You know, the black panels on the fenders and such. Used to be Armor-all, but I’ve heard that stuff is out of favor. So what does everyone recommend? Mine is turning gray!

 

I use Gtechniq C4. Clean the trim well, then apply in moderation. A little goes a long way. This is very long lasting.

 

I've had great success with Solution Finish. It works very well.

 

Another product to try is AMMO NYC Frame Pro Trim Coat.

Disclaimer: I’ve been using AMMO NYC products for almost 10yrs and never been let down

https://ammonyc.com/collections/exte...-pro-trim-coat

Rich

 

Black Wow!! Richard Lin used to be a regular on the forum.

 

Another vote for AMMO

 

How many wipes to do the trim on one MINI?

 

@Minibeagle

Two packets should be more than enough for the exterior trim components. A friend used one packet for a super light coating for only the wheel arches and it came out great.

Follow the instructions on the site, watch the video and definitely work outside and use a mask

You will love the product!

Rich

 

I was able to bring all my faded fender and bumper plastic back with a heat gun. It says like new for much longer than any products you put on it. Plus you can also use products after if you want even more shine. ***WARNING*** keep the heat off your paint. You can peel the paint if you get it too hot. Once you start seeing the black come back, you can start to "paint" with the heat gun. Again just creep up to the edge of the paint and take away the heat frequently near paint so it doesn't get too hot.

 

Gyeon Q2 Trim is great, but it
has become ridiculously
expensive.

 

that method cooks the petroleum right out of the plastic. not recommended. Solution Finish to restore color, Gtechniq C4 topcoat for durability. Tried and true.

 

I'll vote for the Cerakote Trim Coat restoration wipes. Great results and the price is reasonable.

 

AMMONYC frame works very well - over 1 year in So Cal Sun.

 

To revive matte black exterior parts, start by cleaning the surface with a pH-neutral soap and warm water to remove dirt and grime. Use a citrus-based cleaner for stubborn contaminants, followed by wiping with a 50:50 isopropyl alcohol and water solution to restore uniformity.

 

I find the thing that lasts the longest and keeps them looking new wash after wash is applying my ceramic coating directly to them, little goes a long way. Same way I do the paint with the applicator. Got about 3 years out of my last coating, your mileage may vary depending on if the car is garage kept, sun exposure, etc but worked great. Always apply to test panel before going all in.

 

Cerakote Trim if you're on a budget.

 

I'm leaning towards the AMMO product, as I'm very happy with their Gelee Pro on my wheels.

But for old & faded plastic, I wonder if it's best to first use a good conditioner, like Trim Serum. That has plasticizers & uv inhibitors. (Probably something that @Jucy should use, after his heat method.)

2 caveats:

1: Would this inhibit the AMMO or Cerakote product from fully adhering?

2: Do those ceramic products ALSO contain plasticizers?

I'm going to query the mfgs, but does anyone know?

 

One other product that looks good is SONAX Profiline Plastic + Rubber coating. It definitely has UV inhibitors, and it sounds like it has plasticizers: "...revitalizes the appearance of weathered rubber, restoring its deep, natural color while helping to maintain elasticity."

I think I'll try this one. The AMMO stuff is probably great, but they make a separate product for smooth vs rough plastic, with no explanation. Sounds like marketing BS to me.
(Like Cerakote making a separate product for headlamp covers. Maybe there's a reason, but they can't be bothered to explain it, so screw'em.)

And why do none of these companies give you a rough idea of how much area is covered, by 1 wipe or by 1 oz? That's the most obvious question imaginable.
Now I'nm just venting, but seriously ....

 

agree completely
this stuff is black magic

 

Worked great for me to and the price is hard to beat!