What To Use To Darkern Trim

dschribs

dschribs

Active member
I have "greyish" plastic cladding around the base of my GMC Terrain. I`d like to darken it up a bit because it sort of stands out against the rest of the vehicle which is basically blacked out.

Ive tried PERL, 303 and PB Trim Restorer. None of them really darkened this trim to my any degree.

Apart from actually using plastic paint.. Anyone have any suggestions as to a product I can try to make this trim a few shades darker??

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I would use CarPro DLUX or GTechniq C4 trim coatings. They`re clear so they will enhance the color of grey or black plastic.

Here is what it has done to brand new plastic on a couple vehicles...
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I would...

1. Scrub trim with quality APC and brush
2. Scrub trim with quality APC and brush (again)
3. Wipe all trim down with IPA 15%
4. Wipe all trim down with IPA 15% (again)
5. Tape off surrounding paint from trim (you`ll thank yourself at the end of the process)
6. Use a TUF SHINE Pro Series Applicator Sponge to apply a THIN coat of Solution Finish (I like this sponge because it holds a hard edge and doesn`t soak up Solution Finish)
7. Buff off excess Solution Finish with a microfiber towel
8. Wait for first layer to dry - 1 hour
9. Apply second Solution Finish coat
10. Buff off excess
11. Wait for it to dry - 1 hour
12. Apply coating or sealant (CarPro Dlux or Gtechniq C4 would be best)
13. Remove tape
14. Report back with glorious photos

If it looks perfect after the first coat, I would skip the second coat of Solution Finish. But after cleaning and using IPA, some types of trim are "thirstier" than others and you`ll notice an uneven finish so a second coat is needed.

A hairdryer or heat gun can be used to either let your neighbors know you`re crazy or speed up the drying time.

Solution Finish works great on grey trim, but has to be prepped and applied properly so it keeps looking good.

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Can the Solution Finish only be used on black trim? If used on gray trim will it turn it black or a darker gray color?
 
mikejames said:
Can the Solution Finish only be used on black trim? If used on gray trim will it turn it black or a darker gray color?
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Solution Finish FAQ page says:

Will Solution Finish work on gray trim?

Solution Finish does work great on gray and charcoal colored trim, but please note: The trim will remain gray, but will be two or three shades darker.
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I say black.
 
I`ve never tried Solution Finish on gray trim. The liquid in the bottle is black as coal and thick. I don`t know how it would not turn gray to black.
 
I used this on a Ford explorer sport track that had gray trim and it made the gray darker but not black. The owner loved the turnaround.
 
mikejames said:
Can the Solution Finish only be used on black trim? If used on gray trim will it turn it black or a darker gray color?
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It will still looks grey. The trim on my 2002 Camaro did not change to black as it is grey. Just darkened to look more natural.
 
Uhhhh.... ditto!

Something with color, will darken, will last = Solution Finish

Something that will darken (just a tad), last, and protect without color = GTechniq C4
 
Raymoche said:
another vote for solution finish, then some trim sealant/coating of your choice.
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This is what I would do as well.

Just an FYI for everyone asking about Solution Finish and grey trim. Chris West has mentioned that a grey version of Solution Finish is in the works and will be released sometime next year.
 
Might have to test this again....I applied SF and the trim was nice and black. Gave it a week just to off-gas anything it had in it before I sealed it with Gyeon Trim. It sort of lost a bit of it`s blackness. More like medium/dark gray but XtrEmely Hydrophobic...
 
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