Restoring Plastic Trim?

This is mostly about the exterior of my side view mirrors. They are very faded after spending 16 years in the Arizona sun, is there any restoration product I can use, or should I just try to paint them? Please don't reccomend plast dip, tried that on my wheels once and am not a fan of it.

 

I've seen videos of people using a heat gun to restore their trim. No personal experience but it does seem to work. If it were me, I'd get a protectant like Aerospace 303, wipe it on and see how it looks. Sanding, prepping and painting to match (or black) isn't a bad option if you have the means to do so.

 

I'm wondering about this as well since I live in az also and my rear bumper plastics are very faded and so are my mirrors. Any one find a good solution other than repainting it?

 

X2. See what it looks like with 303 aerospace applied. Might get you halfway to where you want to be. And you might just think- good enough. At the very least It'll also stop it from getting worse. Worth a shot, although hard to say without pics.

 

X3 for 303

 

Paint them for a more permanent solution the apply 303 protectant on a regular basis.

 

Don't listen to anyone who tells you to hit the plastic with a torch either.

 

So my plastics where trashed! But look what 303 did to them! All I can say is wow. How long do you think this will last though?

 

303 along with all other products just mask the problem and give it some SPF on top to reduce the fading more. They have products that are supposed to "dye" the plastics, but nothing really works.

The problem with 303 and others is once it rains, the product likes to run, so based on weather conditions, car washes, etc., you apply it when needed/wanted. It's a great product, but you will need to apply every wash if cleaning your truck thoroughly. If it rains, just look for any running and you normally can buff out.

 

Yeah that's what I figured I'm just. Curious as to how long it'll last for. If you where to repaint plastics what would you use? Just some black spray paint or something and the protect it with the 303? I really need to do a heavy detail on my truck and then just maintain it better than the previous owner did.

 

From what I have done research in the past, most have sanded down the area and did a complete repaint.

 

Yeah I might have to do that. I have all the stuff to do it. Just very time consuming and this is my work truck/personal so I can't exactly afford to have it down at all.

 

Try using an all purpose cleaner and removing the oxidation off the plastic. Like many said 303 is a temporary fix. If you can get the oxidation off, I would try a coating like Optimum Gloss Coat. Last longer than 303 ever dreamed about lasting.

 

Hit the plastics with a torch

 

I don't know if you are being serious or not... haha

 

I will have to do that once the 303 wears off.

 

Not

 

I tried wipe New.. the best so far