Best Car Trim Restorer | How to restore faded plastic trim on your car

Ive seen a lot of videos from other detailing channels about Trim Restoration Back to Black products. There are tons or basic dressing style products out there, but only a few real Trim Restorer products. The two that always seem to stand out are Solution Finish and CeraTrim. I decided to test them out side by side along with a new product from Lithium Auto Care. So here it is!!! I do a side by side test on the same piece of plastic trim to see which is best. I will do an update video as well eventually to see which one is holding up the best... ENJOY!!
See the items I use and join the mailing list at: www.DTLRsupply.com
Solution Finish - amzn.to/3lTGJRX
CeraTrim - amzn.to/3phjIuq
Lithium Auto Care Trim Cubes - amzn.to/3G4mTvy
TOOLS:
Mytee Lite 8070 Heated Extractor - amzn.to/2VrIS94
Bissell Spot Clean Professional Extractor - amzn.to/36mmD8R
McCulloch MC1375 Steam Machine: - amzn.to/2G2IqXB
Foaming Pump Sprayer - amzn.to/2sZut9X
Magic Eraser: - amzn.to/2viSFF2
DeWalt Cordless Drill: - amzn.to/2QoWpgg
MaxShine 15mm Long Throw Polisher - amzn.to/2t72O6H
Lake Country Polishing Pads - amzn.to/353Mq4i
2000W Generator - amzn.to/2XcnPKn
PRESSURE WASHER SET UP:
1600PSI 1.2GPM Ryobi Pressure Washer - amzn.to/37XgmjP
My Pressure Washer Gun of Choice: - amzn.to/39OfXBw
UBERFLEX ProPulse 50' pressure Washer hose - amzn.to/38HtE5c
Foam Cannon: - amzn.to/3bLovLD
1.1 mm orifice for foam cannon - amzn.to/3wJGhJLQuick Connects for Pressure Washer - amzn.to/2SFKPhX
Pressure Gauge for Pressure Washer - amzn.to/3bTyrCS
DOG HAIR REMOVAL:
Speedy Stone - amzn.to/2TEbooA
Lilly Brush - amzn.to/2Rvp7f1
BRUSHES:
Detail Brushes (INTERIOR USE) - amzn.to/2Q1vGWS
Detail Brushes (EXTERIOR USE) - amzn.to/3dmbfxO
Drill Brush: - amzn.to/2SU58J6
WOOLLY WORMIT Wheel Brush: - amzn.to/355nl90
Leather Brush: - amzn.to/3bi2GC5
TOWELS:
Microfiber Drying Towel - amzn.to/39f5EHj
Microfiber towels for removing polish - amzn.to/37fOqYB
Microfiber Towels (Interior and General Use): - amzn.to/2QMUa5F
CHEMICALS | POLISH | COMPOUNDS
Ceramic Detail Spray: - amzn.to/39dwLBw
Car Wash Solution(Also used in Foam Cannon): - amzn.to/3dm9KzA
303 Aerospace Protectant (Interior UV Protectant) - amzn.to/2J8412q
Carpet Cleaner Solution: - amzn.to/3bcQhPQ
All Purpose Cleaner: - amzn.to/2QqTAvi
P & S BRAKE BUSTER: - amzn.to/3a5hEeN
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner: - amzn.to/2QCSFYd
3D ONE (Compound + Polish in one) - amzn.to/3adF7u2
3D SPEED Polish (Polish + Protectant) - amzn.to/34XIgL3
CAMERA GEAR
Canon M50 - amzn.to/3b1cXD3
Small Tripod for M50 - amzn.to/2JZ1Le7
Canon M50 Memory Card - amzn.to/2yYFuer
GoPro Hero 8 Black - amzn.to/2V5Jjac
GoPro Memory Card - amzn.to/3b7tHbI
GoPro Head Mount - amzn.to/34zMQk0
**These are affiliate links to the products. We make a small commission on anything purchased from our links.
#BestCarTrimRestorer #CarDetailing #HowToRestoreFadedPlastic
TIME CODES:
0:00 - Black Trim Restorer
3:05 - Solution Finish vs CeraTrim vs TrimCubes
6:15 - Preparing the Plastic
9:08 - Lithium Auto Care TRIM CUBES
12:33 - CeraTrim
15:47 - Solution Finish Black Trim Restorer
20:33 - Final Thoughts
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. (IMJOSHV) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not (IMJOSHV) or any business affiliated to (IMJOSHV).

[@yodaman079]

Any update as to the length of time these lasted for you?

[@p.russell5597]

Awesome video as usual. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@derrickabare9986]

Great timing for this video. I should be getting the lithium trim cubes today . Adding another option to my business. Seeing great reviews on it . Ty .

[@23dothedew]

Just received the trim cubes today in the mail. Going to test them on my wife’s Honda this weekend.

[@shanepowell4720]

Just used cera trim on my truck worked really good so far. The applicator that came with it made easy to apply. It lasted thru the rain and didn’t come off. The solution finish didn’t last long for me. Thanks for the video comparing these trim solutions.

[@DrBrandonNevel]

Great review. I used your link to get the Lithium cubes. Looking forward to using them on my golf cart and truck!

[@RogerSmith83]

Purchased cerakote from Walmart and was pleased at the easy of use after watching one of your videos

[@rigomartinez8252]

Super grateful for this video 🙌 As I had been wanting and wondering about Solution Finish for awhile now. You've obviously made my choice easy now. Thanks a million.

[@imjoshv]

Happy to help!!!

[@georgemyers6518]

Great video and very informative

[@FredShramovich]

The Lithium Trim Cubes are outstanding and are such a cool package. Easy to use and should last a long time. I have been using Lithium products for close to two years and have always been impressed. Their Double Tap, Inner Space, and Ceramic Slam are really phenomenal. Great review and use of the products and I cannot wait to see the long-term durability with these.

[@kathy1256]

Great comparison! Thanks for the heads up on those products!!

[@imjoshv]

Thanks for watching!

[@JPeck-qy5gh]

Great review! Thanks.

[@peposamer8008]

This video makes my day ❤

[@hectoroswaldogonzalezpelay2493]

Gran video amigo , saludos 🇲🇽

[@davestewart9146]

I love solution finish, I’ve used it on my plastic wheel well liners on my lifted truck and it looks great, there are a couple things to note, I found if you shake it really well there is a ball bearing inside like a rattle can that helps to mix it, if you get some on the driveway it will stain it and most important the applicator and towels could spontaneously combust if stored wrong, I put my applicator in a ziplock with water and throw it away, great video Josh 👍😁

[@dutchtech]

👍great video. Very informative!

[@vinceriggio72]

Going to be trying those cubes! Also got my Maxshine Reaper kit and all I can say is...WOW!

[@imjoshv]

Awesome, I have one coming and im expecting it any day!!!

[@franciscogonzalez1472]

I am trying Solution Finish right now and looks great let's see how long endure! Thanks for the video!

[@Calendyr]

Solution finish 6 cars? WAY MORE THAN THAT! It only takes a few drops of the product to do a trim piece. My guess is: 30 cars or more with a 12 oz bottle. It takes me 3 or 4 years to go through a bottle, I don't do trim restoration that often but I detail about 150 cars in a years. Scott HD did a very comprehensive trim restorer comparisson test and Wipe New and Cerakote came on top with Solution Finish finishing 3rd of about 12 products. In terms of value, I feel Solution Finish is a great buy and it last about a year which is good.

[@ReadySetElement]

Dude you are the man. I say it all the time but man thank you for all your videos they keep getting better and better.

[@imjoshv]

I appreciate that!

[@ReadySetElement]

@@imjoshv Dude I appreciate you man. I've been since you uploaded that video on your simple water tank using gravity for pressure.

[@charwiejr]

Another informative video. Thank you.

[@imjoshv]

Thanks so much!

[@ddautodetailing]

Great review! All three products looked nice and definitely brought back the plastic.

[@philipbaio2237]

Great video

[@micd9256]

Solution Finish is must have. I’m intrigued by the trim cubes. They look way better than the Cerakote product I tried. It went on uneven and I could never get it perfect. And there is no way to fix it. I also use Malco Epic Revive and it’s great.

[@dan393]

I've used solution finish for years on faded plastics and trim with good results. Great value for the size of bottle. Thanks for the video.

[@imjoshv]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kevinprobin555]

Used far to much solution finish 1 or 2 spots will go a long way

[@anthonycelano165]

Love the work van story it’s like the shoe maker with holes in his shoes.

[@ronaldkeys6910]

Very good video

[@royaltyautodetailing]

The trim cubes are next level for sure! Also with solutions finish, they do have a grey and a black trim solutions. Until the trim cubes came out, my go too was Cerakote trim coat. Lastly Xtreme Solutions has 3 different levels of trim care. They have a black paint type product called forever black, secondly they have a trim and plastic restorer, lastly they have white rally.

[@imjoshv]

Can you send me a link to it?

[@beast11135]

I used Cerakote on my dad's 2012 Silverado and It worked very well. I was impressed. It's like $15 a box and I ended up using almost an entire box on the truck. I applied It to almost every plastic (only the plastics that were very faded) and It also has a string smell. My guess Is similar to Lithiums smell.

[@WalterMelons]

I got cerakote too after Project Farm tested a bunch of different ones.

[@davidboyce6427]

Thanks Josh👍

[@anthonydustinchancalvo6841]

Woww .. men that video help a lot, thank you ..... also do you have something like it for the rubbers and seals restore? Or this product will work on that too? Thank you again

[@bigstick346]

Hey Josh, good video (as usual). I'm a detailer but I wanna do my own car (2017 Mazda6 GT). I don't have alot of restorable trim. A Cowle and 2 fog lights. My plan is to restore color (hopefully deep n rich), then be able to cover it with Adams Advanced Graphene coating. I wanna make sure Adams is gonna adhere to the coating of the trim. Any thoughts on this? Thanks in advance

[@longislandcerealkiller6385]

New subscriber here great content

[@ThatGuy1797]

Been using The Last Coat - Ceratrim for about 2 years at this point. Really noticed the coloration only lasts about 3 months before it starts fading again, even though the hydrophobic properties remain. Going to try out Solution finish and then a topper to do take care of the hydrophobic properties -- feel like this will be the best outcome.

[@haroldbrown3452]

I have them both, I use them both, solution finish there's a risk of getting the black on other parts of the car, it's a little messier, but it's quicker

[@Paul-md8ms]

The Absolute best Trim Restorer is Bowdens Mr Black , i work in parts ,i have sold 100,s of different trim restorers since they were first invented and have personally tried them all ,Mr black is Australian made and is the best 4 months so far my trim has remained black every other brand best i have eve got is 2 weeks !

[@tylercollier7580]

Used ceratrim before. I agree it is tacky to work with but does provide good results. You can definitely see the hydrophobics of it when washing

[@idontcaresapo8233]

How long does it last on the car?

[@kkutube1972]

I purchased Solution Finish in 2015 and never use it. It solves my problem caused by the Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat Kit.

[@dtna]

I have not used Solution Finish on my daily driver until two months ago. Looked at it today after only two months and it looks like crap. I did try to prep it the best I could. Just waiting for your results now.

[@inkgenie9760]

Nice!!

[@imjoshv]

Thanks!

[@jonhill6648]

Hi, have you made a video about pressure washer tips. I'm just wondering do you see a difference from those cheap kits on amazon vs the expensive ones for washing cars. also using a (white) 40 degree is the proper one for washing a car right.

[@willsrestorations]

Just for your viewers solutions finish now comes with a ceramic sealant to apply over the solution finish which makes it absolutely the best

[@mattr4886]

Would these products work on smooth vinyl/plastic faded black door handles? I tried another product that did not have an effect on handles, despite working great on the textured trim. Thanks!

[@johnfrie7273]

I’m going to try the solution finish. Is it just for black trim and can you use it on the interior as well?

[@big-redsdetailingcliffords2379]

Which one ended up holding up the longest joshv?

[@jefferybradford5936]

What about vehicles with grey trim?? Would the first 2 work as well on faded grey trim like on Cherokees with grey bumpers?

[@jimshy46]

What do you recommend for a tan color trim. 2003 Ford Explorer. All I see is Black Trim being tested.

[@eddiearaya2456]

Okay, so what if the plastic is brand new! not faded and restoration is not needed, what is the best product to keep it new? Thank you. (2023 Ford Branco)

[@celticstephenhill]

Do poodles cling to polymers when they're in heat?

[@MrMichaelsaldana]

Hey Josh check out Lithium again. They have a lifetime guarantee and their own patent on their brushes. I have them. Luster lube and more and their new product to pre order. If they reach a mark they will release the product.

[@kaijabeaulieu973]

Are any of these suitable for interior trim ?

[@mlrable]

Is the graphene slippery for foot ledger

[@barrybij8079]

ive used solution finish and found it really messy... i have had a good experience with the cerakote wipes... lasting a long time... solution finish probably a professional detailer product because of cost per car

[@albertbrooklyn]

What restorer can I use for matte black plastic?

[@urntwrthyZ]

Cerakote Trim Coat. Lithium products, in my experience, rely more on clever ad copy than actual performance.

[@Pedroluvslupe]

How about Cera trim on the tires, I hurt is dry to the touch and it doesn’t sling

[@David-hy7rn]

What about longevity testing?

[@K_DOT78]

The lithium is on Amazon now , also heat gun trick brings back to black finish also

[@raphaelness1239]

What's the updated verdict for longest lasting product? Let us know, thanks

[@glenngray1201]

Solution finish hands down , don’t forget to shave that neck , says my wife 😂

[@nicksdragon6929]

Any updates? Just a verbal on which one is currently the best. May 2023

[@PhilJeanSimon]

I used the cerakote on a sante almost about 8 months ago and it is still going strong, the trim is still black.

[@imjoshv]

awesome! Ill be adding cerakote and wipe new into the test

[@blackriflex39]

do you have a video on best product to remove swirl marks? ill be doing it by hand and would like to know your suggestion on which product is best on a jet black car that is heavily swirled

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

I would try 3D One with a eurofiber 50/50 pad and a dual action polisher.

[@santiagoayala4216]

I LOVE my chemical guys VRP

[@Samson-EC]

I have yet to find any product that does not streak after a good rain. Followed by fading. If you have found one, please let me know. Thks. JC

[@rickypollock9100]

On the Cera trim, it didn't seem like you used enough product on your towel. Maybe it just seemed that way. Good review

[@imjoshv]

Thanks Ricky! Yea I can see how it seems that way because of the way it appeared to spread… but even when I added more it still is more difficult to spread than the others… but It does work very very well!

[@rickypollock9100]

@@imjoshv thank you! Great job. I think I may try it.

[@tntmyth]

Any product or best way to kind of mask, hide or make not so visible a couple of small light scratches on new matte black plastic car trim? The scratches are on the inside side of my right side mirror. The scratches appear as small white lines when in sunlight. Can't see then much when in shade. The car has only 800 miles and I have to look at the scratches every time I look out the side mirror. Painful on a brand new car. If they were somewhere else it wouldn't be as annoying. Not sure how it happened. I wash the car by hand. I was hoping it was just dirt but it's not. Doesn't wipe off. I didn't find any rocks or glass stuck in my sponges or wash mitt but buying new ones anyways. Not worth replacing the mirror. Just want to make it less noticeable. Would any of the typical back to black products help on new black matte trim or just make it worse?

[@jefferyallen9753]

Link to lithium trim cubes

[@I_HateClickBait]

Anybody know what yellow tape that is? Seems really sticky.

[@NYandAZ]

Has he made an update video on these products? I have a 2022 Mini Cooper S which has exterior rubber trim that is already faded. Can these products be used on rubber, too? Or are there specific products to use on rubber trim? I have a very dark black car (“Mini Yours Enigmatic Black”) and would love to have the rubber look just as black. To me, it’s a little of an oversight by Mini to not treat the rubber trim with a product that doesn’t do what these products do. My car is factory diamond ceramic coated, but not the rubber trim. Bane of my existence with the car. Just want a great product, easy to apply that will last. Would love for the cubes to be a solution. If anyone knows the link to an update video, can you please LMK? I’ve looked and cannot find one. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Thank you! 🎉😊🚿

[@wesleywilliams1186]

Cera trim lasts way longer than solution finish. I have both.

[@kevinkiraly7113]

If you use a "trim restorer" to bring back the pigment in the plastic, can you apply some sort of trim coating to it afterwards for protection?

[@imjoshv]

Cera trim, cerakote trim wipes, and the lithium ones are all ceramic infused so they have protection and do a great job to repel dirt and water

[@kirkwilson5900]

I believe solution finish has a sealer/topper too

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Just to let you know, all Lithium products have funny comments on the directions. They work and style totally awesome and fun

[@imjoshv]

Seems like a great company!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

@@imjoshv it is!👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@frankbh83]

Still no update??

[@StratOvation]

I can vouch for Solutions product. I bought a 2 oz. bottle about 6 years ago, did my Silverado 3x, and 4 smaller SUV's in that time, bottle is till 1/3 full. I reapply about every other year. Of note, all these vehicles were garage kept, so maybe would require annual reapplication if stored outdoors all the time.

[@imjoshv]

they make a great product!

[@jeffreyrobert9460]

For Ceratrim, you didn’t follow the directions. It says to let dwell 5-20 minutes before buffing off. Also , what you used to spread it on wasn’t nearly correct

[@chrisscott564]

haven life ad can't go away from clicking x screw them

[@phatmhat9174]

Penetrol? :D

[@princeboateng694]

You left out cerakote my g

[@imjoshv]

Yea I have it and I’m gonna add in wipe new as well

[@EricWebSurfer]

If the best of these wears off after a few months, why not just use dark gray spray paint made for plastics? It seems like that would last much longer.

[@peterrudy9207]

I think if you would wash your car regularly and spray 303 Protectant on all plastics and wupe off excess . you wouldn't need these .

[@Dirtracing141]

Try cerakote trim coat

[@imjoshv]

I actualy totally forgot i had it.. Im going to add that and wipe new into the mix

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

Cerakote works but it's expensive. Try using the Malco product, nore bang for the buck.

[@Dirtracing141]

Are you talking about malco epic revive

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

@@Dirtracing141 yes

[@diverdave4056]

come on now ... mix up 1/2 mineral oil and 1/2 baby oil = cheap - easy and long lasting results !

[@allenrj1]

Pre packed gloves are great, but how do you know the person who packed them didn't have greasy or stained hands ? If they did then their grease/stains are going to be transferred to the outside of the gloves - rendering them useless !

[@vanessaangrisani5542]

I recommend you look into fast hair growth shampoo to double hair growth.

[@michlin688]

.......Do you dye your hair bro?

[@imjoshv]

Nope just going gray early

[@Donere22]

Sheesh

[@imjoshv]

Yeaaa

[@ricardomundi16]

My Lithium cubes were dry as a bone out of the package… couldn’t get any product out of them. Maybe bad batch?? As effective a rubbing a dry sponge over the trim… totally useless

[@francerantoniodelarosarami4577]

what about brown(Color) faded plastic like panel door??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????'

[@treefrog0826]

Every time it rains would be considered a wash, Wouldn't it.....

[@twistymcfistysback]

Its CERAKOTE, Ceramic Trim Coat, everything else is a waste of time. The stuff is undeniably the best. The stuff has been tested to death, it beats everything else, its been on my car for a year and it looks the same as the day I put it on. They guarantee it for 200 washes, the stuff is ridiculous.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st

[@imjoshv]

1

[@isaacstacoify]

Ceratrim is a dust magnet.

[@thomassavage6025]

Ceratrim turned my faded plastic black, then to brown. Dust for days.

[@jaydenmorrison8666]

the audo didnt match the talking on camera

[@imjoshv]

Yea I said I’m the video that my mic came undone… sorry about that I know that can make it hard to watch

[@musicmusic5754]

man good reviews but too much fluff i dont need you to read instructions to me just demostrate

[@burgie4241]

This video could have easily been 1/2 the length of time by eliminating needless repetitious chatter.

[@brook280]

cover ups like these are no good. if you use a ceramic coating it will last for years.

[@imjoshv]

The ceratrim and Trim cubes have ceramic int hem so they last a long time. Solution finish though does not but they make a new topper product to extend its life

[@marambula]

MALCO EPIC REVIVE NU. my work here is done