Plastic Trim Care

So I did not find much about how to best care for all of the plastic trim. If you're a non-turbo owner, you get matte black trim (aside from some gloss black you can spec in). This is what most manufactures provide, especially along the running board area, wheel wells, front and rear bumper parts. My issue with this stuff is that it turns grey. Lots of products bring back the black but wear off in a day or two and don't restore it to its original. I spoke with the parts specialist at the dealership, and he used to own and maintain motorcycles, having come across this product that he uses for many other applications. It's called S100 Engine Brightener. I tried it and was surprised at how well this product works. I posted some before-and-after shots so you can see. The before shot is from my Volvo, but the plastic is the same ...dull and grey 1-2 days after wash. The after is my Macan a week after using the Brightener. Just look at the after shots. Look at how black and clean it looks. I swear its looks as good or better than if it just rolled off of the assembly line.

I was considering trying to get these parts in gloss black but unless you have a turbo you will be out of luck. Now that I have discovered this, I don't think it is necessary as it looks excellent now. I am told by the parts guy it should last about 1 - 3 months that way (dusting it off for light maintenance). Anyway, just thought I would share this. I do not know how it will hold up after washing it, but if it stays close to this, my hand washing will be more than enough to keep the whole car clean.

Note: It does not bother PPF or paint and you can just wipe off residue after 10 minutes dry time.



S100 Engine Brightener - Revco.ca

I'm using CarPRO PERL, diluted with water 3:1. It certainly looks good after application, but I have no idea what the long term protection will be from this.

Just decontaminate these plastic with a proper soap, brush, and very light polish, after that coat these parts with a ceramic coating, most paint ceramic coatings are pefrect for plastics, there are many DIY friendly brands like Gtecniq, Carpro, DIY Detail, Ethos... just don't get the cheap stuff on Amazon, Carzilla.ca is a very good online store and i'm sure all they sale is of good quality.

craz8 said:

I'm using CarPRO PERL, diluted with water 3:1. It certainly looks good after application, but I have no idea what the long term protection will be from this.

Click to expand...

craz8 said:

I'm using CarPRO PERL, diluted with water 3:1. It certainly looks good after application, but I have no idea what the long term protection will be from this.

Click to expand...

If that is like the Chemical guys VRP (vinyl Rubber Plastic) it leaves a greasy residue that attracts dust but maybe the PEAL stuff is better.

PERL is water based. Doesn't last as long, but doesn't attract dust.

refazi said:

Just decontaminate these plastic with a proper soap, brush, and very light polish, after that coat these parts with a ceramic coating, most paint ceramic coatings are pefrect for plastics, there are many DIY friendly brands like Gtecniq, Carpro, DIY Detail, Ethos... just don't get the cheap stuff on Amazon, Carzilla.ca is a very good online store and i'm sure all they sale is of good quality.

Click to expand...

I would have to revisit putting ceramic coating on, as it seems like it should last longer than typical detailing products. I do have XPEL ceramic boost but all that does is repel water better adding to its hydro properties. It does not make it blacker or change the shine.

Ironic... Was just thinking bout the same thing yesterday.

they really shouldn't be looking grey at all...the cars haven't even been on the road for a year yet.. I'm sure some product makes the black look "deeper" or "wetter"
but i feel that they look fine after a regular cleaning...
it should really take yeeaarrs before they dry out and look grey

I will have a ceramic coating next month and a Plastic trim coating . They told me that the plastic will be more in line with the high gloss and much more easy to wash..

Bruyne said:

I will have a ceramic coating next month and a Plastic trim coating . They told me that the plastic will be more in line with the high gloss and much more easy to wash..

Click to expand...

Please share pictures when it’s done

shawn said:

If that is like the Chemical guys VRP (vinyl Rubber Plastic) it leaves a greasy residue that attracts dust but maybe the PEAL stuff is better.

Click to expand...

Chemical guys products are hot garbage...that said I do use their Mr. Pink in my foam cannon

krissrock said:

they really shouldn't be looking grey at all...the cars haven't even been on the road for a year yet.. I'm sure some product makes the black look "deeper" or "wetter"
but i feel that they look fine after a regular cleaning...
it should really take yeeaarrs before they dry out and look grey

Click to expand...

I think we are talking 50 shades of grey now.

Below is a photo of my 2024 Volvo (so not old). On the right is the trim after using a general detailing product (so no dirt and looks black at a distance). In the middle is the Engine Brightner to blacken plastic, and on the left is a vinyl/plastic cream for cleaning and conditioning. As you can see, black is not black when you compare it to something truly black. This photo was taken after all the products had dried.

shawn said:

Below is a photo of my 2024 Volvo (so not old).

Click to expand...

are your vehicles kept outside?

krissrock said:

are your vehicles kept outside?

Click to expand...

Nope garage all the time. This top photo below is what the grey side looks like at 25 - 30 feet away. So looks pretty black, right? But you're looking at the grey version as you can see it at 10 feet (second photo). Same car in similar light. The third photo is my Macan at 8 feet with the brightener applied.

I've always heard people swear by Back-to-Black, but never tried it myself.