Bumper restoration?

What's the best way to restore the plastic bumper on my 2002 Taco? I'm not sure if that's oxidation or what. I have access to Back to Black, Meguiars Ultimate Black and Solution Finish

 

Only options I've seen are what you already listed, painting it, or trying the blow torch method. I have a spare piece, so if any crazy ideas come up I can experiment before you try on yours.

 

I can attest that Back to Black is a waste of money. If the money is available for a new bumper, I'd go that route.

https://www.carparts.com/details/To.../Pre_Runner/6_Cyl_3-dot-4L/KIT-062817-15.html

 

Solution finish hands down. It's the only thing that will actually chemically remove the oxidization. The others will just cover it up.

Rub it down good with rubbing alcohol first, then apply the solution finish.

 

My buddy raptor lined his.

 

this is a mild finish, not too much grain. It’s very forgiving. I painted my front bumper apron. It looks good

 

This sounds weird, but I had great luck using ceramic coating on the plastics

 

^agreed. Try ceramic coating.
Not the hybrid ceramic coating. The real deal. The ones that come in a 60ml bottle for about $70

 

some folks rub it with a mr.clean magic eraser or similar until it's black again, but I haven't tried it personally.

I have tried Back to Black and agree it's not that great.

 

I’ll pile on, Back to black is trash that all I know.

I was gonna try the magic eraser then if that didn’t work, the heatgun/blowtorch method

 

I used Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat on mine. Just follow the directions exactly. You can get it on Amazon for $18. I did my front and it's held up well for over 6 months now. I think the kit comes with 4 or 5 wipes. So you can do your other vehicles as well. Mine was just a little bit streaky, but that went away after a week or two. it was probably a prep issue on my part. I think you will be surprised by your results. (FYI I don't get paid by these guys.. Also, while I'm at it, I also use "The Last Coat" on my paint. (different company), super easy to apply (Like Mr. Miagi says, Wipe on, Wipe off) and lasts a long time. Sheds water like crazy and the dust seems to blow off a lot easier (it's really dusty where I live so if we get just a sprinkle or two of rain it leaves dust spots all over). But with this stuff, a decent rain washes all the dust off and no spots. It's been a good product as well. It's no $2000 ceramic treatment, but it does just fine for my 22 year old work truck.

 

I'll second the Cerakote, I put it on nearly 1 year ago and it's still dark. Try it first, if you're unsatisfied, try something else.

 

Heat gun, its free if you have one already and easy to do. I did it on mine before I ended up painting it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm gonna try Solution Finish since I have it already. If it doesn't work I'm gonna try Cerakote

 

Magic Eraser works. Takes some elbow grease but restores them to original state. Over time they will just oxidize back though. Only longer term solution seems to be a paint or coating.

 

Cerakote is the only product I've used that actually lives up to its claims.

 

I always used meguiars hot shine on it, and would touch it up every week (I had a black 99 with 58k miles, and kept it washed every week and waxed every month)

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...429084,body+&+lamp+assembly,valance+panel,820

Cheap enough to buy.

 

Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat like the others said. I just tried it a few months ago and it's as advertised. Walmart even carries it now. The Cerakote rapid paint sealant is awesome as well. I thought the 8 oz bottle would probably be good for two applications. Did my 1st gen, my son did is chevy truck and did our chevy impala a couple weeks ago. Still got half the bottle or more. Takes only a dab, paint glossy and pops and beads water like rain x. Have always used mcguires three part wax previously. Both stand up after repeat washings.

 

Yeah all you Cerakote users.let’s see some before and after
Pictures……thanks