Bumper plastics

MeAnBoY

MeAnBoY

MeAnBoY

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Joined
20 Oct 2002
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Hampshire
So, my front splitter and the rear number plate surround are both looking a little tired. I've tried some back to black stuff on it which makes it look great for about 10 seconds and then it fades back to grey :D

Can anyone recommend any kind of product or am I better of whipping out the shoe polish? :o
 
Definitely worth a go with a heat gun (but obviously be careful).

I did the heat gun trick on a Corsa at the weekend and wondered why the bumpers weren't turning black... turns out they are supposed to be grey!
 
Hmm I don't have access to a heat gun and don't really want to buy one as I will have zero use for it afterwards. I'm guessing a hairdrier will suffice, but before I go out and look like a complete window licker how does using heat work?
 
I'm not sure if a hairdryer would get hot enough.

The general principle is that the heat brings the natural oils in the plastic back to the surface. This restores the colour and the shine.

It also lasts a lot longer than Back to Black and other products because it's not a surface treatment, it's actually changing the plastic itself.

The only other thing to be careful of is that some plastics just melt so it's best to test a small area first (thermosoftening vs. thermosetting polymers dontchaknow).
 
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A hairdryer definitely won't do the job, needs to be much hotter. Use a blowtorch if you have one, just be careful not to set it on fire.
 
Meguiars endurance high gloss tyre gel, the best stuff I have ever used on tyres and plastics lasts ages once applied. With heat guns I find the finish doesn't look as good.
 
I'd prob want to take the bumper off beforehand... But here's a video that's been posted up before showing what happens...
 
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