Faded Plastics back to black with a Heat Gun

[@Therevdon]

Concentrating in one spot for too long is what causes the streaking. Move the heat gun around faster and don't hold so close to the plastic. It takes a bit longer, but it's a lot more even. I did this on the plastic bumper covers on my old Ram van, turned out great

[@e1r2i3k415]

Does it last?

[@Therevdon]

It'll eventually fade again, it's just the nature of the plastic. I owned that van for about 3 years after I did this, it still looked good when I traded it in.

[@e1r2i3k415]

Thanks for the reply. I tried it on my car but It didn't work. I guess the process only works for black trim, mine is gray.

[@Halakah7]

@@e1r2i3k415 According to Mike @ Sweet Project Cars it will if you maintain it correctly. He recommends using a UV conditioner (Aerospace 303 protectant) after doing it & at least 4 times a year. See > kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJXMhYeIgd1po5Y

[@yarivlzqz7579]

Does it last?

[@branonmack]

For those wanting to try spraying, I has great success with Krylon Fusion black paint, from walmart. Used it on all of the black plastic trim on my wife's 2005 Volvo S-40, and it held up for over 4 years with no problem, and no fading.

[@beccaadolph]

Thanks. Glad that you mentioned how it held up after a month.

[@bonferoni6664]

I used the Rustoleum trim paint. I scuffed the plastic with fine sand paper, cleaned with denatured alcohol, masked, primed with standard Rustoleum auto primer, and painted 2-3 coats. It took about 2 weeks to fully cure and become less shiny. After curing it seems to resist scratching well and has not changed color for about 8 months now. It gives a durable consistent finish, but is more work and requires good spray technique/conditions.

[@gregehyougetit2863]

I've put things on for years, only looked good for a few days. Saw this video today, went to the store to get a heat gun. It was the best $22 I've spent on this. It went to a dark grey like it should have been almost instantly. Took a while to figure out a decent method, then it became easy. This is a great way to do this. Thanks for the video.

[@bleepinjeep]

Gregory Ferruzza sure, thanks for watching!

[@Grandpasaab]

how long does it stay good black?

[@BATTLESCARS75]

@@Grandpasaab 9 years

[@miketampabay9446]

@@Grandpasaab 1,974.5 days

[@Grandpasaab]

@@miketampabay9446 Thanks

[@edancummings7738]

Bondo Restore Black seems to not be heard of much, but works great also for cheap. I think I got it at Walmart for about $20. It chemically dyes the plastic back to black, so it is much better than stuff like back-to-black. Says it lasts 6 months, but it seemed like it looked good for more like a year from what I remember.

[@richardb.1414]

A neighbor told me about this tricks on my plastic bumpers, obviously in this vlog it really did. Thanks

[@davida6146]

I would suggest applying a ceramic coating after you're done just to make it last longer

[@roadstar499]

make sure plastic is cleaned well for best results...also mask edges to prevent paint damage if you are a newbie at this...

[@labrat810]

Wish I would've seen this before I took mine off and arduously cleaned and repainted them w/ plastic-rated spray paint... only to start fading again a few years later. Kinda awesome how you took 'damage' and turned it into a technique of refinishing.

[@larrythibault8952]

Great tip. I recently used a blow torch (but heat gun would have worked) to restore plastic patio chairs that get oxidized or start to break down in sunlight and get white powder on them that gets on your clothes. It worked great on them. I will have to try this on the front bumper of my wife's van.

[@elmergloo3259]

I just paint my fading trim flat black with spray paint and it looks great and lasts a long time. It is also easily reapplied years later when it fades again. Don't ever user Plasti-Dip for a long term solution. Plasti-Dip looks great when it is new and it fills in scratches and makes them unnoticeable. I have Plasti-Dipped my trim and wheels on both my cars about 3 years ago. It looked great, but there are some major downsides immediately and over time. In the immediate/near future issues some carwash's sprayers would rip off your plasti-dip. One car wash I went though sprayed off half of the Plasti-dip on one wheel, but not the others. Some carwashes would spray off parts of the bumper or trim that I also plasti-dipped. It was hard to make it look good again. The only safe way to wash your car if it has any plasti-dip is to do it by hand. After 2-3 years plasti-dip fades and cracks and flakes off. It does not come off easy. When it is newly applied it is easy to peel off if you mess up and want to start over. After years though you have to no joke sand it off. I tried Goo Gone, power washers, etc with some luck, but not all of it would easily come off. I had to sand it off and it clogs sand paper very quickly. I just re-finished my trim and bumpers on my car that was plasti-dipped last week and used spray paint instead. It was super easy and it will last a lot longer. If it fades you just lightly sand it and re-apply. Spray paint won't crack and flake nearly as fast as plasti-dip will. Its not hard to do either. Just takes patience. Remove your trim or whatever you want painted and paint it on the ground to avoid getting your car. Otherwise use masking tape and paper to cover the area on your car that you don't want painted. Then just slowly apply paint in multiple passes after letting it dry after each pass. You just don't want to spray too much at one time where the paint starts dripping and leaves a streak. I paint in probably about 10 passes or so to make sure I don't get bubbles or drips and the car looks new when I'm done. Plan on this taking up your whole Saturday.

[@cbdreamer1709]

Thanks for the info man. Could someone put a clear on it to help it last?

[@mafq53]

I've heard if you put a coat of contact cement on the plastic and let it dry and then plastidip that the plastidip won't come off

[@RavenRedwood]

Just a heads up... One year on after doing this on an 01 XJ resulted in the trim not only returning to it's original ugly grey but now has streaks from where the heat dissipated through the plastic. Extra care was taken using low power and a sweeping motion to spread the heat evenly, and I think the irregularity now was due to the plastic itself not being perfectly uniform. You'll see mold lines on the inside of the bumper caps, for example. Maybe heating the entire trim piece in an oven would yield a longer lasting effect, but ultimately I would suggest using a product with either graphine or some synthetic oil like what the polymer originally contained. Looked good at first, but didn't last a winter. I ended up painting which I'm quite happy with.

[@luke4090]

This works, but it can also make the plastic brittle and hard so it can crack and break way easier.

[@TheAudiostud]

Come back when your inconsiderate neighbour has finished strimming their garden

[@zackedwards7803]

And after he opens his window blinds all the way so it can fully heat up this guys fender! Damn neighbor.

[@jorgepadilla21]

Hahah

[@whatatool]

I've done this about five times in the 2 years I've owned my jeep with a propane torch. Very carefully of course. It lasts longer than tire shine but fades in about a month. My plastics have not become brittle....yet.

[@michaelramsey82]

3D printer folks use the same technique to get rid of little fuzzy imperfections in plastic printed items. Plastic "fading" is actually just the surface getting roughened up from age, wear and tear, and UV exposure. The heat gun partially melts the surface layer of the plastic, allowing it to self-level like paint and form a smooth surface, and eliminating the roughness that gives it the faded look.

[@stuiedaman]

This is false. It has to do with the oils in the plastic drying out. The heat brings the oils to the surface.

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

When doing the edge near the paint, DO NOT POINT IT AT THE PAINT! Put the heat gun next to the vehicle pointed at the fender. When I did my wrangler I caught the paint bubbling in the beginning, near the back fender in a low spot luckily. It might look a little patchy but the result at a glance will be BADASS! Great vid!

[@MrMrsregor]

try using something as a shield

[@vietorkoreen]

Well shit, heat guns are used to remove paint. What are you pointing 1,000 degrees fahrenheit at your paint for?

[@vietorkoreen]

Foil won't do shit

[@jacobb4077]

vietorkoreen foil reflects heat

[@vietorkoreen]

Jacob Beaumont Foil doesn't reflect heat, it conducts heat. Foil does reflect radiant energy, which the heat gun does not emit. Foil conducts heat very well, so, your paint will bubble if you keep it pointed at the foil, if the foil touches the paint, or if the heat radiates beneath the edge of the foil and convects upwards. A heavy piece of cardboard, or a heat resistant Vermiculite board will protect it, as these items are not very conductive.

[@neponsetriver]

I like a product called 303 Aerospace Protectant that works very well, but eventually it does need to be reapplied. I use it on rubber, plastic, and leather, and not just on cars. It's basically wipe on and wipe off.

[@Mybitterreality]

Neponset River got it two days ago, applied it and washed the car second time round it was gone. No good

[@Scottsmusiccave]

That's a pretty neat trick. I've had good luck with Krylon "fusion for plastic". It bonds to plastic and I've used it for all kinds of stuff.

[@joelcastro197613]

I own a jeep grand Cherokee Laredo. I've never had a jeep.. Now I love it. I'm trying to replace thing and up grade my look on my jeep. This tip was awesome!!! I love the bleeping jeep website. Keep on jeeping!!!.. Thanks

[@XxxCR1SPYxxX]

gaha that description is the best forever for the rest of history it should be a world record

[@indrekkpringi]

You need to tape off the painted areas first: otherwise the paint might bubble.

[@steves5355]

Pick a 6 x.6 area Do slow circles,while making crossing.passes in the one 6x6 area, it will not streak and will look way more consistent. Work for a lot of mediums also..easy peasy...do this even before sanding for adhesion promoter as a fresh surface is better than a sunbaked one to start...

[@edmundkonkolich8743]

I've searched for various techniques for restoring my rigid, black plastic, motorcycle luggage. I believe that knocking down the streaking, from uneven overlapping of applied heat, is easy. The tip was to have a microfiber cloth on hand, with a bit of olive oil or boiled linseed oil on it, & gently rub it in while the surface is still warm (NOT hot). After cooling, a randomly patterned, all-over warming of the entire part should even everything out even more. ***DON'T EVER go trying to warm plastics in your oven!*** Also, disassembly of the cases as much as possible for better quality results & so as not to damage neighboring components with differing cleaning/restoring techniques or products is a wise move. Flitz & Mother's Metal Polish for the S.S. bits & aluminium trim, replace the silicone tubing that seals the case's contents from the elements, adj. & lubricate the locks, refinish the support bracketry & get all new chromed, S.S. fasteners for mounting. . . & you're good to go.

[@johnlibonati7807]

Good video. I'm gonna try it on my lawnmower. I had that grey grand cherokee in the background. Loved it and it saved my life when a minivan going 50 mph rear ended me while I was sitting at a light.

[@gulfportgyrl8798]

Wow! Glad you lived through that crash!

[@xxmezadxx]

I don't know if you had the same issue, but my fenders seemed to warp a little bit from the heat. They certainly look better than they did before, but I was still kinda bummed. Lol.

[@LittlezGarage]

I really miss these types of BleepinJeep video's..

[@gorillacookies3451]

the oil thats in the plastic just comes to surface. eventually it just parches and gets brittle

[@ianhausser4079]

LOL @@Francois_Dupont

[@Flatpicknation]

Francois Dupont hahahh

[@michaelarnold1590]

Using a torch is faster and works better.

[@jasonreid2725]

I found this out in 2002 when i accidently heat the plastics on my car, you are i think is bringing back the chemicals of the plastic to the surface. but good to see someone else found this out save a few bucks ...know!!

[@jethro9341]

The heat gun trick works. For like 2 weeks. It quickly starts to fade again but now it looks worse than before. Get the paint and spend an hour doing it right.

[@johncloyd372]

Yes would like to know how it looks now

[@danovido8946]

Tried this on my CRV....worked great for a week then got really bad....do you know what saved me from my mistake.....drum roll......Kiwi shoe shine noir with the sponge applicator....it was absolutely awesome! Thank me later.

[@derekwatkins97]

awesome fix!!!

[@8SiCK0LAKE1]

Dano Vido How long does that fix last ?

[@sonyyaaj]

Is that safe for hot temperature? How long does it last?

[@AllAmericanGuy01]

Don't tell me what to do!

[@gulfportgyrl8798]

Do you have to use the Kiwi after every carwash?

[@Thomas-vq1ox]

This method works for a few months then looks worse than before. Did this on a 2004 CRV and finally just taped off the trim and spray painted. Don't do this method, I've learned my lesson.

[@dangoleshootnetwork6036]

I changed my rear diff oil the other day and put a little of the used oil on all my faded plastics; so far, so good.

[@welderboy14]

wait for all the dust to stick to it........

[@dezertgrunt]

+welderboy14 Skot, works like a charm except I used new oil to prevent that used oil smell. Been a week and still good to go. Im seeing how long it lasts before I have to reapply.

[@moneyandtimefreedom3352]

+dezertgrunt curious how it looks after a dusty road

[@dezertgrunt]

Not sure but this only lasted for two weeks then the fade comes back.

[@SushanMusic]

wow ..thats bro .. was wondering what other applications uses for heat gun.. found perfect match ..cheers

[@bleepinjeep]

SushanMusic sure, no prob!

[@jeepnut1970]

I've used a propane torch on mine. Used a license plate to deflect the heat and flame away from the paint.

[@martinneps9387]

How long does this last please Comment back thank you for this video

[@initra25]

Just did the heat gun on the trim of my 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport. It looks good!!!! I made my jeep look new with a heat gun worth 27.99 at Home Depot!!! Buy new fenders and bumpers my ass!!!! Try the heat gun and save money!!!

[@krandom354]

I just used a heat gun and some armour all and it worked great.

[@golygoly3597]

that clip was published in 2014, how long the heat gun treatment lasted?

[@igorschannel]

I love this straight to the point videos. Thanks.

[@rubinanderson9594]

Before or After heat gun .. Use Black Wow, but gets a bit shiny, but you can wipe it down just let black wow absorb into claddings..WD 40 works really great too but will wear off.... you can use armor all for 7v protection.. wipe new works great too and lasted almost 2 yrs on my Avy.. heat gun..wipe new...black wow ..and brand ne we basically...

[@photog1529]

I have a 95 4WD Suburban that had badly faded flares...I just masked them off and gave each two layers of black Raptor liner.

[@kemal727]

Just pour some diesel or some other oil and wipe it off. This way the plastic gets weak.

[@aumiller1994]

i used a heat gun to get the door handles on my 96 xj "back to black" good stuff

[@pammvi]

very nice demonstration. How do you prevent the thermoplastic from getting distorted due to the application of heat?

[@jonesnj07]

Never hold the gun completely still, keep it moving, multiple passes to allow a slight cool inbetween each area, 5 passes takes longer but won't cause any damage under the surface, 1-2 too hot passes may cause warping, we only want to treat the surface layer with heat :)

[@low602]

3m clear silicone will make them look like new just spray on and that's it work on all plastic and will make it shine like new

[@davidraba3781]

The best "temporary" product is leather conditioner. The best way, and longest i have found to make plastics black Get something like Armor all, or my personal favorite, turtle wax plastic spray. I put 2-3 coats on, DO NOT WIPE OFF. Wait a day, and do the same with leather conditioner. It will last months, in my case my engine bay on my BMW is entering the 4th month and still shiny.

[@theeditorrestrial]

Niiiiice...buddy of mine told me just to use a propane torch and I was thinking "what about a heat gun?" And blam you guys did it. I'd be blacking my front bumper on 2015 xterra. Yeah I know, if it makes ya feel better I HAD a 91 Jeep Cherokee (4cyl) manual that I got 298k miles out of before selling.

[@Crushercurtis702]

Blew my mind! I've always sprayed them with bead liner. I've had same exact heat gun lying around all this time.

[@SamWilliams78]

Couldn't find the Flux Capacitor on the website Matt.

[@xmo552]

Wtf man. Fake ass advertising. I looked for one also

[@DaveBayliss-v6d]

One of the Bro’s told me about this we tried it on my ute which the sun had faded the plastic trim it looks primo I reckon there a market for this it lasts longer than using any back to black products pretty sure people will pay for the result

[@aJEEPforthebirds]

just use some shine stuff, or synthetic wax, it works well, just apply it often until it soaks in good

[@hOttOddYfAiLz]

Don’t mess with the heat gun. Only comes back twice as bad soon after. Use Gtechniq C4. Permanent trim restore. Two years anyways.

[@PmPbreeze]

Just buy bumper spray works fine.

[@joq702]

No masking no overspray? What about the excessive heat bleed on your clear-coat and paint?

[@username8171]

black shoe polish does work very well.

[@dodgehemi5045]

Jeep Wranger Fender Flares vs Wagner Heat Gun ! I tried this on my Jeep, look what it did

[@brandofranada2277]

just clean it really good with acetone or whateve you preffered soap and water must be completely dry... And Paint it with plastic paint... best on 15degree above temp

[@biofractal78]

How durable is? Weeks, months??

[@RobVaughan1984]

Nice, my 2006 civic trim is so faded looks horrible. Between the windshield and hood too!!

[@4kdemoscene]

Anyway to fix ruuber. possibly silicone but I dount it. I have a 370z with stops. Rubbing the heck out of them with back to black but these acid rain spots really don't want to come off.

[@kiwiridernz69]

Blow torch is even better just gotta be careful

[@jdirt1982]

you can also burn your paint off and deform sheet metal with a heat gun if you ride the short bus

[@tylerhiggins9789]

You actually get quicker and better results using a propane torch on a low setting

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

You should check out Penetrol. Stuff is great on faded plastics.

[@AndyL714]

Penetrol is awesome on fiberglass. I need to try it on fenders.

[@CueBald]

Will this work on anthracite trim that's not pure black

[@jhanlon1903]

use SEM paint works great, but the prep as always important,

[@zve482]

thanks man! greatest jeep tip yet!

[@rugged1209]

motor oil works really good too

[@Se7enAte]

Interesting method. I guess a way faster way of doing it would be to use a blow torch. Just gotta be extra careful

[@skl1cent]

Hi buddy, can you make a video on how to remove rusty bolts using a eletric heat gun? someone told me about this to remove stuck 02 sensors, but not sure if its better to just go with a torch. I think this will make for a good video/ cheaper way to remove rusty bolts if it works!

[@dzitiatri]

Guys! How about spray it with a silicone after heating up ? Maybe it will make yhe plastic soften and not fade away ?

[@ImNinja4LifeBitch3s]

i just took a microfiber rag and water to my and it worked for me

[@pepperandzip]

That's great thanks a lot I'm going to try this the sprays and stuff are a waste of time and money again thanks

[@jay1232000]

Thanks for your efforts to share.

[@haseenmultimedia3103]

Nice. Aren't you friends with Chris Fix?

[@twotwothree]

you can use a torch as well

[@JuanHerrero]

I think it's not pigment but melting all the little scratches back into a flat surface. I have done similar things in the past to small plastic items like calculators.

[@jamesrayburn4455]

I think i ordered parts from you guys last year. fit perfectly, this is an awesome video and probably the best fix out there for the money. just subbed and liked. thanks guys

[@586Rexford]

Would this work for removing scratches from black exterior plastics panels? If not, can this be done at all?

[@friedchicken1]

I was looking for a way to make the plastic fenders hot without rejuvenating them.. I just like plastic when it's nice and warm

[@WillyTung]

Does this method work with all types of plastic? I have a mini-gokart for small children that has sun fading.

[@sethbingo]

What about Mc Guire's Black Plastic Restorer???

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

That's some good information to know....Thanks

[@casada70]

I used plasti-dip on my girlfriends laredo, worked out pretty nice hasnt rubbed off or anything.

[@francescorenna]

What if you sand it first, then use the heat gun?

[@kotcgaming7379]

Awesome vid guys I'm doing this to my 98 xj right now lol

[@quintoncarlson6079]

I have a 1993 ford ranger stx and the fender flares are faded so bad in some spots they are white would your recommend to paint them instead of a heat gun

[@finisworthey5629]

have a question for you.i was thinking on putting wider axles front and rear on my 92 jeep cherokee what would be the best ones to put on?i was thinking on going to put a half ton axles front and rear.

[@wordsmithgobshite3296]

Black shoe polish is the best way of re blacking plastics

[@Tbones-xs7ys]

How long does it last before it fades again?

[@dumbcat]

always check the temperature of a heat gun by pointing at your hand

[@johnswanson1163]

AWESOME VIDEO BRO .... I DID IT TO MY 2003 TJ ...THANKS MAN !!!!

[@Ghandisgarage]

seafoam works really really well.

[@buzby303]

Great tip 👍🏼

[@REG3305]

Where do I pickup the Flux Capacitors again? LOL!

[@MrMrsregor]

i just picked up a heat gun at harbor freight on sale for like $8.. since i am sure most heat guns run at a different temp, do you have any idea about what temp i should b doing this?