As a professional detailer, you may already make a good living offering car wash and wax services. However, if you’re not providing plastic trim restoration, you could be missing out on a highly profitable upsell. Restoring automotive plastic is quick, easy, and can dramatically improve a vehicle’s appearance, increasing customer satisfaction and vehicle value.
Over time, plastic trim pieces exposed to harsh sunlight, rain, and environmental contaminants will fade, becoming dull and brittle. But with the right products and techniques, you can fix faded plastic trim in just minutes—restoring it to a like-new appearance while ensuring plastic trim protection for months to come. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to restore plastic trim on cars and offer professional-grade solutions to keep it looking great for the long haul.
Steps to Plastic Trim Restoration
Many customers may not realize you offer plastic trim restoration, so mentioning it during your vehicle inspection is essential. As you inspect a car, pay attention to these commonly affected areas:
- Door handles
- Front and back bumpers
- Door moldings
- Mirrors
- Roof racks
- Running boards
- Bed liners
- Mud flaps
- Windshield Cowls
If you notice faded or worn-out plastic trim, explain to your customer that restoring automotive plastic enhances the vehicle’s appearance and can even boost the resale value or minimize lease return fees. Highlighting these benefits makes fixing faded plastic trim a simple and lucrative upsell.
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process for restoring plastic trim on cars.
Step 1: Clean & Prep the Plastic Trim
Before applying a plastic trim restorer, ensure the surface is completely clean.
- Wipe down the plastic with an alcohol-based cleaning solution like Detail King’s Wipe Clean. This removes dirt, old dressings, and contaminants so the restorer can properly absorb.
- If the trim has been previously dressed, scrub with a degreaser and rinse before cleaning with Wipe Clean for even better adhesion.
Step 2: Mask Off Surrounding Areas
To prevent staining other parts of the vehicle:
- Use Safe Release Painter’s Tape to cover areas around the plastic trim.
- This ensures the plastic trim restorer doesn’t accidentally get on paint or glass.
Step 3: Apply a Plastic Trim Restorer
Now it’s time to restore the faded plastic trim with a long-lasting dye.
- Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands.
- Apply Black Trim Kote to a shop towel or applicator.
- Rub the dye evenly into the plastic, working in small sections (4”x4” to 6”x6”).
- Ensure even application and allow the dye to fully dry before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Protect the Restored Plastic Trim
Once the trim is restored, it’s crucial to protect plastic trim on cars to prevent future fading.
- Apply a small amount of Revival Trim Dressing using a dressing applicator.
- Spread it evenly for UV protection and a subtle shine.
- This step seals in the restoration and prevents future fading from sunlight and harsh weather.
Car Plastic Trim Products & Supplies
Now that we know how to restore and protect plastic trim on cars, let’s take a closer look at some of the products we mentioned that will help you offer this service to your customers.
Trim Kote Car Trim Restorer
- Trim Kote is a semi-permanent dye that restores faded plastic trim to its original color.
- Works on unpainted plastic and vinyl trim.
- A little goes a long way—making it a cost-effective solution for detailing businesses.
Revival Bumper & Trim Dressing
- Revival conditions and protects exterior plastic, vinyl, and rubber trim.
- Shields against UV damage, weathering, and chemicals.
- Provides a long-lasting, professional-grade finish.
Wipe Clean Surface Prep Solution
- Wipe Clean removes dirt, dressings, waxes, and polishes from plastic trim.
- Ensures maximum adhesion for trim restoration products.
- Essential first step for any plastic trim restoration process.
Plastic Trim Restoration FAQs
How much should detailers charge for plastic trim restoration?
Pricing varies by vehicle, but here are some common rates:
- Door handles: $5 each
- Mirrors: $10-15 each
- Bumpers: $30–$40 each
- Fender flares: $10–$20 each
- Mud flaps: $5–$10 each
- Windshield cowls: $20–$30 each
For multiple trim pieces, consider offering package deals with a 10–15% discount. Fleet and dealership accounts may also require bulk pricing adjustments.
What is a plastic trim restorer product like our Trim Kote?
Unlike temporary dressings, Trim Kote is a dye, making it a semi-permanent solution for restoring automotive plastic. It bonds with the plastic for long-lasting color restoration.
What kinds of exterior car trim parts will Trim Kote restore?
Bumpers, mirrors, fender flares, bed liners, splash guards, door handles, cowl vents, roof rails, plastic windshield wiper arms, and any other unpainted, textured plastic trim pieces!
Does Trim Kote contain silicones?
Trim Kote is 100% silicone free!
How long does it last once applied?
Trim Kote is a semi-permanent dye that will bring exterior plastic trim back to a like-new appearance. Usually, one coat of Trim Kote will leave your plastics and vinyl looking great for years. (9-12 months minimum without regularly applied protection)
Do I need any special equipment to apply it?
There are a few ways to apply Trim Kote, but the easiest way is to use nitrile gloves and a 3” x 3” shop towel/rag or applicator.
Can I apply Trim Kote over any color of plastic or vinyl?
For best results apply Trim Kote to either black or gray plastic/vinyl surfaces.
Will Trim Kote stain the paint or glass?
Trim Kote only adheres to porous materials so it can be easily wiped off painted surfaces or glass. Try to remove it before the product dries but if you miss a spot and it does dry, simply use a shop towel and our Wipe Clean to remove it.
How long does it take Trim Kote to dry?
In warm weather, it should dry in 5 to 10 minutes. Cooler temperatures may take up to 20 minutes. Do not use Trim Kote in extremely hot weather because it will dry too fast and could cause you to rush the application process. Try to apply indoors or find shade and work in even smaller sections.
Will Trim Kote shine when it’s dry?
Trim Kote will have a matte finish when dry. You can apply just about any of Detail King’s dressings on top of Trim Kote after it has dried, but our Revival dressing is the recommended product.
Can Trim Kote be applied to car interior components?
Trim Kote is great for applying to exterior car trim and not designed for use on car interior components.