What makes exterior plastics shine again?

Guys on detailingworld like Black Wow, which I'll buy soon.
Funnily enough for me AG Tire Dressing lasts longer and gives a better look than AG Bumpercare. So if you have any laying around give it a try.
 
If it's the old-style ABS-like plastic bumpers/trim that have the odd texture (which are pretty much the only ones to fade), then use a blowtorch on them.

Clean the plastic thoroughly, then gently wave the blowtorch over it, from a few cm away, and as you do so, the heat will bring the natural oils in the plastic back to the surface. Typical disclaimer here - it's at your own risk, don't be a muppet, don't hold the blowtorch too close or over the same part for too long, don't hold it over the paintwork, etc.

This method will keep the plastics looking in an "as-new" condition for longer than any other method that might be suggested - such as mustard, WD-40, Back-To-Black products, other than the exception of painting them body-coloured - but that's a much bigger task to undertake.

Post up a picture - and I'll tell you if it's the type that able to be used with a blowtorch.
 
I've been using Turtle Wax Back to Black on my Rover. It's not bad but comes off quite quickly, especially if there's a lot of rain.

Don't really like those sort of products really, they only work by leaving a silicony greasy residue behind to make the plastic look shiny.
 
I've been threatening it for years, but one day, I'll pick up a bumper from a scrapyard, and a blow-torch, and I'll make a video showing exactly how to use a blowtorch, as this topic comes up quite regularly on various forums, and no one believes me when I say to use a blowtorch!

It's what my dad used to do years ago when these types of bumper were very common.
 
Personally I use Kiwi Black Parade Gloss boot polish.
Apply with a cloth and leave for a couple of minutes to harden, then buff the hell out of it. :D I apply to all needed surfaces then go back round and buff them.
 
As confused said, use heat. I tend to prefer using a Black and Decker heat gun rather than a blow torch though. Keep moving it about, sort of gently waving it about and you'll be fine. The only time i've known this to go wrong is when a friend tried it on his Corsa arch trims, kept the heat in one place for too long and the plastic deformed a little.
 
You really needn't be - providing you are sensible, and don't hold it over one point for too long (ie don't stop moving it), you'll be fine.

I'll pencil in a slot to do a video next week - hold off and I'll show you just how easy and safe it is.


Garry
 
Another vote for blowtorch here. I've got a wide flame end on mine so the heat is spread around. Tried it with my pencil flame tip once. Really stupid idea :(
 
heat is definitely the way forward for the plastics. worked a treat for me using one of those heat guns normally used for stripping paint off wood
 
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