Restoring faded grey plastic bumpers

Post by **ojdorson** » 15 Apr 2011, 18:17

I learned a trick the other day for restoring our faded grey bumpers. Using a heat gun will bring the dark grey back to the surface. According to what I've read, this will last ages longer than any other restoratives (Mother's Back to Black, dyes, etc.). I don't have long term results, but here's a picture of my front bumper with just the fender side done:

and here's a video of the process:

brady55 · Post by **brady55** » 15 Apr 2011, 18:35

I am not a big fan of the grey look as i think it dates the car a bit so i when with the rattle can of fusion satin black. it has held up for a month and it looks great. but again i wanted the trim to be black. although this is really cool this trick also work on plastic interior if it gets those white marks when they get bent it can take those out along with small scratches. heat guns rock

elchopperfreak · Post by **elchopperfreak** » 15 Apr 2011, 23:36

Cool, what setting? Hi or lo?
Thanks

kcjones · Post by **kcjones** » 16 Apr 2011, 08:41

DEFINITELY going to do this ASAP. 10 points for the tip!

Post by **ojdorson** » 18 Apr 2011, 12:36

I used low at first, but it was taking way long. I used high and things started moving along much nicer. This video was shot with the gun on the high setting and you can see how well that works. Doing it on a warm day makes it MUCH easier and produces a more even result. I kept the gun about 1-3 inches from the plastic and used a piece of cardboard as a shield for the paint - the cardboard started browning after a while!

I read about painting the bumpers, but I just don't want to deal with flaking or anything else down the road AND I really like the original look.

elchopperfreak · Post by **elchopperfreak** » 21 Apr 2011, 20:27

Thanks, will certainly try by the week end..
Excellent tip!!

Post by **ojdorson** » 22 Apr 2011, 08:17

Do! I'm really happy with the result. Report back with before/after pictures for everyone else.

From what I've read, this works well for all hard black plastic automotive trim - Jeep owners use it for their plastic wheel arches.

dbeckwith · Post by **dbeckwith** » 05 May 2011, 14:22

Excellent info! Sometimes spending alot of money doesn't always give the best results.

kcjones · Post by **kcjones** » 22 Jun 2011, 19:24

It works. Side trim seemed to be almost unaffected by the heat gun, but the front and back sure look a whole lot better for 30 min work.

My paint is pretty haggard, so I'm not too concerned with the exterior, but thought I'd give it a try.

kcjones · Post by **kcjones** » 22 Jun 2011, 19:37

Here's some pics of my results

Not new by any means, but definitely much better