Over time, black trims can become dull and faded which can really degrade the overall look of your car. Fear not however, there are a whole host of different products which are designed to specifically tackle this issue. We take a look at the best black trim restorers to bring those plastics back to the former glory and transform the look of your car. As well as looking at the best black trim restorers, we will also explain what causes the trim to become faded over time and how to avoid it occuring in the future.

Struggling For Time?

In a rush and looking for a quick overview? No problem, let’s take a look at our top pick black trim restorers (Spoiler alert, the best product to use is the fabulous Gtechniq C4 permanent trim restorer)

The Best Black Trim Restorers

1. Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer

Top of our charts for this one is the extremely impressive Gtechniq C4 permanent trim restorer, it’s quite simply an astonishing product which delivers exceptional results everytime. Gtechniq are a UK based company who specialise in car care and detailing products. Their lineup of products is extremely impressive to say the least and ranges from trim restorers to shampoo.

As indicated the clue in the name, C4 is a permanent restorer which forms and permament bond between the plastic and the product meaning that it’s a one time application. When used on badly damaged and faded plastics, the results can be astonishing. Without going into too much technical detail, the chemical reaction creates a situation where the product becomes an extension of the plastic molecules, a very impressive piece of science. Designed to last for up to 2 years, C4 is far and away the best black trim restorer.

The key features of Gtechniq C4 permanent trim restorer are;

• Available in 15ml or 30ml bottles
• Very very minimal product required to cover a large area
• Safe for use on all external trim
• Application is easy via a supplied applicator pad
• Exceptional performance

2. Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel

Autoglym bumper and trim gel takes second place in this review and delivers great results at a really affordable price point. It’s a very different product to the top spot winner Gtechniq C4, it doesn’t have any of the chemical bonding process that the C4 does but it does a good job in it’s own right. Autoglym are a huge player in the UK car care market and have years and years of experience in delivering products that are easy to use, affordable and deliver great results.

The key features of Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel are;

• Supplied in a 325ml bottle
• Suitable for use on all external plastics
• Actively revives and cleans
• Produced in the UK

3. Poorboys Exterior Trim Restorer

Poorboys are a huge American brand in the car care industry who are making major strides in the UK market. Their products are renowned for being incredible value for money, extremely easy to use and always deliver a great result. We are huge fans of Poorboys here at BuyersGuides, they have a superb offering of products with some real gems such as their Natty’s Paste Wax.

Poorboys exterior trim restorer includes a patented UV absorber system within the product which significantly increases the lifespan of the restorer which in turn means less frequent applications. It’s a doddle to work with too and doesn’t leave a stick or glossy residue once applied.

The key features of Poorboys exterior trim restorer are;

• Supplied in a 473ml bottle
• Extremely easy to use
• Not sticky or greasy
• Suitable for use on all exterior trims and also some interior trims
• Patented UV absorber technology
• Long lasting performance

4. Meguiar’s G15812EU Ultimate Black Plastic & Trim Restorer

Fourth spot goes to Meguiar’s offering in this sector, ultimate black plastic and trim restorer. This is an extremely firm favourite amongst car care enthuisasts in the UK and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for a trim restorer that will produce an extremely deep and dark shine, this is the product for you. In that regard, it’s unrivalled and will generate exceptional results if applied correctly. As well as providing a deep and rich shine, it’ll also provide a new layer of UV protection on the freshly treated surface.

The key features of Meguiar’s G15812EU Ultimate Black Plastic & Trim Restorer are;

• Suppled in a 355ml bottle
• Extended Durability
• Fast drying and non greasy formula
• Creates a rich and dark shine
• Prevents aging and protects plastic

5. Forever Car Care Products Forever Black Bumper & Trim Kit

5th place in our review is one that you may not be too familiar with, Forever Car Care Products Forever Black Bumper & Trim Kit. Designed to recolour and protect a whole host of different trims and bumpers, this kit offers excellent performance at relative value for money. It’s quick and easy to use and also comes with a new and improved applicator brush. It’s a two part kit, comprising of a cleaner and a recondiditoner to breathe life back into tired plastics.

The key features of Forever Car Care Products Forever Black Bumper & Trim Kit are;

• Supplied as a complete kit including applicator brush
• New improved formula and larger size
• Can be used on a variety of items and surfaces
• Quick and easy to use

6. Sonax Xtreme Black Plastic Restorer

6th in our review is the ever dependable black plastic restorer from the powerhouse German car care brand. Sonax produce a variety of car care products, each delivering exceptional performance time and time again. Sonax have delevoped a hugely respected reputation within the car care and maintenance industry and it’s easy to see why.

Xtreme black plastic restorer comes in gel format and is supplied in a 250ml tube. Don’t let the relatively small tube size put you off, a little goes a long way. It’s primary goal is simple and that is to maintain unpainted exterior plastic and rubber parts, e.g. bumpers, trim strips, and tyres. It has to be said that it does a remarkable job and produces a factory like finish.

The key features of Sonax Xtreme Black Plastic Restorer are;

• Supplied in a 250ml tube
• Gel format
• Provides long lasting protection
• Produced in Germany
• Suitable for all exterior trim

Why Does Black Plastic Fade Over Time?

In a very brief nutshell, black plastic eventually fades over time due to one reason – UV ray damage. Over a prolonged period of time, the UV rays eventually eat away at the plastic surface and create oxidisation. Once the plastic begins to oxidise, it then starts to fade and discolour which creates the dull looking grey like appearance that you commonly see. Also, many plastics contain oils when produced from factory and over time, they eventually disappear which can also create the dull, grey like appearance.

How To Restore Black Plastic Trim

The most important step and consideration when restoring faded black plastic trm is the preperation and cleaning of the surface before restoration. It’s vitally important to remove all debris and bonded contaminants from the surface in order to give your chose product the best possible chance of restoring colour to the trim. Make sure that you’ve thoroughly cleaned the plastics with a good quality shampoo and wash mitt. Top tip – after washing the trim, follow up cleaning the trim with some Isopropyl Alcohol – this will remove any trapped oils and grease from the surface completely. You’re now ready to use your chosen product of choice to restore the trim.

It’s probably wise to tape off the bodywork of the car and surrounding areas of the black plastic trim just to be on the safe side. Whilst 99% of black plastic trim restorers are safe to come into contact with paintwork, it’s always best to be on the safe side and tape them off.

Following the manufacturers instructions, begin applying your black plastric trim restorer of choice. When finished, allow an adequate amount of time for the product to cure and adhere.

The Best Black Trim Restorers

1. Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer

Top of our charts for this one is the extremely impressive Gtechniq C4 permanent trim restorer, it’s quite simply an astonishing product which delivers exceptional results everytime. Gtechniq are a UK based company who specialise in car care and detailing products. Their lineup of products is extremely impressive to say the least and ranges from trim restorers to shampoo.

As indicated the clue in the name, C4 is a permanent restorer which forms and permament bond between the plastic and the product meaning that it’s a one time application. When used on badly damaged and faded plastics, the results can be astonishing. Without going into too much technical detail, the chemical reaction creates a situation where the product becomes an extension of the plastic molecules, a very impressive piece of science. Designed to last for up to 2 years, C4 is far and away the best black trim restorer.

The key features of Gtechniq C4 permanent trim restorer are;

• Available in 15ml or 30ml bottles
• Very very minimal product required to cover a large area
• Safe for use on all external trim
• Application is easy via a supplied applicator pad
• Exceptional performance

2. Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel

Autoglym bumper and trim gel takes second place in this review and delivers great results at a really affordable price point. It’s a very different product to the top spot winner Gtechniq C4, it doesn’t have any of the chemical bonding process that the C4 does but it does a good job in it’s own right. Autoglym are a huge player in the UK car care market and have years and years of experience in delivering products that are easy to use, affordable and deliver great results.

The key features of Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel are;

• Supplied in a 325ml bottle
• Suitable for use on all external plastics
• Actively revives and cleans
• Produced in the UK

3. Poorboys Exterior Trim Restorer

Poorboys are a huge American brand in the car care industry who are making major strides in the UK market. Their products are renowned for being incredible value for money, extremely easy to use and always deliver a great result. We are huge fans of Poorboys here at BuyersGuides, they have a superb offering of products with some real gems such as their Natty’s Paste Wax.

Poorboys exterior trim restorer includes a patented UV absorber system within the product which significantly increases the lifespan of the restorer which in turn means less frequent applications. It’s a doddle to work with too and doesn’t leave a stick or glossy residue once applied.

The key features of Poorboys exterior trim restorer are;

• Supplied in a 473ml bottle
• Extremely easy to use
• Not sticky or greasy
• Suitable for use on all exterior trims and also some interior trims
• Patented UV absorber technology
• Long lasting performance

4. Meguiar’s G15812EU Ultimate Black Plastic & Trim Restorer

Fourth spot goes to Meguiar’s offering in this sector, ultimate black plastic and trim restorer. This is an extremely firm favourite amongst car care enthuisasts in the UK and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for a trim restorer that will produce an extremely deep and dark shine, this is the product for you. In that regard, it’s unrivalled and will generate exceptional results if applied correctly. As well as providing a deep and rich shine, it’ll also provide a new layer of UV protection on the freshly treated surface.

The key features of Meguiar’s G15812EU Ultimate Black Plastic & Trim Restorer are;

• Suppled in a 355ml bottle
• Extended Durability
• Fast drying and non greasy formula
• Creates a rich and dark shine
• Prevents aging and protects plastic

5. Forever Car Care Products Forever Black Bumper & Trim Kit

5th place in our review is one that you may not be too familiar with, Forever Car Care Products Forever Black Bumper & Trim Kit. Designed to recolour and protect a whole host of different trims and bumpers, this kit offers excellent performance at relative value for money. It’s quick and easy to use and also comes with a new and improved applicator brush. It’s a two part kit, comprising of a cleaner and a recondiditoner to breathe life back into tired plastics.

The key features of Forever Car Care Products Forever Black Bumper & Trim Kit are;

• Supplied as a complete kit including applicator brush
• New improved formula and larger size
• Can be used on a variety of items and surfaces
• Quick and easy to use

6. Sonax Xtreme Black Plastic Restorer

6th in our review is the ever dependable black plastic restorer from the powerhouse German car care brand. Sonax produce a variety of car care products, each delivering exceptional performance time and time again. Sonax have delevoped a hugely respected reputation within the car care and maintenance industry and it’s easy to see why.

Xtreme black plastic restorer comes in gel format and is supplied in a 250ml tube. Don’t let the relatively small tube size put you off, a little goes a long way. It’s primary goal is simple and that is to maintain unpainted exterior plastic and rubber parts, e.g. bumpers, trim strips, and tyres. It has to be said that it does a remarkable job and produces a factory like finish.

The key features of Sonax Xtreme Black Plastic Restorer are;

• Supplied in a 250ml tube
• Gel format
• Provides long lasting protection
• Produced in Germany
• Suitable for all exterior trim

Summary

Restoring your tired and faded black plastric trim is much easier than you may think and has a dramatic impact on the overall appearance of your car. If you’re looking to sell your car, this is a really quick and easy way of adding value to it. All of the above products are extremely easy to use and the complete process can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Just so you know, we may earn a small commission through the links on this page but we think that’s a fair trade off for the hours research and time that we put in.