Help: How to restore glossy Vinyl dash back to matte / satin

dre99gsx

New member
~20 year old black vinyl dashboard and door panels have gotten shiney from years of protectants. Any suggestions on how to dull it back up to the original matte like appearance? Original color is very dark gray, but over the years, it has turned black.



Some sections of the vinyl which lie hidden away from hand touching or light are still the original finish. I tried Zaino Z9/Z10 on one section for the heck of it, but obviously it just cleans more than anything. Would abrasive pads or the like work?
 
IHA Mark said:
Probably just need to use a more aggressive cleaner. Maybe try some 1:10 all purpose cleaner?



Not sure if "cleaning" is what is needed. I can try a small patch and see what it does.
 
Here is what I'm talking about:



IMAG0114.jpg




Left side (grayer) is new vinyl, right side is 20yr old vinyl. Somehow it got darker with time?!
 
Dear Dre99g,

Avoid using anything abrasive including magic eraser, that is like sandpaper. If it is just multiple vinyl protectant applications try using dilute detergents. You may even try a wipe with 70% IPA (isopropyl alcohol). I guess the objective is make the exposed vinyl look like vinyl that has not been subjected to a life of amour-all. On occasion I take all the residue off using 70% IPA. Remember just a gentle wipe.



Zill.
 
dre99gsx said:
Not sure if "cleaning" is what is needed. I can try a small patch and see what it does.



Well the dressings are what you want to strip away, not the vinyl itself. You are wanting to remove the oils and chemicals in the dressing so that it goes back to a more natural look. Try the APC, then if that doesn't remove the dressings to your satisfaction try getting a little more aggressive with IPA or a more stern degreaser.
 
IHA Mark said:
Well the dressings are what you want to strip away, not the vinyl itself. You are wanting to remove the oils and chemicals in the dressing so that it goes back to a more natural look. Try the APC, then if that doesn't remove the dressings to your satisfaction try getting a little more aggressive with IPA or a more stern degreaser.



Will do thanks guys.
 
Over the years, the plastizers have off gassed, causing the vinyl to compact, become more dense.

The "all purpose" may help, however since the chemistry of the vinyl has changed, doubt it will do exactly that which you desire.

Grumpy
 
Faded vinyl and rubber has to be the most difficult to restore; they resist most restoration attempts as most products either wash away or fade. Vinyl moulding on modern cars and SUVs that present the ultimate challenge, re-dying can be both time consuming and expensive.



To renovate and to accomplish long lasting renovation repairs on ultra violet (UV) faded, scuffed, or scratched black exterior trim, moulding, mirror covers, door handles, etc. without replacement or repainting This system is long lasting and can be applied without the use of specialized tools, these products are not dressings that will wash off after a short period but rather is an actual dye that can last from 6 - 12 months.



Vinyl is only semi- porous, since it cannot readily absorb a dressing or protection; the products remain vulnerable to the elements. Water- based polymer products however, form a molecular bond and provide a longer lasting matte finish, similar to the OEM.



Solvent-based dressings have more shine; they will permeate the surface due to its solvent content, but can be removed with detergents and pressure washers. Vinyl and rubber restoration products contain dyes that can stain the paint surface, so they should be removed before they are allowed to dry.



Clean surfaces using
Iz einszett 'Plastik-Reiniger' an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner for urethane covered upholstery and vinyl trim, that removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore the original texture, tactile feel and resiliency; use to clean all coloured and clear water-based acrylic polyurethane covered automotive upholstery and vinyl; this product is biodegradable and formalin-free



Autoglym Rubber/Vinyl restores the matte black finish and solves the problem of "grey bloom" or sun fade. Then use an ultra violet protection product (Iz Cockpit Premium) to avoid fading
 
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