The Ultimate Guide to Restoring Faded Plastics: Peanut Butter + Ceramic Coating

Faded plastics are a combination of Sun, UV, heat, and elements causing porous plastics to degrade or oxidize on a molecular level.

Faded Plastics fade as more as it’s exposed!

Unlike paint which has a protective clear coat, plastic trim generally is left to its own. Plastic pieces don’t have a protective clear coat and without this layer of defense, they will always be more susceptible to damage from the elements.

Over time, oils near the surface start to degrade and dry out. Leading to the whitish discoloration over time. It takes time but fading also is a precursor to plastics breaking down, becoming brittle, and falling apart.

Sunlight is your car trim’s Kryptonite. Its UV rays dehydrate the plastic and degrade it slowly on a molecular level. Then there are contaminants from the road, which will only speed up the degradation process.

So, if you’re down in the tropics with intense heat and sun, it is likely that you’ll be looking at faded trims faster than a car in a covered garage. But, it’s already faded and you’re looking for how to reverse this. There’s a quick, homemade short-term solution, and a longer-term solution. Which do you prefer?

Here are the Short Term Faded Plastics Fixes

Short Term solutions include using quick fix fillers like WD-40, Vaseline, oils, and even…peanut butter? What? Peanut Butter? Peanut butter as a mixture contains high in fats.

Thus, it will somewhat restore the surface of its oils for that nice, slick black look. In fact, all of the above solutions are heavy in oils, and the process just keeps it nice, for a short period of time.

After some rain, a wash, or maybe a few days in the sun, you’ll have a week tops or two before it gets white again.

If you might get an ant infestation if some peanut butter gets stuck in places!

But be warned! It may damage the integrity of the plastics to increase the deterioration of the plastic. Take the Professional Route for Trims Restorations and Faded Plastics. If you’re looking for a long-term Solution, Peanut Butter ain’t what you’re looking for.

For 20 minutes or more, clean out the plastics and apply a great ceramic coating like IGL Coating’s Ecocoat Trim that seals and protects the plastics. It impregnates and forms a strong chemical bond that crosslinks on the surface, restoring and protecting the trip and hard plastic surfaces against UV damage and Fading for up to 2 years.

Additionally, Ecocoat Trim absorbs UV and it works on ALL colors of plastics and not just Black!

Unlike specific Black Trim Restorers, Ecocoat Trim is colorless, making it easy to apply, and, making “oversprays” almost invisible. Hate applying those black trim restorers only to have it bleed all over the vehicle or stain everything else? Ecocoat Trim seals directly onto the plastics without any bleeding or staining.

Bonus: Is a Heat Gun or FlameThrower a Short Term or Long Term Solution?

Heat guns increase the heat and draw out the oils from beneath to the surface. So it does work! Also, again, for a bit of time, until those oils evaporate. Then it’s back to square one.

Also, if you’ve ever worked with a heat gun, you know how sensitive it is to overheat. If you’re not careful, the Heat Gun would probably melt more off, causing irreparable damage. So we’d definitely be careful with that!

If you’ve never worked with a heat gun, we definitely won’t recommend this to be your first project! So we know, those plastics degrade over time and if we want to keep plastics looking new, we’ve got to lock them oils in. At least for as long as we can!

The Effectiveness of a Car Plastic Restorer: Why It’s Still Worth Using

A car plastic restorer remains a popular and practical solution for vehicle owners dealing with faded, discolored, or aging plastic trims. These restorers offer an affordable, user-friendly way to revive the appearance of exterior plastic parts like bumpers, mirrors, and moldings that are constantly exposed to harsh conditions. Here’s why car plastic restorers are still effective and valuable for long-term vehicle maintenance.

Why Use a Car Plastic Restorer?

Restoring Faded Plastics
Over time, car trims and plastics can fade due to intense sun exposure, UV rays, dirt, and pollution. Plastic restorers bring back the dark, rich color, making car trim look almost new again. High-quality products, such as Solution Finish and TriNova Plastic & Trim Restorer, include UV protection that helps prolong the restored look by shielding against further sun damage.
Long-Lasting Results with UV and Water Protection
Many restorers offer additional protection features, such as water repellency and anti-UV properties, which keep trims cleaner for longer. Products like CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit are known for their durability, lasting up to a year with consistent use, even in diverse climates like those found across the U.S..
Ease of Application and Cost-Effectiveness
Unlike permanent fixes that require painting or extensive detailing, car plastic restorers are generally easy to apply. Most can be quickly applied with an applicator pad, making them a cost-effective choice for regular upkeep. A single application can last several months to a year, depending on the quality of the product and environmental conditions, making them practical for anyone looking to maintain their vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.

Common Issues for Car Owners in US

Sun Damage: Intense sunlight in southern states, especially in summer, accelerates plastic degradation.
Road Contaminants: Salt in snowy regions and dust in dry areas can degrade plastics faster.
Frequent Washing: Regular car washing, often due to dust, pollen, or road salt, strips natural oils, making plastics and trim vulnerable. Ecocoat Trim helps resist the effects of frequent washes keeping the surface protected and looking new

Additionally, car trim repair issues are common, especially with exterior plastics that face constant exposure to sunlight, road contaminants, and environmental factors. Here are some key problems car owners encounter with trim:

Common Car Trim Repair Issues

Fading and Discoloration: UV rays cause plastics to lose their color over time, turning them gray or white, especially in areas with high sun exposure. This is particularly prevalent in regions like the American Southwest, where UV exposure is intense.
Brittleness and Cracking: Sun exposure and temperature fluctuations can make plastic trim brittle. This can lead to cracks and eventual breakage, especially around window trims, bumpers, and fenders, which endure regular wear.
Staining from Road Contaminants: Road salts, grime, and pollutants can settle on plastic trim, leaving stains that are difficult to clean. In snowy regions, salt and sand used for ice control are particularly damaging.
Water Spots and Residue: Trim areas often retain water spots or mineral deposits after rain or car washes, especially in hard water areas, leading to unattractive spotting and a dull appearance.
Oxidation: When plastic trim oxidizes, it forms a whitish, chalky residue on the surface. Oxidation is a natural process for plastics exposed to oxygen and sunlight, but it diminishes the appearance and texture of the trim.
Frequent Maintenance Needs: Car trim is often left untreated or protected only by temporary fixes like oils or dressings, which wash away easily. This creates a need for constant reapplication.

Using a product like IGL Ecocoat Trim can be essential for car owners to protect and rejuvenate exterior plastics, which are often subject to fading and wear due to sunlight, UV exposure, and environmental contaminants. In the U.S., where car ownership is prevalent and varied climates from intense sun in the Southwest to seasonal variations in the Northeast can impact vehicles, the need to maintain plastic trim is common.

Challenges and Limitations of Using Car Plastic Restorer

While car plastic restorers offer excellent short-term results, they are not a permanent fix. The restored finish typically requires reapplication every few months to maintain the best appearance, especially in areas with frequent rainfall or intense sunlight. For those seeking a more durable solution, some ceramic-based plastic restorers, like IGL Ecocoat Trim, are worth considering due to their enhanced longevity and resistance to UV and water damage.

Why Use Ecocoat Trim Ceramic Coating as a Car Plastic Restorer?

UV Protection: Many car plastics degrade under UV exposure, causing them to lose color and become brittle. Ecocoat Trim provides a UV-blocking layer that helps prevent fading and brittleness.
Long-Term Solution: Unlike quick fixes like applying oils or black trim restorers, which wear off quickly, Ecocoat Trim offers protection for up to two years, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
Water Repellency: Its hydrophobic properties help keep surfaces cleaner, minimizing water spots and buildup from rain or car washes, which is beneficial in rainy regions like the Pacific Northwest.

When to Use It

Ecocoat Trim is best applied when:

Signs of Fading: If plastic surfaces show signs of discoloration or dullness, using this product can restore and protect them.
Before Damage Occurs: Proactively applying it to new or undamaged trim can extend its appearance and durability.
Post-Detailing: After a thorough car wash or detail, applying Ecocoat Trim can seal in cleanliness and create a long-lasting protective layer.

Ecocoat Trim – Your Best Car Plastic Restorer in the US!

Up to 2 years protection, A great UV absorber, crosslinking with substrates, Ecocoat Trim is your number one choice for Plastic Protection! Want to know more about how it can protect your plastics? Read more to find out more.

Revamp Your Car’s Look with IGL Coatings Advanced Automotive Care Formulas

IGL Coatings, a pioneer in sustainable and high-performance coatings in the US, continues to set the standard in the industry. Their latest offerings, such as the Ecocoat Elixir and Ecocoat EZ, showcase their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Ecocoat Kenzo Graphene, our signature graphene-reinforced coating, offers unparalleled durability and shine. Tested by TUV Rheinland and recognized as a leader in the industry, Ecocoat Kenzo provides a warm glow and exceptional protection, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking the best in ceramic coating technology (SEMA Show).

Ecocoat Elixir provides excellent water spot resistance, improved hydrophobic properties, and enhanced slickness, making it a top choice for both professional detailers and DIY enthusiasts. With a reduced curing time of just two hours, it’s perfect for those who need quick yet effective results.

Ecocoat EZ is designed for easy application, making it ideal for beginners. This one-layer, all-surface coating offers up to a year of durability, combining ease of use with outstanding protection and shine.

For more information about IGL Coatings and to explore their full range of products, visit IGL Coatings and join the community of automotive enthusiasts dedicated to achieving unparalleled shine and protection.

About IGL Coatings

IGL Coatings has rapidly ascended to become a leading name in the US automotive detailing industry since our establishment in 2015. Originating from Malaysia, we have achieved international acclaim for our innovative surface protection solutions, which emphasize sustainability and advanced technology. IGL Coatings is renowned for our commitment to research and development, creating high-performance coatings that offer exceptional durability and enhanced aesthetics.

Our global reach extends to over 50 countries, where we support a network of more than 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs. This global presence is bolstered by strategic partnerships and a robust distribution network, which has facilitated our recognition as the highest growth manufacturer in Malaysia and one of the top 500 high-growth companies in the Asia Pacific.

IGL Coatings: Industry Recognition

Our dedication to quality and innovation has also been recognized through various awards, including the prestigious SEMA Media Award and the International Detailing Association’s Detail Supplier of the Year award.

These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence and our role as a leader in the industry. Our continuous innovation and adherence to high standards have made us a trusted name among professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

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