by Like it or not, many cars are decorated with black texture instead of chrome. The material – sometimes rubber, sometimes more like plastic – is used to provide a little extra protection on the flares and side skirts of fenders, add visual interest, and break up large areas of body color. When used in vans and crossovers, it can also make the vehicle look a little more sturdy.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the black decor to start looking a little stale. Over time, ultraviolet light – and all the other weather factors – began to fade the dark black decorations into a dim gray. The problem is not just aesthetic, either. According to Consumer Reports, the material itself can become very dry, can degrade and lose flexibility, and is prone to cracking or breaking.
If the black trim on your car is fading, it can be fixed with a little effort. There are many trim repair products on the market, including liquids, gels and wipes, which contain black dyes.
How to apply repair products correctly
- Make sure your car is freshly cleaned and completely dry.
- Park it in direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated area.
- Apply decorative restoration products using an applicator or a clean cloth, or as directed.
- Wipe off any excess and let it dry, repeating as necessary.
Be sure to wear gloves and take care to keep the product away from skin and clothing.
Once you’ve achieved the desired results, consider using your trim restoration product on other parts of your car that have lost that showroom shine;restoration products can be used on other black rubber or plastic surfaces, such as window seals and tire sidewalls (but not on the tread, because it’ll interfere with your traction). You also can seal your work with a coat of a UV-blocking spray, which will provide an extra layer between your car’s fast-to-fade trim and the sun’s damaging rays.
