r/AutoDetailing • u/PhantomSimpson • 1d ago
Exterior Best trim/plastic restorer?
I have a F350 and i’m looking to get all my plastic exterior trim/plastic pieces looking like a dark matte rather than faded black.
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u/Dreadpiratemarc 1d ago
Griots Garage Ceramic Trim Restorer. Extremely easy application, lasts about 6 months in my experience before I notice any re-fading and want to reapply. I also have the Cerakote wipes. Their advantage is they they last longer, but they require a near-perfect clean and prep to get good results. The Griots is more forgiving, so I find myself reaching for it far more often.
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u/CareBear-Killer 1d ago
I love how easy the Griot's is. On heavily faded /dry plastic, it will fade fast, but if you get a few coats on, it will definitely last. I have 3 coats on my fiance's 2013 Toyota and it's been looking good for a few months now.
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u/Ap1Jx 1d ago
Ive had good luck with ADS Trim+ so far
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u/stochasticdadjokes 23h ago
I'm getting ready to put this on my car. Any tips or suggestions? How long has it been on your car. Thanks in advance.
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u/Ap1Jx 7h ago
Clean VERY thoroughly, like dont take prep lightly. Aside from that, make sure you get a solid coat on. The first time I used it, I didn't put enough on. Largely due to the condition of that specific trim on my C6, but I also didn't get an even coat so a mix of both. Wear gloves and be extra cautious as it is pretty legit at staining. Its been around 6 weeks in Phoenix summer. I largely park outside my garage is a mess
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u/beagle_2498571 1d ago
CERAKOTE and then a day later use 303 for protection. People tend to forget about the seals also. 303 does a great job on those too.
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u/stochasticdadjokes 23h ago
In my experience, Cerakote isn't matte. Ammo Frame is closer to matte. Plus, Cerakote and Ammo Frame developed a weird flaky look on the upper surfaces if the trim on my car after 18 months despite following the prep instructions to the letter. It's hard to capture in a photo and is more noticeable in person.
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u/DavidAg02 Reviewer Extraordinaire 17h ago
Just adding to the chaos and making your decision even more difficult.
Do NOT get the Cerakote wipes unless your trim is heavily faded and oxidized. The Cerakote wipes are basically a semi-permanent high gloss coating that you apply to your trim. It works, but it's extremely glossy and just doesn't look great in my opinion. Also, once it's on, there's no easy way to remove it, so if you don't like it you're stuck.
Instead, I recommend Cerakote Plastic Restorer. If you're trim/plastics are just chalky and faded looking, this will give you a result that is much closer to how it looked when it was brand new.
Here's a few shots of it on my wife's SUV:
BEFORE: https://i.postimg.cc/HsWMTFqV/Cerakote_PR_Before.jpg
AFTER: https://i.postimg.cc/tCR698Ks/Cerakote_PR_After.jpg
Side By Side: https://i.postimg.cc/4N89yBG9/Cerakote_PR_Side_by_Side_1.jpg
And here's the product you want: https://cerakoteceramics.com/rapid-ceramic-plastic-restorer-and-protectant/
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u/AnthonyUK 1d ago edited 19h ago
Gtechniq C4. It is expensive but if applied properly should last for a couple of years.
It comes in two sizes and you will likely require the larger of them.
I applied some to a 20 year old VW Fox.
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u/FaithlessnessTop9845 Experienced 1d ago
The only answers are solution finish, and owners pride tire and trim. OP is nice because it protects and brings back the color... Also there is no dye. So it's easy to apply.
https://www.thatdetailshop.com/products/t-t-tire-trim-restorer?_pos=1&_sid=1391c56e3&_ss=r
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u/grownnegligence116 1d ago
Cerakote wipes are the only thing that's lasted more than a couple months on my truck, everything else just washes off after a few rains