Restoring faded bumpers

Mar 21, 2013 6 Replies

Another slightly OT subject. The camper has a rather faded unpainted black/dark grey front bumper. I've tried treating half of it with "Back to Black" which looked okay until it dried but it now looks indistinguishable from the untreated side. Well, maybe a teensy bit blacker but it barely shows. I think they're just too far gone for such treatment.



Is their a better product or better way of restoing the colour? I've tried a bit of T-cut but that didn't do anything appreciable either. I've also had a go with a hot air gun as featured on Youtube which has worked well on a wing mirror but I think the bumber is just too big to get an even finish using that method.



Of course it's possible that I just need to try harder with what I've got but I'm naturally lazy so any easy way of restoring a good black matt/satin finish would be much appreciated. ;-) Maybe just a good coloured wax?



Tim



Black shoe polish. The liquid type with a sponge. Works much better than "Back to Black".

Neat Swarfega also works well on black plastic trim parts. Only lasts a few weeks, mind.

Hot air brings the oils in the plastic back to the surface, but be careful.

Cheers, I'll give that a go.

Tim

I use a mixture of Linseed oil & meths (I can't remember at the moment if it's 1:2 or 2:1 mix but it looks like cold tea!)

Anyway, you paint it on and before it dries, wipe off the surplus with kitchen towel or a rag. Bumper looks like new, lasts a good few months.

Best on textured grey bumpers, I first used on Mk2 Astra and no doubt will have to do it on the YFs ageing Ka.

[snip]

Also works on black wiper arms - but don't spill it on the windscreen. If the colour is way off try using the "scuff cover" type of polish. I find it lasts for about a year before it needs another coat.

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