Ultimate Exterior Plastic Trim Restoration and Protection Guide

Thoroughly rinse all plastic surfaces with a pressure washer to remove loose grit, salt, and red dust. Ensure the vehicle is parked in a shaded, well-ventilated area. The plastic surface temperature must be below 30°C before applying chemicals; applying cleaners to hot plastic causes them to flash-dry, leading to permanent chemical etching or staining.

Apply your APC (diluted 1:5 for heavy oxidation) directly to the plastic. Use a stiff nylon brush to agitate the surface in small circular motions. You will likely see brown or grey 'slurry' forming; this is the oxidized top layer of plastic and embedded dirt being lifted. Spend extra time on textured plastics where red dust often hides.

Rinse the APC away with copious amounts of water. Use a dedicated air blower or compressed air to remove water from behind trim pieces, mirror housings, and window seals. Any water dripping out during the coating phase will cause the product to fail or streak. The plastic must be 100% bone-dry.

Using low-tack painter's tape, mask off all painted panels and glass surfaces adjacent to the plastic trim. Restoration pigments like Solution Finish are designed to be permanent and will stain clear coats if not removed immediately. Take 20 minutes to mask properly; it saves an hour of cleanup later.

Wipe the entire surface with an IPA-based panel prep and a clean microfibre towel. This removes any remaining APC surfactants, oils, or finger grease. The plastic should look dull and 'thirsty' after this step. If the towel comes away black, repeat the scrub (Step 2) as oxidation is still present.

Shake the bottle of pigmented restorer (e.g., Solution Finish) vigorously for at least 60 seconds. The carbon black pigments settle at the bottom and must be fully suspended to ensure a uniform finish. Apply a few drops to a microfibre applicator pad—do not oversaturate.

Work in small sections, roughly 30cm x 30cm. Apply the restorer using overlapping horizontal and vertical strokes (cross-hatch pattern). Ensure even coverage, especially in the 'grain' or texture of the plastic. You will see an immediate transition from grey to deep, rich black.

Allow the restorer to dwell on the surface for 1-2 minutes. This allows the oils to penetrate the pores. Using a clean, dry microfibre towel, lightly buff the surface to remove any excess product. The goal is a uniform, matte-to-satin finish, not a greasy shine.

Check the section from multiple angles using a high-intensity detailing light or sunlight. Look for 'high spots' (areas with excess pigment) or streaks. If found, apply a tiny amount more product to reactivate the area and buff immediately.

Allow the pigmented restorer to cure for at least 4-6 hours (ideally 24 hours in high humidity) before applying a ceramic top coat. This ensures the oils have fully bonded and won't interfere with the ceramic's adhesion. Keep the vehicle dry during this window.

After the restorer has cured, perform a very light wipe with a clean, dry microfibre to remove any dust. Do not use IPA at this stage, as it may strip the fresh pigment. Ensure you are working in a dust-free environment.

Apply a ceramic trim coating (e.g., Gtechniq C4) to a suede applicator. Apply in a single, thin, and even layer over the restored plastic. The ceramic acts as a 'clear coat' for the plastic, locking in the pigment and providing a hydrophobic barrier that repels water and salt.

Wait 30-60 seconds (depending on temperature; faster in 30°C+ heat) and gently wipe the surface with a fresh microfibre. You are not trying to 'scrub' the coating off, just leveling it to ensure there are no thick patches that could turn cloudy.

For intricate areas like grilles, use a foam-tipped swab or a small brush to apply the coating. Ensure no 'pooling' occurs in the corners, as ceramic coatings can crystallize into unsightly white flakes if applied too thick in crevices.

Carefully remove the painter's tape by pulling it back at a 45-degree angle. Check the transition lines between the trim and paint. If any pigment or ceramic has bled onto the paint, remove it immediately using a panel wipe and microfibre.

The ceramic coating requires 12-24 hours to fully cross-link. Do not wash the vehicle or allow it to get wet during this time. Avoid driving on dusty unsealed roads, as particles can become embedded in the tacky coating.