How To Restore Your Cars Bumpers Back To Black for FREE

Tired, faded and Greyed bumpers can ruin the look of your car. Whether you're looking to sell your car or you just want to make it look a bit more presentable - this is a quick & easy FREE fix that will improve the whole look of your car quickly and easily...Check it out!
If you have enjoyed this video and it has helped you out, please consider subscribing to this channel! I am new to KZbin and your support would be greatly appreciated!
If you want to see a mid-panel repair on flaking clear coat, check out this video:
• How To Repair Clear Co...
For a host of other 5 minute fix videos, check out this playlist:
• 5 Minute Fixes
I also have a series called ‘Chop To The Top’ where i started out with a £150 ($194) car and am slowly but surely buying, restoring and selling my way up to a supercar using a host of trader tricks and fixes along the way! You can check out the series so far here:
Chop To The Top - Episode 1 - Where it all begins:
• CHOP TO THE TOP - EP1 ...
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Chop To The Top - Episode 2 - Going Topless:
• CHOP TO THE TOP - EP2 ...
-
Chop To The Top - Episode 3 - Bodykit?!:
• CHOP TO THE TOP - EP3 ...
THANKS FOR WATCHING!
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Some of the tools, materials and consumables that i use in my videos are available within the links below:
Underseal Gun:
amzn.to/3yF530q
Underbody protection (Stone chip):
amzn.to/3IfvEUO
Plastic Welding tool:
amzn.to/3ORDabi
Silicone Carpet Comb / Dog Hair Remover:
amzn.to/2Wp4Njh
Machine Polisher:
amzn.to/2TL8k9W
Polishing Heads:
amzn.to/3uqTVBO
Maguiars Ultimate Compound:
amzn.to/2TXqrsc
Wet & Dry Sandpaper (240 - 2500g):
amzn.to/2TNifvD
Wet & Dry Sandpaper (Precision - 3000 - 7000g):
amzn.to/2W8MBKF
Panel Wipe (de-greaser):
amzn.to/2TVTrQU
Heat Gun:
amzn.to/3ykFoZC
Sharp Edge Tape:
amzn.to/2wVfdwk
General Masking Tape:
amzn.to/2WbiCC2
Masking Paper & Dispenser:
amzn.to/3aTf8Z2
Microfibre cloths:
amzn.to/33dC2aG
Autoglym Foam Polish Applicator pad:
amzn.to/2IFZi7Z
Meguiars Polish:
amzn.to/2wPxLyj
Clear Lacquer:
amzn.to/38JmXit
Blue Roll / Shop Cloth (For Panel Cleaning):
amzn.to/2WasawQ
Drill Brushes (For Cleaning / Scrubbing):
amzn.to/3ykQz4i
Autosmart APC:
amzn.to/2wY4tNJ
Spray Bottles:
amzn.to/3Pa1O6J
Fabric & Carpet Cleaner:
amzn.to/2TOnXxe
Detailing Brushes:
amzn.to/3IhZcRP
Wet Vacuum:
amzn.to/2W9nN5i
Bluetooth LED Beanie Hat:
amzn.to/38Kz6ni

[@lenhannan2561]

Did this on a Polaris RZR.. The previous owner thought I bought new plastic !! Still looks great after four years .

[@sweetbeep]

Is there something we can apply to it to KEEP it nice looking?

[@timblaes7028]

That is a very slick trick. I'll practice on the inconspicuous spots first. Thanks

[@strangemagic5502]

This is one of those great worthwhile videos. Thank you.

[@berniecarver1474]

Tried this today worked pretty good. Thanks

[@duncannok]

Cheers ...worked wonders on my 20yrs old Strada Pick up and very therapeutic to do only have a small craft heat gun but still worked

[@infinitemass4475]

Brilliant, mi dad's 20yr old hyundai trim was greyer than gandalfs hair and it all came out blacker than batman's underpants.

[@dickfitswell3437]

Thanks for uploading this. I'm gonna go try this on my truck. My truck bumper is as wide as your car is long, I hope it works cause it will take awhile. Gracias amigo

[@vincentwebz]

after the heat gun . what did you use to make the rubber shinny and protected?

[@NKPGarage]

Great video! I used this same process a few years ago on a Nissan SUV and it looked brand new again.

[@skyelark155]

do you mean wood furniture oil

[@slowshotzz]

This is the best method, ever seen at a football or sports stadium they a use a flamethrower to revive the cheap plastic seat!! This is an industry standard was of fixing this issue cheap and for a long time!! Heat is by far the best, but be careful of your paint!!!!

[@TomTremayne]

Best UK car resto' youtuber by a country mile!!

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Thanks Tom!

[@MrCheyindio]

Thanks for this great video

[@richardfroud8970]

Very good!

[@powergemelectrical]

Great video. Can save a ton using this method. Or just take the number off & do it😉

[@phillip1211]

I think it should be pointed out this can make the bumper brittle and cause long term damage. Plastic contains oils. Over a period of time time, those oils degrade because of sunlight UV rays. which in turn leads to the plastic deteriorating and going grey or white. A Heat gun pulls more oils from the plastic and onto the surface. The easiest and least damaging method I've found is boiled linseed oil. Cheap and easy to apply. Like the heat gun method its not permanent, but can be reapplied in minutes.

[@kennyphelps1160]

That’s why I like Motorola Walter bumper is hot

[@GeneralKato]

I am going to try this! Thanks!

[@sweetbeep]

What can we do with new step pads to keep them protected and looking good?

[@elizabethetienne1595]

Brilliant. Thanks for explaining technically why the heat works. Can we use a blow dryer?

[@dinketti]

Very cool!

[@SamVieiraGuitar]

Great! A torch is much faster and applies more heat giving a better finish.

[@skylined5534]

Noooooo. Whoever reads this don't. Stick with an electric heat gun. No moisture, fuel deposit contamination and far more better to apply. More heat absolutely does not equal a better finish. If that was the case I'd be using my Sheen flame gun.

[@wanderer7779]

Today i tested this method we did it on my friends car and it worked!! Amazing results and it was way faster than painting

[@sweetbeep]

Did you buy a heat gun?

[@wanderer7779]

@@sweetbeep had one around even before i saw the video...

[@EricRosemusic]

Will a torch or blow dryer work?

[@kennyphelps1160]

You can also apply motor oil while it is hot. It will protect it, and also deepen the color

[@josephhodges9819]

Would you put the oil on like you are putting sauce on ribs by using a silicone basting brush? What kind of motor oil.

[@kiemol74]

Can I do this for interior plastic trim?

[@silkcustoms520]

You should use this method on that Faded Heat Gun

[@bobf1290]

Nice vids cheers 👌🍻

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackshea6937]

My man !!!!

[@asifali.official]

did you use any liquid /shiner on bumper

[@chriswhoop]

Never thought about applying heat! Smart man What do you recommend with removing black asfault from the road from the body?

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Thanks Chris, glad you liked the video! RE Asphalt (or tar spots), the safest way is a specific tar remover. I personally use Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover (amzn.to/31ij9CR). There are also various other methods i've seen people use (including petrol!), but as i say, the safest and most sympathetic method i know of is a certified remover such as Autoglym! Best of luck!

[@davelowe1977]

Use a rag dipped in white spirit. A bottle is about a quid and will last you a lifetime. It's completely harmless to cured paint.

[@feriveysi3103]

You can also use diesel to remove asfaul

[@skylined5534]

@@davelowe1977 Yep, works well! Also paraffin. Though white spirit is infinitely cheaper I'd have to admit!

[@danielhunt9859]

What temp is the gun set at?

[@tonygirvin8672]

Nice job how did you think of that

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Thanks Tony, it's an old traders trick!

[@SkydoStudio]

after, how long to faded again?

[@xlfive]

i watched other youtube videos on this subject and whilst this is a great idea if you haven't done this before you can melt the plastic.dont ask me how i know lol

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

For sure, like most repairs, there's a fine line between sorting it and ruining it!

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Right.. now the wire wool on your exhaust tip! ;) Seriously, I've done this with a heat gun and can confirm that a Hair dryer Will NOT Work. WHENI get my heat gun back I'm going to use masking tape on the paintwork, it's easy enough to move from panel to panel a few times

[@wopino]

Have you tried the trans fluid trick on faded black plastic?

[@cherylisamartre9800]

What’s the trans fluid trick?

[@wopino]

@@cherylisamartre9800 you rub trans fluid into the plastic

[@skylined5534]

@@wopino And it works... for about 3 days or until the rain washes it off.

[@plasma453]

I did this and the bumper looked great for a few months, now its gone grey and has light grey patches. Looks aweful.

[@Blue-fk5vh]

Will this work taking out scratches on the plastic black bumper?

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Unfortunately unless the scratches are very light, this method is unlikely to be able to remove them. Scratches in plastic can be a real pain!

[@carforumwanker]

Use a wide filler knife as a protector against the edge and the paint etc . will save you a shit load of trouble !

[@skylined5534]

Just move quickly and direct the heat away from paint. No need to mess around. I did the whole plastic arche and bumper trims on an R50 Cooper yesterday. Looks superb and no shielding required.

[@TheTJCASHMAN]

Hi.. will this work on a not black bumper?

[@skylined5534]

It'll just work on unpainted plastics. It should in theory work on coloured trim as long as it definitely isn't painted.

[@joetudor655]

Free? yeah if you've got a heat gun laying about the gaff

[@vegvisirphotography5632]

Hair dryer. Everyone's got a misses. Sorted chap! Unless you're a baldy B******d and a dale winton type.

[@stephentbn2619]

Hair dryer

[@moghrid]

Borrow one from an adult, they usually own basic tools.

[@BombsAwayMineCraft]

@@moghrid haha right, I got one I bought like 10 years ago for 13 dollars lol

[@jmw0368]

Dry your eyes princess!

[@axenz1]

Hi, did you apply armor all after heating it? Thanks for sharing the tips

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Hi, I used a Meguiars gloss product after heating, but I'm sure armor all will do the same job. Its not essential, but it just helps to protect the plastic a bit further!

[@axenz1]

@@JohnnyGetsCash Thank you

[@sweetbeep]

​@@JohnnyGetsCashhi I'm getting new step pads. What should I do to keep them protected from UV and looking good permanently? Thanks!

[@directorj7693]

How long it took you to do this process?

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Approximately half an hour or so for a piece this big

[@agedretainer]

Where to get free heat gun?

[@KristiContemplates]

Take the black trim off when wanting to restore with the heat gun, perhaps?

[@YKRECREATION]

That would be the proper way as I've seen the paint bubble on his video in a few areas

[@skylined5534]

Why mess around like that? If you're not some cack-handed lunk you can leave the trim in place.

[@skylined5534]

@@YKRECREATION Where?

[@ToliEte-jg9wi]

Will hair dryirvwork for heating

[@3DModelsToys]

I wouldn´t advise to use hairdryers for this task, haidryers power is inconsistent and most likely will burn the area instead of just heating. Heat guns are more consistent because it applies the heat uniformly and according to the temperature you set it to work.

[@ToliEte-jg9wi]

@@3DModelsToys tried yesterday with hairdryir but not working

[@georgespragg9372]

Easier to use vinyl spray dye, you can get it at O'Reilly's.

[@Zack-qx7ov]

This actually makes the bumper more likely to crack... Just use back to black it doesn't shorten the plastics life

[@skylined5534]

Utter nonsense. I've done this on several vehicles and in no way has it ever had the effect of making bumpers and trim 'more likely to crack'. Ever. Back to black is amazing... for a week or two.

[@vincentnichols402]

Back to Black does not work on Los greying bumpers😮😢

[@solo909]

I’ve read this will fade back to grey fairly quickly. Is that true?

[@skylined5534]

No. But clean the plastics thoroughly first and allow to completely dry before treating. Quickly run the heat gun over and don't dwell on certain areas, keep it moving fast and direct away from paint!

[@vincentnichols402]

Don't do this it will cause plastic to get brittle and CRACK😢😂😢

[@hmone4890]

How long does it last

[@fgcvhhbvjhbj]

Not long, I'd guess

[@skylined5534]

@@fgcvhhbvjhbj 6 months for a car of mine outside and counting. Don't 'guess' if you have no idea.

[@ac_tv2050]

Can i use hair dryer instead?

[@Reece111]

Did you try it?

[@LFOVCF]

Why not use tin foil over the paint area. It will fit in the gap too

[@AdrianAgnic]

My thinking as well, When I try this I will probably at least have a sheet of plywood in my hand to cover the paint

[@mercedeslove4291]

great idea! I damaged a bit of paint last night looks terrible.

[@MsMilios]

john , i just place silicone from liquid form

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Silicone products can certainly do a good job, just don't use them in an environment where you might want to be spraying paint! Cheers!

[@tonydize3944]

Where do i get the heat gun for free

[@skylined5534]

You don't. You pay about 12 quid/15 dollars for a very basic hand tool everyone worth their salt should already own.

[@stefa4013]

How long does this last?

[@bigmuller1]

Not long..far better to use silicone based stuff

[@MrBritrider]

Why does this work?

[@skylined5534]

By removing the oxidised layer of plastic.

[@morganbryan8045]

Warning - this absolutely did not work for me and in fact damaged my Qashqai bumper! If the bumper looks like hard plastic but has a slightly rubbery touch avoid doing this. It may work on a hard plastics but I am not going to try it.

[@infinitemass4475]

Yea it only works on certain plastics, I did my dad's bumpers and side trim with great results but it didn't work on the door handles and other bits of trim.

[@skylined5534]

If you swell on the plastic surface it can and usually will cause the problem you describe. I'd hazard a guess you weren't careful and held the heat on for FAR too long. Keep moving the heat and very quickly. This can and will work on a wide variety of dyed unpainted external plastic trim but only if done properly. The plastics on your Nissan when done properly absolutely wouldn't have been ruined.

[@anotherbrickoutthewall9237]

Which craft

[@skylined5534]

I don't know. Motorcraft maybe?

[@mar-tin702]

This makes the plastic brittle

[@homeytube1]

Works good, for about 24 hours...

[@skylined5534]

You've clearly never done it. Mk2 Clio outside with unpainted black plastic bumper inserts, done 6 months ago, still look glossy black. You must be thinking about those crap miracle bumper trim treatments. Seriously, why comment if you don't know what you're on about?

[@LexPrioria]

free means free and it is mean I don't have to buy any tools to repair it

[@KaldeaSan]

or u just use vaselin works without any danger to burn^^

[@skylined5534]

And does approximately... nothing.

[@ciprianion4142]

No!!! That is totally wrong. You are bringing back the plastic oil to the surface which will dry in less than a month and make it look even worse. The best solution is a plastic ceramic coating that will last years with no problems or solution finish if you have multiple cars that needs doing.

[@comeinhandynow]

Oh god no, not the heat gun again. It doesn't work on really old plastic, doesn’t make it really black and risks melting the plastic or damaging the paint.

[@longdong3889]

Block the paint with cardboard 👍

[@Impx9202]

Bad effect after few months.. dont do this. Trying with your own risk

[@skylined5534]

Youve never done it so how would you know? I have on several vehicles. Mk2 Clio outside currently having some engine mods done and bumpers done 6 months ago. Still looking glossy and black. There is no 'risk'

[@efroshaq7697]

Never do this!!! The plastic pieces will go gray over time again and your slowly removing all the oils from the plastic until it will break and fall apart. Use products instead that will make it look new

[@skylined5534]

Utter tripe. You're 'burning' the oxidised layer of plastic of the surface. You're removing nothing but that. Even the products with dyes in them are crap. This is by far the best method.

[@robfallon6346]

Kiwis black shoe dye and a rough washing up sponge works and only costs a few quid. This heat method is ok but you can only do it a couple of times then unfortunately the plastic will go brittle. All plastics come with a melt flow indicator when manufactured if this is higher you should be able to use the heat a few more times. Also depends on what the major component of the plastic is aswell Hdpe, Ldpe, Pp, Pu.etc.

[@ceannasai5731]

I have to say, I appreciate the video but I wouldn't do it and prefer to use a dye or coat of something else ✅

[@longdong3889]

Idiot

[@dogkill7466]

Yup 👍 penetrol works well.

[@claydal6355]

Boy you talking about saving money

[@skylined5534]

Well done, detective.

[@The88Nomad]

Nothing is FREE in this world.

[@skylined5534]

This is as close as it gets, Mr Philosopher.

[@nrgskillmedia]

Don't do it. I tried and it worked, only to return even more faded in a couple of weeks.

[@skylined5534]

Then you clearly cocked it up. It works if you do it properly. You didn't.

[@mk8530]

...Ends video by coating the plastic, which will then go to white haze....

[@skylined5534]

Nope.

[@nigeljones7351]

FREE.... Just as long as you have got a heat gun (which most don't have)

[@skylined5534]

Are you kidding me? They're cheap and readily available. It's a basic hand tool ffs.

[@sweetlemon4u]

Free ??? First i buyed heat gun, then a piece of cloth and at last polishing cream

[@skylined5534]

🤦‍♀️

[@Turtti781]

never ever do this, what this guy did on the video. it will destroy the plastick for ever. its only short time fix, but it will come back even worst.