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How to Restore Faded Black Plastic Trim on Your Car

How to Restore Faded Black Plastic Trim on Your Car

Black bumper inserts, wheel arch liners, door mouldings and mirror housings slowly turn grey and chalky. The cause is sunlight and weather: UV breaks down the surface and the oils that kept the plastic dark leach out. The good news is that you can bring most of the colour back without replacing anything.

Why trim fades

Unprotected plastic dries out. Road film, harsh washing chemicals and repeated sun exposure speed it up. The plastic has not changed colour; its surface has dried and scattered light, so it looks grey.

How to restore it

  1. Clean it first. Dressing over dirt traps it and looks patchy. Use a general cleaner such as Vonixx Impact, diluted as directed on the label, with a brush, then rinse and dry.
  2. Mask nearby paint if you are working along tight edges.
  3. Apply Vonixx Verse to an applicator pad or microfibre, not straight onto the trim, and work it in evenly.
  4. Level off any excess with a clean cloth so it does not run or attract dust.

Choosing your finish

Verse is dilutable. Used neat it gives a deeper gloss. Diluted it gives a more natural satin finish. A 1:1 mix is a sensible starting point. Use the diluted solution within about 10 days.

Where else to use it

Verse also suits rubber seals and engine bay components. For the engine bay, read our engine bay guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it last?

That depends on weather, washing frequency and how many coats you apply. Reapply when the colour starts to fade.

Why does the trim go patchy?

Usually because it was not cleaned thoroughly first or the product was applied unevenly.

Can I use it on tyres?

Verse is designed for plastic and rubber. For tyres, see our wheels and tyres guide.

Products mentioned in this guide

Vonixx Verse plastic rubber and engine protectant 500ml

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