4 or SF, and now it looks like new. I`d keep layering it.

[Pats300zx]

Great review !!!! I am looking forward to seeing how SF holds up.

[Nick MasonPDG]

Very nice. I am looking forward to the updates!

Thanks!

Looks muchhhhh better now! But I think it will look even better if you keep applying coats. My motorcycle trim looked like that when I first bought it and everytime I washed it I would reapply Dlux or C4 or SF, and now it looks like new. I`d keep layering it.

That sounds like a great idea! After I give it some time and kind of figure out what the longevity of the product is after one application, i`ll go back and apply it on a regular basis.

Great review !!!! I am looking forward to seeing how SF holds up.

Thanks, I`ll keep eveyone updated.

[WaxAddict]

Great review and technique.

Solution Finish is solvent based, and while a clean surface is ideal, it can permeate and clean through a few layers of protectants and residue.

It also accepts toppers quite well. I topped my two-coat Solution Finish treated window trims with 303 and it looks great. Point is, once treated, you can and should still use your favorite protectants IMO, because Solution Finish doesn`t leave behind any sacrificial layer.

[Nick MasonPDG]

Great review and technique.

Solution Finish is solvent based, and while a clean surface is ideal, it can permeate and clean through a few layers of protectants and residue.

It also accepts toppers quite well. I topped my two-coat Solution Finish treated window trims with 303 and it looks great. Point is, once treated, you can and should still use your favorite protectants IMO, because Solution Finish doesn`t leave behind any sacrificial layer.

Thanks for the added info, so I think in the long run I`ll top off with 303 (it is also one of my favs). How soon after application of SF did you decide to top it off?

[WaxAddict]

Thanks for the added info, so I think in the long run I`ll top off with 303 (it is also one of my favs). How soon after application of SF did you decide to top it off?

It was maybe a week after I used 303. Also, between coats of Solution Finish I waited one day. Also, you can let Solution Finish rest for much longer than the instructions say before wiping. An hour is fine.

Longevity of SF isn`t what they claim, but, it`s the only product that worked on my window trim after trying all the OTC stuff like Mother`s Back to Black and the Megs equivalent (forgot the name).

[Nick MasonPDG]

It was maybe a week after I used 303. Also, between coats of Solution Finish I waited one day. Also, you can let Solution Finish rest for much longer than the instructions say before wiping. An hour is fine.

Longevity of SF isn`t what they claim, but, it`s the only product that worked on my window trim after trying all the OTC stuff like Mother`s Back to Black and the Megs equivalent (forgot the name).

Thanks, yea I did notice that quite a bit of product is removed when wiping within the 1-2 minutes. I let one section sit for about 20 minutes and less product was removed, but there didn’t seem to be a difference in the darkness or richness between the two. I`ll have to try letting it sit for about an hour next time I apply it.
It seems like this is a product that works well, which is exactly what I was looking for. I`ve gotten a lot of friends, family and customers (now that it’s getting warmer here in Chicago) ask about a product that they could purchase and easily apply to restore trim. No ones been pleased with any of the OTC products. Now that I know it works and also can be topped with a protectant for added longevity (thanks to you WaxAddict!) I think it`s a safe recommendation!