Faded plastic trim

[Chris Thompson]

Has anybody had success restoring faded plastic exterior trim? I had a lady ask about her '05 Avalanche and I told her that I am not aware of anything to restore faded grey trim. I know there is back to black for black trim but is there any way to restore an even color for grey trim without having to settle for dressings?

[tcy006]

Re: Faded plastic trim

There is a product called Showroom New Restorer that comes in Grey as well as Black. It is a plastic/vinyl dye, and is permanent. I have used it on the dark grey fender flares on my 03 Ranger. I purchased mine from autodetailingsoultions.net

Mark

[fordf150]

Re: Faded plastic trim

deleted

[CHzo6]

Re: Faded plastic trim

The 05' Avalanche had a recall for the faded trim pieces. Have her check with the dealer about the warranty/recall for it.

For products, give Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant a shot, works very well.

[ca2kjet]

Re: Faded plastic trim

All Avalanches have a fading problem, especially the previous generation. It's so bad that no average product will work including Ultimate Protectant (which is a great product, but doesn't work on this problem).

The only "official" fix from GM has been to use what's known as Gatorback which is essentially a paint/sealant that goes over it and there's a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on all years about the fading problem. As long as you're under warranty the dealership should be able to do the Gatorback.

However, if you're out of warranty or don't want to go the Gatorback route, there's a product called Refinish Restorer (it's about $40 per can and you can find it doing a Google search, it's a German made product if I remember correctly) that has been used with huge success by many Avalanche owners.

I would NOT use it for your average faded trim as it's very powerful (don't let this stuff dry on your paint or get on your clothes!). It is not a dressing, it is not a dye, it is a pure restoring oil. It will restore any color trim back to its original look and seal it to prevent damage from sun, weather, and beads water.

I've personally used it so if you have any questions about it, let me know.

[CHzo6]

Re: Faded plastic trim

I've had zero problem with my 07' Avalanche LTZ. All the plastic looks brand new, even through Maine Winters. But, i've used Meguiar's products on it since day one.

[BobbyG]

Re: Faded plastic trim

Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant or Poorboy's World Trim Restorer

[ca2kjet]

Re: Faded plastic trim

I've had zero problem with my 07' Avalanche LTZ. All the plastic looks brand new, even through Maine Winters. But, i've used Meguiar's products on it since day one.

You are correct, if it's been constantly maintained then you should never see fading and using Ultimate Protectant or the like would be perfect from the start. That's something I need to do is keep protection on it so I don't have to keep restoring it.

In general, a lot of it will depend on how much the cladding is subjected to the sun. If it's parked often in the shade or in a garage the cladding won't really experience fading. I've had minor fading on mine because it sits directly in the sun all the time and I never apply anything to it. The only area that has had the "zebra stripe" problem is the very top trim above the window and thankfully the 07+ models have a much better resistance to fading then previous years.

It always boils down to preventive maintenance

By the way CHzo6, what color Avy do you have?

[new2detailing]

Re: Faded plastic trim

Not to threadjack, but do first generation Honda Element owners have similar problems with their trim?

[CHzo6]

Re: Faded plastic trim

The only color they should come in, Black!!

[xantonin]

Re: Faded plastic trim

I've had good luck with Meguiar's Trim Detailer.

[ca2kjet]

Re: Faded plastic trim

The only color they should come in, Black!!

Sweet!!! My thoughts exactly!