Plastic Trim Refurbishment - Would you paint?

Good afternoon all, would like to ask opinions on whether it is worth it/advisable to paint faded external plastic trims. Prime example; the plastic cowl panel (99657256304), the one with the windscreen wipers sticking through. Mine has no longer black, more grey. It comes back to black with back to black bumper gel, but soon fades to grey. So is it worth it/advisable to take them off, give them a good clean and spray them black plastic spray to give them a new lease of life? This would also apply to the plastic portion on the door mirrors too.

Ah - just been through this myself - mask it or take it off and heat it up (hand hot, obviously not enough to melt it) all over with a heat gun ( a hair dryer isn't hot enough) and the molecules in the trim will move around and reset the finish - no I didn't believe it either - but it works a treat. Best. J

We recently replaced one on a 987 and they were very reasonably priced IMO. About 70+vat for a new one. Worth considering - you can then burn away with the old one without worrying. KR Lee

Sounds interesting Julius. Did you find out what a new one will cost? I just replaced my wiper arms, £100 the pair and you can really see how much they have faded. (the arms are now 997 part numbered) Regards Terry

Try a product called Forever Black. It is a plastic dye which will bring it back to a new look. I have used it several times. Dead easy to apply, and great, long lasting results, unlike the 'Back-to-Black' silicone products.

...didn't bother, the heat trick really bought it back up to much better grade - thinking about it I did it nearly a year ago and hasn't apparently faded like 'Back to Black' products will do - don't know if it will work more than once but as it something to do with the composition of the materials itself (I was told Porsche designed it this way), can' think why not.... just keep the heat local - or take it off the car to be on the safer side. J

I've had great results with Meguiars Endurance Tire Gel, yes its great on tires but also great on black plastic trim.

I've looked this up on design 911 and what can tell it's about 55.00 give them a bell or try one of the breakers not all would have faded

Will be doing ours this week, the plan to paint the wiper arms, replace wipers with blades and then install new front scuttle cost £50 with discount from OPC

If the trim has not become brittle, then it can be restored. I have Autoglym trim restorer (think it must be over 20 years old now) and with patience you will restore to almost original. Another product called Polytrol mainly used in marine restoration is pretty good too - search on 944 forum. The worst areas on the 996 are the trim on front spoiler, where it goes almost white in decolourisation. I used white-spirit sparingly on a cloth to remove the discolouration, but be careful on plastics, then restored using Autoglym.

I used silicon spray or tyre spray for a quick fix, but then got the Swissvax protection plastic conditioner. Works a treat and lasts a while. Had a faded corner scuttle piece that was off with the rest and now nice and uniform for a few months now. The instructions also say to heat the part up but I didn't and seems OK. Also use on the lower plastic parts, mirrors, front lip etc. and nice uniform colour. Was great on the 964 targa hood too. Craig

I am thinking of trying Solution Finish Black trim restorer on some of my faded trim parts. Anybody tried it ? It does seem to get very good reviews

I've used autoglym plastic restorer and seems to work pretty well.

Plus one for silicon sparay from Halfords [8|]

Can't beat Smooth Peanutbutter....don't laugh. I thought it was a joke when I first heard about it but then found out some proffesional car detailers use it. Just spread it on and leave it for a while so that the oils can soak into the plastic. Don't forget to wipe it off.

Barry I have the same problem. My solution is to buy Autoglym vinal and bumper care plus Bumper and Trim gel Spray on a duster and add B. & T gel and apply to the grey surfaces. Works a treat.I treat the black bits about every 2 weels I would advise against painting Regards Norman

Ive used the autoglyn gel and yes it's great