Exterior black plastic trim - how to protect / restore from fading in sun?

[Nomad64]

What's everyone using to treat the black plastic trim around the bed, below the cab and bumpers to keep it from fading from the sun?

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[Mr Pibb]

project farm to the rescue.

 

[710-oil-614]

Cerakote is the way. But make sure you prep the hell out of it and only 1 coat let it cure.
Cerakote is permanent and bonds to the plastic

 

[Ozarkbeard]

This
+1 on CERAKOTE for Trim. 16-ish bucks at walmart or amazon. Follow the instructions carefully.

I applied it to the trim on my Maverick almost a year ago and the plastic is still a deep black. It also makes bug removal on the front plastic bits a breeze. Usually, just the handheld spray car wash will remove the bugs from the grill.

Cerakote for Paint is also very long lasting, compared to just wax.

 

[Vettereddie]

I did not want a glossy finish or a coating that could get blotchy or uneven after applying. The 303 Automotive Protectant (Aerospace replacement I think) has been working well as part of a monthly wash / dry / detail routine. I can definitely notice a difference after and it lasts until the next wash (can't speak to long-term). Only negative is that it will show up smudgy if you get it on paint, make sure to wipe down any overage after applying to trim.

May try Cerakote when I do the next wash / paint prep / wax / ceramic spray application in the spring.

 

[Baloo]

Ceramic coat.

 

[CD_SM]

I did not want a glossy finish or a coating that could get blotchy or uneven after applying. The 303 Automotive Protectant (Aerospace replacement I think) has been working well as part of a monthly wash / dry / detail routine. I can definitely notice a difference after and it lasts until the next wash (can't speak to long-term). Only negative is that it will show up smudgy if you get it on paint, make sure to wipe down any overage after applying to trim.

May try Cerakote when I do the next wash / paint prep / wax / ceramic spray application in the spring.

I've had good luck with the 303 also

 

[Baloo]

I've had good luck with the 303 also

I have used 303, Cerakote, and Ceramic Coating.

Rankings and longevity rankings for me would be:
1. Ceramic
2. Cerakote
3. 303.

The Ceramic has held up longer than Cerakote which lasted a year of being parked outside.
303, lucky if I got a month.

The key is properly preparation.

 

[Baloo]

If you properly prepare the areas, Ceramic nor Cerakote will be blotchy. Both will walk circles around longevity of 303.

 

[Scout27]

when my detailer applied the ceramic coating, we used Gtechniq C4 on the black plastic around the entire vehicle. should last a long time.

 

[Toddman45]

Just got another bottle, used it on many vehicles. Works great and lasts even in rain.

 

[Bob The Builder]

Cerakote trim #1. Park outside it will last a year. Garage parked, most likely the life of the vehicle or damn close to it. Remarkable stuff, really. One must be careful applying it, but it is somewhat forgiving. Avoid getting on paint. Proper prep is the key. Read instructions carefully.

Been on my truck a year now and still looks great. (Garage kept)

My $.02 worth.

 

[D&Dmav]

I use Black WOW on the plastic on my MINI and it is awesome. It's easy to use and lasts most of the summer if you park inside.

 

[Montana]

I second the notion for 303. It's water based and will run if any excess, but it's water based and doesn't have a bunch of harsh crap in it so I'd rather use it. I hit the plastics and seals in the windows/doors twice a year with this stuff and it looks brand new all year with just regular washes and wiping down.

I also use it on the interior, especially these pleather seats. You can feel the difference after a 303 treatment. You slide a bit more lol.

Obviously, a good quick wax or wax/ceramic application is great for longevity as well. Takes a bit more effort than I'm willing to give though. So the quick stuff it is. I don't have harsh sun constantly beating down on my truck where I live but I do have harsh winters and that might be arguably as bad, especially if you live in an area that uses salt or chemicals on the roads.

When it comes to keeping vehicles clean, just keep it simple. Warm water/dish soap on a rag and a brush goes along way for the interior, distilled water for windows, and regular surface agitation on the exterior to keep debris out of all the pores. After I run through a quick no touch wash, there is a 70% chance I'm going to spray the truck down in quick wax after and then hit it with my giant drying towels and finish with the fine side of them for polishing. You'd think the truck was new and waxed constantly. Hard water and bugs suck.

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