'04 XC70 -- Detailing Product for rear bumper cover? Topic is solved

Post by **E Showell** » 06 Jan 2019, 05:15

Would like to improve the dull/faded appearance of the rear bumper cover plastic. What works well ( not interested in heat gun or Armor All)? Thanks.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 06 Jan 2019, 06:38

I painted all my black plastic using a black plastic spray paint and then rubbed it in/off with a clean rag right away while wet. Gave it a nice new plastic look that still looks fresh now more than two years later with no additional work.

Post by **E Showell** » 06 Jan 2019, 07:10

Thanks for the suggestion. Any other ideas?

EngineeringBloke · Post by **EngineeringBloke** » 06 Jan 2019, 08:59

Is the cover colored or black? Any paint loss from areas, or is it just a concern with the texture of the surface?

I suggest trying an auto store clay bar, with water or detailing spay as a lubricant. Meguiars has a kit with bar and liquid, available from most auto and other stores. You can also use it on the body of the car. I love the change you notice as you slide the bar, it picks up the embedded dirt and then slides freely. Ends up looking really good, too.

The clay bar removes embedded dirt that cannot be removed by regular scrubbing, and does not remove clear coat and layers of paint that an abrasive polish would. The change is the surface condition with claying is remarkable!

- Wash the bumper (or any area you are going to clay)
- Spray a small area with a small amount of detailer liquid.
- Rub the bar over the area.
- Repeat over the bumper.
- Every so often, fold the bar so the dirty side is inside, and reshape as a puck.

- Protect the finish with wax.

NOTE!
If you drop the clay, it will pick up sharp rocks, and if you use it after that you are certain to put big scratches into your car. You must throw it away.
Also watch for running to the edge of the lubricated area as the bar will stick and can get pulled out of your hand.
You can start by splitting the bar in two, and saving one half, so you have a backup.

My preference is for Zaino Bros detailing products but they are more pricey and not available locally.

erniek · Post by **erniek** » 31 Jan 2019, 08:27

What spray paint do you use and is the bumper on or off the car when you do this?

Post by **E Showell** » 31 Jan 2019, 09:23

Black plastic cladding (at least I think it was black at some point). Now it is faded and looking kind of tired.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 31 Jan 2019, 09:42

Forever Black is a plastic Dye. It will last as long as the original dye.
Cation: Make sure you do not get any dye on anything you don't want permanently stained.

Armor all, Back to black and similar products are liquid waxes that just play with the optics and don't last long.

EngineeringBloke · Post by **EngineeringBloke** » 31 Jan 2019, 10:06

I found the same as RickHaleParker.

This 2014 consumers reports article suggest that most plastic restorers from auto shops will not last a significant time. 2 appear better than others but there is no long term report mentioned - Wipe New and Renu Finish
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/mag ... /index.htm

In this article, Black Forever is mentioned. It looks good although I have not used it myself:
https://www.autogeek.net/trim-molding.html

https://www.autogeek.net/forblacbumtr.html

Post by **oragex** » 31 Jan 2019, 15:45

The most ridiculous and inexpensive fix: black liquid shoes wax I've done this 2 years ago and still stays black. Perhaps not dark black like a new trim but no longer the grey-ish thing
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lspDWezi_AY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHMy1TlO0p0

Post by **850 LPT** » 01 Feb 2019, 06:33

oragex wrote: ↑31 Jan 2019, 15:45 The most ridiculous and inexpensive fix: black liquid shoes wax I've done this 2 years ago and still stays black. Perhaps not dark black like a new trim but no longer the grey-ish thing
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lspDWezi_AY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHMy1TlO0p0

This is great! I have thought of it but didn't have the guts to try it myself. Now I will certainly try it out.
It really lasts that long, huh?

Thanks, Dirk