How To Restore Badly Faded Car Plastic Bumpers/Trims-with a Heat Gun & Solution Finish!

​‪@CarCraftAutoDetailing‬ 👍Please Like the Video 🔔 Subscribe 😀Enjoy
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Products used in video: (some items may be updated to what I currently use/recommend)
🇺🇸U.S.A. 🇨🇦Canada 🇪🇺Europe Links:
HEAT GUN: amzn.to/3M4WHV1
SOLUTION FINISH: amzn.to/3rUa68R
I.P.A. PREP CLEANER: bit.ly/3SRnfLn
PLASTIC CERAMIC COATING: amzn.to/3evWVIa
General Use Microfibre Towels: amzn.to/3Cs06sn
Microfibre Towels Coating Removal: amzn.to/3EvyO7c
Great Foam Applicators: amzn.to/3fS6hOT
Great Microfibre Applicators: amzn.to/3Esh1xA
Great Nitrile Gloves: amzn.to/3Mgzhfv
Car Masking Tape: amzn.to/3STKaGv
Detailing Shop/Mobile Lights: amzn.to/3MktbdY
Detailing Inspection Light: amzn.to/3rHWoWF
🇦🇺 Australia Links:
HEAT GUN: amzn.to/3fFC8lO
SOLUTION FINISH: www.waxit.com.au/products/sol...
I.P.A. PREP CLEANER: www.waxit.com.au/products/car...
PLASTIC CERAMIC COATING: www.waxit.com.au/products/car...
General Use Microfibre Towels: amzn.to/3RW0aXd
Microfibre Towels For Coatings: www.waxit.com.au/products/aqu...
Great Foam Applicators: www.waxit.com.au/products/eco...
Great Microfibre Applicators: www.waxit.com.au/products/tid...
Car Masking Tape: www.waxit.com.au/products/car...
Great Nitrile Gloves: www.waxit.com.au/products/gri...
Detailing Inspection Light: www.waxit.com.au/products/tak...
Detailing Shop/Mobile Lights: www.waxit.com.au/products/tak...
Car Paint Markers: amzn.to/3s4Sojg
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[@tulsibeepat3453]

Well I never thought a heat gun could create that start to a superb finish thanks for the lesson mate!

[@demelitia]

Heating the plastic is just causing it to sweat out oils and plasticisers; these cause it to look black for a short time until they wash off. Once that happens you’re left with plastic in a worse state than you started with. Applying the solution finish after the heating just means that the trim is no longer properly primed to accept it. The solution finish won’t last as long as it should as a result. Degreasing/decontaminating the bumper and applying solution finish directly to it is a more effective technique.

[@Elienguitar]

I met a fellow Jeep owner that talked about this method. I'm gonna do this tomorrow to my 2012 Jeep Wrangler.

[@Mike_Costello]

How did it go for you? As good as in this video?

[@Elienguitar]

@@Mike_Costello it worked good. Like new again. Next time I'm gonna do the heat gun then forever black over it.

[@S.E.C-R]

@@Elienguitar Has it faded again yet? I’m curious how long it lasts. I’m thinking of doing this for my Liberty for its 20th birthday this month to make him feel young again even if it’s for a short time.

[@Elienguitar]

I don't know, I traded my jeep in 2022 for a truck.

[@hunterdownunder7746]

Used this for years on my motorbike guards fairings etc. great tip and great informative channel 👍

[@tweker69]

If your nervous about doing this on your baby , go to the local junk yard and pick up the same pieces your about to heat treat, or just a sample piece.

[@gnarlan]

ive got a 2000 xlt ranger bought with only 64k miles, ive already put more than 6k the past 2 and a half months, definitely scared to taint the beauty of her, also definitely going to try this before going all in!

[@redflagchannel1714]

wow! I never knew that heat guns could be used perfectly to restore the black trim with a perfect finish. I will try it soon. thank you for this video.

[@Amor1990]

You see the side shot? Not even close to perfect

[@conevans9982]

Sandro awesome video I have tried many products until I saw a video 2 years ago with this trick but as you said don’t over do it, to be honest with you I went and got an old bumper bar to practice my technique. 👍

[@alexisamtosta]

Excellent. We are never too old to learn. A buddy of mine just told me about this method!! Greetings from Madeira Island, Portugal!!

[@spudsmckenzie4123]

Sandro you are a gun! I tried the Meguiars Soft Wash Gel snow job yesterday with my new pressure washer and holy crap it works a treat! Love the videos and a massive thanks for sharing mate.

[@bilaln9359]

Spuds McKenzie is there a video of this product ?

[@SWAMAC78978]

Awesome. I didn't know plastic trim can be restored with the use of a heat gun. Thank you for the tip. Keep the content rolling. :-)

[@ry58cha29]

Thanks for the tips! It really worked and turned my ugly bumper to a new one.

[@CarCraftAutoDetailing]

Great to hear!

[@garrettfox0214]

Thanks for this lesson I’m a give it a try on my 2007 Dodge Caliber

[@Yeti1183]

I've seen many car restoration and detailing videos over the years and this is this first time I've ever heard of restoring black plastic trim with a heat gun. Thanks for the video.

[@soufianeelamiri4765]

Really ??

[@Yeti1183]

@Soufiane Elamiri You're replying to a 4 year old comment with just one word. Really what?

[@soufianeelamiri4765]

@@Yeti1183 hi, you said over the years. I think 4 years doesn't count, it was abt the trick of the heat gun. I know that since i was 15 or so, maybe seems weird for me, but maybe it will seems weird for you some other things that i didn't know till now, and you know them from age of 15. It's life.

[@brub5174]

​@@soufianeelamiri4765 does it lasts? Or reduces lifetime?

[@soufianeelamiri4765]

@@brub5174 yes. It last. It's the great deal.

[@TheRR3d]

Worked like a charm thank you very much 🙏

[@johnjames5405]

Amazing technique.

[@charlesdetailn8514]

Simply the Best!!!!!!

[@MrMickeyrat]

Never considered a heat gun for plastic. Great tip once again Merry Christmas to You and your family

[@not_angery]

half the bodywork on my old subaru forester is this dark grey plastic and it’s heavily faded. definitely gonna try thus

[@KC-wo2qe]

That’s awesome Sandro, was just about to order solution finish so thanks for sharing the heat gun step. I’ve seen it done before but was a bit hesitant to try it, but I’ve seen the quality of your work and trust your results. Thanks again mate 👍

[@stevelong9328]

using the heat gun on plastics is fantastic

[@AngelGonzalez-ni1pe]

Wow , thanks for the tip

[@kasparov9]

Fantastic!

[@richardkkirk]

Sandro i love solution finish, but never thought of hitting with the gun first...sweet out come,,, have a cracking Christmas to you and all the family best wishes for the new year.

[@MemeRider]

Jesus Christ loves you and died for your sins to be forgiven, if you seek Him you will find Him. He will give you eternal life and peace and you can walk in light! Read the Bible in the book or John or Luke and see Jesus's life and His love for you!!

[@key2theuniverse713]

That's pretty cool

[@nclildogg2]

Wow! Great 👍

[@planetariumpeppermint6745]

Subscribed to this channel!

[@leanmiguelcruz9689]

Thanka for this idea ❤️❤️

[@timelapse8396]

Damn that is impressive !

[@1974gladiateur]

It’s amazing

[@vortex3648]

Sir, you are great 👌

[@andrewnorgrove6487]

Thankyou for your Video ! I had no idea

[@wernerswanepoel5898]

Good video good process !!

[@RT4021X]

Thank you for sharing this video and showing that using an oil based plastic restorer in conjunction with using a heat gun. I find this method to be the best way to restore faded plastic trim the best for low budget weekend garage warriors as myself that don't have the money to take it in to have it professionally restored or replaced. I have seen and read many negative comments on using a heat gun but I don't think the haters understand that you have to adjust your heat if it's possible and hold the gun away from the plastic at a safe distance and keep it moving so it won't melt the plastic and leave burnt spots. The heat gun method works great only if you add a plastic restorer after as you have demonstrated as it does indeed draw oils from the plastic. An oil based wipe on or spray on restorer will help condition the plastic and add back in the necessary oils. Keep up the great videos!

[@jessiecarroll9249]

I love your videos Sandro. Keep them coming.

[@dr.killjoy29]

That’s one cool trick ❤👍👍

[@-JohnnyWaIker-]

Clever!

[@Ficotronic]

What do you recommend for small scratches in new plastic? Thanks!

[@AussieDetails]

As always Sandro, a other informative video! Happy Christmas to you and your family! 🎅🤶☃️❄⛄

[@jamiec9866]

Merry Christmas Sandro! Another great video. Would this work with Perl? Maybe just not last as long?????

[@oliverkhoo]

That's amazing

[@IceProDetailing]

Superb! As always, learning new things. Thank you!

[@ExclusiveTint-CarDetailing]

Excellent

[@losttheplot26]

Thanks dude. My van plastics are grey. I'll have a go

[@trippymarv]

Super helpful video. Good stuff as always.

[@pzzuo1387]

I’ve found that using Dollar Store tire shine, or Meguires hot shine tire spray on any black plastic on my truck gives an _amazing_ restore and finish! EDIT: _and_ it lasts a good while.

[@jesusbernal1718]

What brands?

[@jckdnls9292]

Can you read

[@Matty_Saves]

I am gonna try this on head lights tomorrow

[@DeeDee-pw9pm]

I just did this on my own car. Thanks so much for this video. Perfect instructions.

[@HookLineAndSinner]

Really awesome video! Liked and subscribed!

[@HookLineAndSinner]

Would simple products like vinyl care prevent sun damage on plastic for the future?

[@CarCraftAutoDetailing]

A good plastic dressing/protectant used from time to can certainly limit UV damage but it’s hard to prevent the all powerful sun from all damage if it’s exposed to frequent strong sunlight.

[@mr.p3ncil157]

While here i am using kiwi. Tnx for the tip

[@ba177ba18]

wow. subscribed

[@logan5326]

Excellent job! 👊🏻😎

[@TheAjs71]

Another great instructional video...

[@maxlamine2035]

Could this also work on a 2004 Chevy Colorado red bumper?

[@Herolives1]

Please help! I used turtle wax label and sticker to remove some stickers by my mirrors and over spray. Now my mirrors had that cloudy ulgly look, any one have any suggestions. I used back to black and other but it came back. Should I send and polishing it?

[@christopherweir9419]

Awesome stuff Sandro. Got a 2003 Mini Cooper today and was wondering how I was going to tackle this job, now I have some options. Just a question, would you recommend Carpro DLUX as the protective coating once done or perhaps something like NV Lustre?

[@christopherweir9419]

@@CarCraftAutoDetailing lol! I didn't buy it, was one I was detaling for a client! 🤣

[@lnsdetailingmechanical5440]

Oldest trick in the book 👍

[@TOMA-ny7gg]

Great video Can u do that with products to see the result with them Thanks

[@zooxx3183]

Suuuper useful! do you know how to fix sun damage on a leather dashboard? Mine has begun to detach and shrivel.. any hope?

[@CarCraftAutoDetailing]

If the dash has significantly warped and shrivelled it will need replacing or resurfacing and upholstering, unfortunately!

[@rajyads6582]

TOM MAN. ITS GOOD TO SEE HOW WE SOLVED THINGS. A MASSIVE FIVE STARS. KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING. IT JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT FASTER. *****

[@Diggers_Workshop]

Wow! Great excuse to buy a heat gun. Yeah, more tools!

[@jaywilbur515]

Ive heard as soon as the plastic heats up immediately pour water over it to get the shine back

[@Amor1990]

Looks really spotty

[@lukedavisms]

Just curious does anyone know if clear spray paint, such as rustoleum crystal clear gloss, would work as a finish on trim plastics?

[@urosdjordjevic6060]

how does it work???? great

[@alcalina636]

Does it work with other colours? What is a example of a solution finish? And what température are you using? Heat gun(1/3 power), solution finish, wipe down. Tks so much

[@gureno19]

Sandro, can we get an update on this as some detailers are now saying that this process results in creating brittle plastics and also that the restored finish does not last long?

[@zacknicley8150]

So, if you’re bringing back oils from within the plastic to its surface, could you put some oils on the plastic before you heat it to infuse more back in?

[@CarCraftAutoDetailing]

I’m really not sure, haven’t tried that.

[@thetraindriver01]

Nice effort Sandro mate 👍👍

[@tulsibeepat3453]

For safety reasons concerning burns can you use the steamer on max heat,or will the moisture produced hinder the process?

[@lnsdetailingmechanical5440]

You can pick up heat guns cheap as chips these days. I got 2 spares from ebay $30 each free postage with low and high settings. I high i can light a smoke haha

[@Ficotronic]

Nice video! just the final comparison between sides is missing!

[@limeezabit7280]

Is car paint resistant to the heat? I'd like to try this but I'm worried about damaging car paint on surrounding areas.

[@S.E.C-R]

I’m curious how long this technique lasts before it starts to fade again compared to the liquid plastic restore solutions that last one through a few washings?

[@deusvult6976]

Great job mate, Looks amazing. How long does it last do you know?

[@CarCraftAutoDetailing]

Thanks, and if you stay in top of maintenance in giving it a fresh layer of a plastic sealant/dressing from time to time and the vehicle isn’t exposed to constant strong UV light it can last almost indefinitely. It’s really a lack of maintenance and exposure which causes deterioration.

[@footage6402]

What materials you use exactly for cleaning it

[@Yaroslav_Tselovanskyi]

Does this work for the right half of the bumper?

[@MrMrdeadman1994]

Solution finish is paint for trim is it? It's not the same as perl?

[@AtypicalDriver]

Great video, never knew that tip about the heat gun. Just got finished doing the plastic bits on my Lotus Elise with something called Eastwood Plastic Resurfacer, we'll see how it holds up over time but next round I'll give this a try.

[@ggerely]

Excellent tip mate! Guess it wouldn`t work on tan panels?

[@ThatBlueHoe]

It works on all faded plastic, I've done it on red. Green and black

[@roadstar499]

I was a boat detailer for many years... i do see this process great for working on your own cars...but as a detailer i would have a lot of one day mobile 4-6 hour jobs and get paid that day... this 24 hour dry time would not work for me... I have used heat gun method for over 12 years and got very good at it... i used highest heat and stayed away from paint or used a piece of card board for paint protection... but yes a newbie could make a bumper look like crap if they don't have any skills...

[@tardeliesmagic]

I'm a car valeter and been in the trade for 20 yrs....if the plastic has a rough surface then this is good,if it's smooth then use car polish afew times.You don't need an expensive heat gun thou folks.

[@colinignat6552]

U can have one for less than 20$, it all depend on the brand.

[@royemunson100]

Does the heat help solution finish kind of soak in? Have you tried solution finish by itself? I have but not first with a heat gun. Just wondering your take on both?

[@royemunson100]

Thank you for the reply. Much appreciated!

[@kasparov937]

Sandro have you ever had to deal with fogged up speedo glass but thats on the inside? How did you deal with it. I cleaned the speedo glass a few weeks back and now have noticed that there are fog type marks on the inside of the speedo glass which I can't get to.

[@kasparov937]

@@CarCraftAutoDetailing Thanks mate....I may try pull it apart.

[@mg5368]

Would a hair dryer worke?

[@biofractal78]

How durable are the effects?

[@motavice3499]

How long does it last doing this process?

[@charleslane2735]

Well when you say this technique is permanent,exactly how permanent is it?,meaning how long will it last?

[@CptOnion]

Very nice results! Is it safe to use the heatgun on a trim near and over the windshield? I am worried that the heat could crack the glass

[@vipinpg]

You need to do this 3 times once in a week. .

[@groundzer0248]

Why did my trims dont go darker but it looks lighter and the heat created a bumpy surface like an acne. How is it?

[@woncho1]

Plastic for me anyway are always hard to maintain and needs to dress it once every month or 2. I guess using this method is the best for a long term finish? How long did this method last for this detail?

[@Arestas25]

@@CarCraftAutoDetailing a car wax or maybe Autoglym Vinyl and rubber care would be a good option as sealants?. Thanks

[@ohom6782]

What is the brand of the solution did you use? Or what type of product is it? Great Video thanks

[@CarCraftAutoDetailing]

Solution Finish www.waxit.com.au/products/solution-finish-trim-restorer?_pos=1&_sid=5241e683c&_ss=r

[@kurr00]

Could you technically remove the trim and just bake it in the oven at the lowest temps over a period of time to bring the same effect with more even heating and less effort?

[@alwaysfrosty2541]

Uhh if I had to guess, A oven would make the whole panel soft and warp. I would stick to a heat gun

[@Rose-yu8uf]

It would be nice if you showed close ups of the stuff you used .

[@groundcontrol6876]

Now I want to find faded plastic. That looks as if it was painted.

[@admiralgoodboy]

How often do you have to do this? And should a coat of some protective spray be applied after cooling?

[@CarCraftAutoDetailing]

It should only be done as needed - could be a one time thing or maybe years down the track if the trims is exposed to lots of UV light. A plastic sealant or coating is a great way to protect from UV oxidation after it’s restored.

[@Zenith_V]

The bumpers of my H2 are entirely made of this stuff and are looking a bit too white for ware, had somewhat the same idea as I used this technique but with a blow torch on an old lawnmower guard. Godda get me a heat gun as I ain’t using a blow torch on my baby...

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

What solution finish? Will vodka work?

[@hannahmiller4083]

How long will it last?

[@josephg41]

If you're broke like me and can't afford a heat gun, would a high power hair dryer do the trick?

[@michaelkay8454]

Hey Sandro, great video as always.. However being the sceptic that I am, whilst this has brought the plastic back to life, I am very curious as to whether it has also changed the characteristics of the plastic, in that it has now become more harder and or brittle? So, if some car was to bump into it at the parking station, I'm wondering won't it crack? Can you provide some thoughts.. Regards

[@amanj5725]

As far as I know, plastics go back to its shape when cooled, so my thinking leads me to believe it does not change it's (the plastic) characteristics (unless morphed on purpose when heated)