Faded plastic trim makes even a clean, polished car look older than it is. UV rays, road salt, chemicals, and age can turn black plastic gray and dull, especially on bumpers, mirrors, wheel arches, and vents.
The good news? You can restore that deep black finish quickly and permanently with the right surface prep and professional-grade products. Whether you’re a DIYer or a detailing pro, this guide walks you through a step-by-step restoration process that delivers long-lasting results — and adds serious value to your services.
Step-by-Step: How to Restore Plastic Trim
Step 1: Inspect the Vehicle
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.
Step 2: Clean & Prep the Surface
Before applying any plastic trim restorer, make sure the surface is clean and bare:
- Use an alcohol-based prep solution like Wipe Clean Surface Prep to remove dirt, wax, dressings, and any oily residue.
- If the trim was previously dressed or coated, scrub with a soft detailing brush and rinse before wiping again with Wipe Clean.
This ensures maximum adhesion and a more even finish.
Step 3: Mask Off Surrounding Areas
Use safe-release painter’s tape to protect paint and glass around the trim:
- Tape off tight edges and seams to avoid accidental staining or overspread during application.
- This step is especially important on panels with tight body lines or multiple finishes.
Step 4: Apply the Trim Restorer
To restore the deep black appearance, apply a semi-permanent dye like Trim Kote Car Trim Restorer:
- Wear nitrile gloves to protect your hands.
- Apply Black Trim Kote to a clean towel, sponge, or applicator pad.
- Rub the product evenly into the plastic in small sections (about 4″ x 6″).
- Avoid over-saturating the surface — a little goes a long way.
- Allow each section to dry fully before layering or moving to the next area.
Pro tip: In warm weather, Trim Kote dries in 5–10 minutes. In cooler temps, drying may take 15–20 minutes. Avoid applying in direct sunlight or during high humidity to ensure even coverage.
Step 4: Protect the Restored Trim
Once the color has been restored, seal it with a UV-protective dressing:
- Use Revival Bumper & Trim Dressing to condition and protect the trim from fading, oxidation, and future environmental damage.
- Apply evenly with a clean foam or microfiber applicator.
- Buff for a uniform finish with no streaks or residue.
This topcoat step enhances appearance and provides critical UV resistance.
Recommended Products for Trim Restoration
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
What types of trim can I restore with Trim Kote?
Trim Kote is designed for unpainted, textured plastic or vinyl — including bumpers, mirrors, door handles, fender flares, roof rails, and windshield cowl panels.
How long does Trim Kote last?
Trim Kote typically lasts 9–12 months or more depending on weather conditions and washing habits. It won’t wash off like dressings and if dressing is applied regularly, this will prevent it from fading again.
Will it stain paint or glass?
It won’t damage paint or glass but can leave marks if not wiped off immediately. Use Wipe Clean and a soft towel to safely remove any excess.
Do I need special tools?
No. Trim Kote can be applied with gloves and a 3”–4” towel or sponge applicator. Avoid using brushes or anything abrasive.
Can I use it on interior trim?
No. Trim Kote is meant for exterior trim only. For interior surfaces, use standard dressings like Aerosol Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or a vinyl-specific cleaner.
Boost Your Profits with Trim Restoration
For professional detailers, plastic trim restoration is a quick service that delivers high visual impact and high margins. Here’s why it’s worth offering:
- Low product cost: A single bottle of Trim Kote covers several vehicles.
- Quick application: Takes less than 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- High perceived value: Customers love seeing dull gray plastic turn deep black again.
- Easy to price: Offer à la carte or bundle with ceramic coatings, exterior details, or pre-sale prep.
Average service pricing:
- Door handles: $5 each
- Mirrors: $10–15 each
- Bumpers: $25–40 each
- Fender flares: $10–20 each
- Full cowl or windshield trim: $20–30+
Plastic trim restoration is one of the fastest ways to improve a vehicle’s appearance, and it’s a smart value-add for any detailing package. Whether you’re fixing up a faded bumper or offering a premium trim restoration service, products like Trim Kote and Revival Trim Dressing help you deliver long-lasting results with confidence.