Car/Truck faded trim plastic

[Bsuds]

So on my 08 F350 the door handles and some of the other plastic external parts are faded badly.

I read on the internet that one solution is to put Olive Oil on those parts so I tried it on a couple of door handles.

Well I'll beef hooked...it worked!

[alanjh595]

Add a drop or two of balsamic vinegar and swipe some lettuce on them, and you got lunch.

[2manyfords]

So on my 08 F350 the door handles and some of the other plastic external parts are faded badly.

I read on the internet that one solution is to put Olive Oil on those parts so I tried it on a couple of door handles.

Well I'll beef hooked...it worked!

Kinda like how you can use toothpaste to polish up outer lenses, like headlamps or marker lamps, if they're not too pitted.
I've tried that, and metal polish, and it works like a "hot damn"...
The really bad stuff, you can usually start with wet sanding with 1000-1500 grit wet/dry sandpaper, and then polish.

Added...i've also used previously used canola oil from deep-fry night to bring dark plastic back to colour (albeit a temporary measure) Sure smells nice, unless it was fish night...

[alanjh595]

Kinda like how you can use toothpaste to polish up outer lenses, like headlamps or marker lamps, if they're not too pitted.
I've tried that, and metal polish, and it works like a "hot damn"...
The really bad stuff, you can usually start with wet sanding with 1000-1500 grit wet/dry sandpaper, and then polish.

Added...i've also used previously used canola oil from deep-fry night to bring dark plastic back to colour (albeit a temporary measure) Sure smells nice, unless it was fish night...

They neighbourhood cats must be laying in wait for the next application. What is your cure for claw scratches on the hood and doors?

[Bsuds]

What is your cure for claw scratches on the hood and doors?

Stop picking up Cougars at the bar.

[TylerM4]

I'm interested in how long it works for. Can't see how it would be any better than the purpose made products like ArmorAll. My experience with them is that it lasts for a few weeks before you need to re-apply.

Mind providing an update in a month B?

[TylerM4]

What is your cure for claw scratches on the hood and doors?

There is no fixing a scratch that goes deeper than the clearcoat. Most cat scratches don't go deeper thankfully.

For surface scratches of any kind, a cut polish process is the only "fix". You can get waxes that'll fill in the scratch and make it less noticeable for a period of time. Cut polish works great on oxidized paint as well, just be careful not to get too aggressive. A good project to bring to a professional if you don't have a junker in the fleet to practice on. Most detailers will offer this service.

[2manyfords]

Kinda like how you can use toothpaste to polish up outer lenses, like headlamps or marker lamps, if they're not too pitted.
I've tried that, and metal polish, and it works like a "hot damn"...
The really bad stuff, you can usually start with wet sanding with 1000-1500 grit wet/dry sandpaper, and then polish.

Added...i've also used previously used canola oil from deep-fry night to bring dark plastic back to colour (albeit a temporary measure) Sure smells nice, unless it was fish night...

They neighbourhood cats must be laying in wait for the next application. What is your cure for claw scratches on the hood and doors?

Meh...I already have cats leaving paw prints everywhere.
Especially after a rain...I call it the "kitty camo" look.

[2manyfords]

I'm interested in how long it works for. Can't see how it would be any better than the purpose made products like ArmorAll. My experience with them is that it lasts for a few weeks before you need to re-apply.

Mind providing an update in a month B?

None of the "liquid" fixes last long, including ArmorAll.
And yes, you need to constantly re-apply. Need something that looks new...buy new

[GordonH]

All plastic trim parts are made from petroleum, so either try to bring oil back to surface again or add a type of oil.

To bring oil back to surface... do this on hot day, use heat gun on low and heat up the plastic part (important use on low only). As you see plastic returning to original colour move down trim part. Be very careful doing this.

Or add oil, use transmission fluid with highest amount of detergent out there. Place small amount on a rag and wipe, use a dry rag wipe off any residue.

Whatever you do never try to paint plastic trim parts.

[vegas1500]

CarPro ceramic trim. Amazing product. Hobby of mine is detailing and I’ve tried many (more than I’d admit) products. It truly is an amazing product that’s easy to use.

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[alanjh595]

What is your cure for claw scratches on the hood and doors?

Stop picking up Cougars at the bar.

They are the ones that cause the scratches on the INSIDE of the door.

[Bsuds]

I'm interested in how long it works for. Can't see how it would be any better than the purpose made products like ArmorAll. My experience with them is that it lasts for a few weeks before you need to re-apply.

Mind providing an update in a month B?

You could be right about how long it lasts. I did 2 door handles a couple of weeks ago and they were just starting to fade a bit. Still way better than what they were before I did it. It might last longer after a few applications.

[normaM]

try mineral oil next