There is talk all over various forums about the use of peanut butter in the cleaning of black plastic trim and so far I have resisted since I was doubtful....but recently I spotted a thread that pointed out the fact that it's not that it's peanut butter but that it contains peanut oil and that dissolves the wax.....

So that got me thinking, and rummaging through the kitchen cupboards for oil.....I didn't find any peanut oil but I did find walnut oil, close enough for a try I thought. 

My sons Clio has lots of black plastic and he wasn't that careful when we waxed it so I had a good guinea pig to try it out on, well, I couldn't believe it, I just put a drop on an old toothbrush and gently worked it in, you could actually see the oil turning slightly milky as the wax dissolved.

When finished I simply buffed with a cloth, now it's only been a few hours since I did it but I have so say I am very impressed and there's no residue left behind, the plastic looks like new!

I'll put some protector on it tomorrow and see how it lasts but it's a very cheap way to restore black plastic trim.

Cheers,

Darren.

 

Check out this thread, might give you an example if you want to give it a go!

The trip I treated with the walnut oil and then Chemical Guys VRP went very dull after a couple of weeks so I tried some of this at the weekend:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/valet-pro-trim-glitz/prod_811.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/valet-pro-trim-glitz/prod_811.html

I suspect it won't be a long term solution though and so have ordered a heat gun to try that. The main caution with a heat gun is not to overheat the plastic or surrounding paint but also it has been reported that you can only treat a faded bumper with a heat gun 3-4 times before it is permanently faded as the heat gun draws out oils in the plastic.

Having said this, if the finish lasts another 10 years then I'd be happy, and of course it's neglect that causes them to go white in the first place so make sure you keep them treated and the re-finished surface should last indefinitely!

 

Indeed, i was going to say exactly that, treat with the heatgun and then seal it and keep on top of it!

 

I found heatgun then Dodo Juice Purple Haze keeps it looking nice and also protects it well.

 

Also i have been told that 303 aerospace protectant is good as well.

 

I have found the best products and process to be the following;

 

Rub the plastic or rubber trim with cellulose thinners on a clean cloth.

This takes a layer of contamination off the item and returns it to a clean matt finish.

I then liberally apply MER vinyl and trim cleaner, with another clean cloth and rub into texture, groves, edges, etc.

Leave the item for 10 to 15 mins and the rub the residue off with yet another clean cloth.

 

I appreciate that I have all the trim and rubbers off the car, so using cellulose thinners near painted surfaces needs serious care! But, even just the MER vinyl and trim cleaner alone appears to remove white polish residue from body trims.

 

Cheers,

 

Martin.

 

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