Black Plastic?

A piece of cardboard makes a decent insulator. It'll keep the hot air from impacting the paint, and as long as you let it cool every so often, it won't transfer much heat from contact... the cardboard will burn before you damage the paint.

 

The plastics going dull are actually a result of the plastic being scratched(dirt, washing etc.) and probly some UV damage. Just like any surface the scratches and polishing mean how much shine it has. The heat is actually melting the top layer of plastic creating a brand new layer. So it will last untill it gets scuffed up again. This is why a solvent also works, it melts the top layer but with far less control then a heat gun.

Theres a hundred videos on youtube about it. Works really well for dirt bike fenders that get bent and beat up, turns them brand new

 

Thanks Rich/Dan. I'll keep your info filed incase I ever decide to go the heat gun route.

 

My bone to pick with Mcguiers Back to Black is that it shows rain run marks when the truck gets rained on after the dressing has been on. it also attracts pollen and dust like a mf'er

from Detailers Domain i have purchased and used both
Chemical Guys Black on Black
Chemical Guys Silk Shine Dressing & Protectant

I have been using the Silk, ive prob needed to put it on two or three times since i placed the order in May of this year. It doesn't leave an oily residue so when it rains it doesn't leave run marks and it doesn't attract dust and dirt like the off the shelf stuff...

the verdict is still out since ive only had it for 4 months as far as long term effects. becuase its very different than back to black as far as its chemical make up, its 'dry' and satin finish. im watching carefully for a chemical build up... if and when that does happen i will have to figure out a way to 'clean' the plastic and kind of start over. but i haven't seen any evidence of that.

the black on black spray is def best suited for occasional engine bay... not fenders / exterior trim.

 

Griot's has a product very similar to this as well. It works like dye so you have to mask off surrounding areas that you don't want black. It will last years without fading from the experience I have had with the product.

 

Only if you are an oxycontin eating backwoods redneck..Who only drives a truck to compensate for the lack of actual confidence in his manhood?

Otherwise protect your investment.

-Op I would look into that type of paint that forms a molecular bond with with plastic. I was thinking of researching that for my own trim.

 

Tire shine works great for me, seems to hold up real well and protects it too.

 

I'd be wary of that. Most consumer grade tire shines have pretty powerful solvents in them. I'd be worried about severely weakening the plastic over time.

 

I've had good success with Griot's products in the past. I did a quick search on their site but I don't think I came across anything quite that permanent (years w/o fading). Any idea what this stuff is called?

 

I have read some stuff on 303 aerospace, anyone have any luck with it?

 

I have a 2003 Expedition with charcoal gray cladding and black side/rear steps. I had great results using Dupli-Color Flexible Bumper Coating spray cans that I found at my local Napa Auto parts store. I used the FB109 and FB105 part numbers, and got very good results.

http://www.duplicolor.com/products/bumperCoating/?wwparam=1342038739

The original panels were streaky, faded and looked like hell. Painting them completely transformed the look, plus they now need very little maintenance to keep them looking nice.

Before spraying the bumper coating, I first used their "Prep Spray" (Grease and wax remover) and "Adhesion Promoter" (clear primer).

 

I use it on all the black parts on the exterior, dash, windshield wipers and weatherstripping. Its awesome stuff. A little goes a long way. I also put it on my bakflip tonneau cover to keep all the rubber supple. My truck is only a 2011 but the blacks havent seemed fade in the tx sun. And its outside 24/7. You just have to wipe up any extra bc it can run a bit and you notice.

 

I like

 

I'm a big fan of the 303 protectant. Good UV protection with a matte finish, not shiny if that is what you want. Check over in the detailing section and you'll find a lot of info also.

 

thats what i like to hear, ordering some from Amazon. thanks

 

Wipe new...seriously. I put this on the 2nd week i had the truck and now a year later it still looks great. Make sure to clean the plastic with a good degreaser to get all the tire shine, shoe polish or whatever else youve tried off. The small bottle is enough to do the whole truck.

 

I can vouch for that. Looks like my door handles have been crying after a rainfall.

 

Edit

 

Great thread. SUB!!!!

 

$32 for a 30ml bottle?

I think I'll use the heat gun.