There was some discussion about replacing bleached out black plastic components on another thread. It is great to replace these parts when you can afford it and/or they are cracked or broken. But I wondered if there was anything to do for little cost, especially if the parts are in good shape, just bleached out.

I found my answer in "Mother's Back to Black." I am amazed at how well this stuff works. I haven't tried much of this on parts in place, but the bottle doesn't caution against this, so it should be OK. The instructions don't mention this idea, but when you have a very thick layer of UV damaged oxidized plastic on the surface, it helps to use a scotchbrite sponge (the kitchen non-scratch variety) to work through that stuff. The oxide turns into this kind of dirty goo as you work at it. The B2B seems to disolve the oxide layer and scrubbing seems to make this go quicker.

You probably don't beleive me, so here are a couple of pictures before and after on a pair of parts you should all recognize!

 

Yep. That stuff works insane! You'll have to reapply it every couple months, but it's great stuff. Don't get any on your paint. It'll strip wax like nothin' else.

 

Best way to fix that is use a scotchbrite pad...scuff them up and paint them with Krylon Fusion. They will come out looking brand new....and it lasts.

 

Wow, that looks fantastic!

 

Yep, Back to Black works, but only for a while until the dressing wears off. Paint is a more permanent solution.

Dale

 

I like using that stuff all over. It lasts for a few weeks on outer trim pieces, which has been the best I've found so far other than paint.

 

Peanut Butter works better.

 

I sand blasted my fender liners than used black bumper paint from a spray can, now people ask me how much i paid for new liners. They have semi-gloss look to them.

 

Yeah! Don't throw away or return that samonella peanut butter! Use it on your cars instead!!

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01563.html



I think some of the 1st and 2nd gen guys have been using Back to Black for a while now.

 

I've been eating it instead!

 

I used that stuff on my faded lip it's magical stuff.

 

I agree.

I've used SEM Bumper Coat plastic paint with Prep-Sol as a precleaner - it worked great on my R1 lip. I haven't summoned the courage (or time) to attempt it on my interior plastics, but I will soon.

dave

 

Soon it will go back to the oxidized state again. It jus seeps into the plastic and soaks it but once it evaporates, it's gone. Truck bed spray is the way to go for exterior parts (you can use it on interiors but you might not like the textured feel/look).

edit: Or you can lightly sand with 200 grit sandpaper on teh plastic part you want to renew. That will sand off the oxidized/dead surface of the plastic (make sure it's bare plastic, not painted). THat's kind of lieka facial for plastic . Make sure you use a conditioner/protectant afterwards. I had a customer (i do detailing) with a big plastic strip on his exterior footstep (a SUV) that was completely oxidized. I masked the part where i don't want to sand (painted parts).

 

I've used that and Stoner's Trim Care, and have had good results for many years.


But in the end, if you don't want to have to keep applying it every 2 months, it will need to be repainted.