Plastic Trim Restoration

Nothing ages a vehicle's exterior appearance faster than faded plastic trim. The black plastic bumpers, door moldings, mirror housings, and body cladding that looked sharp when the car was new gradually turn to an unsightly chalky grey as UV radiation breaks down the plastic's surface layer. Plastic trim restoration reverses this process and — with the right products — can keep it looking dark and rich for months.

Faded trim happens because the surface oils and pigments in exterior plastics are broken down by UV radiation over time. The result is a chalky, porous grey surface that's both unattractive and increasingly prone to further deterioration. Many consumer solutions are temporary — they look great for a week and then look worse than before as they wear unevenly. Professional plastic trim restoration uses long-lasting, UV-stabilized restorers and sealants designed to penetrate the plastic and provide a durable result.

Our restoration process starts with thoroughly cleaning the trim to remove any existing product residue, road film, and surface contamination. We then apply a professional trim restorer using a foam applicator, working the product into the porous surface to ensure even penetration and coverage. Multiple applications may be used on severely faded trim. Once the restorer is set, a UV-protective trim sealant is applied to lock in the result and protect against future fading.

The transformation is often dramatic — trim that was a dull, washed-out grey becomes a rich, uniform black that makes the vehicle look years younger. This service is particularly popular on SUVs, trucks, and older vehicles where the contrast between faded trim and well-maintained paint is especially noticeable. For San Diego drivers, where intense year-round UV exposure accelerates trim fading, regular trim maintenance is an important part of keeping your vehicle looking its best. Schedule your plastic trim restoration with So Kleen today.