Restoring black plastic grill

[Owen Lucas]

After checking out some of the threads here I'm a little confused on which product is best for black plastic trim components. Project Farm's picks are Cerakote Trim Coat, Chemicals Guys Tire & Trim, and Mothers Back to Black.

I have a squeeze bottle of Maguire's Ultimate Black and a the Wipe New Trim Renew Kit by Rustoleum.

I'm open to buying a new product if it will help get in between the small openings of the grille but don't mind taking extra time if the products I have are sufficient.

In my case the honeycomb shape is complex for a detail job but now that I have the lower grille out I'd like to get the job done right and for it to last. Any thoughts?

 

[PimTac]

Is that grill supposed to be black? It looks pretty sun bleached from the pictures.

Sorry to say this but if that is so then anything you use will be temporary. It’s done for.

 

[RooflessVW]

Sorry to say this but if that is so then anything you use will be temporary. It’s done for.

Since it's already off the car, paint it.

 

[bullwinkle]

I used Rustoleum 2X spray paint, made to bond with plastic, on my ‘07 Corolla’s grill, after I took the plastic chrome bits off. Liked it so much I threw the chrome pieces away, left it flat black.

 

[LostInTransit]

front grilles tend not to last very long, so at this point I'd have to say buy a new one assuming they're still being made. Do not goto the salvage yard to get one either as these could end up looking worse. The trouble is, simply painting the plastic will start to look crappy. There's a few other options if you really want to save this grille, try hydro-dipping. This way you can actually hydro-dip the grille chrome or a foax chrome appearance or even a carbon fiber appearance. Then there's the zunsport mesh grille replacement.

 

[spasm3]

Since it's already off the car, paint it.

This! I'd clean it really well, light scuff with some fine scotchpad and paint it.

 

[RooflessVW]

The trouble is, simply painting the plastic will start to look crappy.

It looks crappy now

 

[Owen Lucas]

Is that grill supposed to be black? It looks pretty sun bleached from the pictures.

Sorry to say this but if that is so then anything you use will be temporary. It’s done for.

Yes, it's supposed to be black and is not sun bleached for sure.

Since it's already off the car, paint it.

Good Idea, better than a temporary solution with a trim restorer.

I used Rustoleum 2X spray paint, made to bond with plastic, on my ‘07 Corolla’s grill, after I took the plastic chrome bits off. Liked it so much I threw the chrome pieces away, left it flat black.

I see there is a glossy version as well. I might try this, getting in between the honeycomb would be easier with a spray can.

This! I'd clean it really well, light scuff with some fine scotchpad and paint it.

I can give it a good powerwashing and maybe run each half in my ultrasonic cleaner. Scotchpad as much as I can get and it looks like the Rustoleum 2X has a separate primer available as well even though the black gloss is a 2 in 1 paint, can't hurt.

 

[joekingcorvette]

Why not put a coat of Krylon on it? Use the 2x's that does not require primer and it will look better than ever.

 

[bullwinkle]

I should have posted before & after on my Corolla one-it had so much small rock damage it was ERODED on the slats! Just scrubbed it with Scotchbrite & degreaser, rinsed & dried, 2 or 3 coats with flat black. Good enough, & holding up well so far…

 

[spasm3]

Why not put a coat of Krylon on it? Use the 2x's that does not require primer and it will look better than ever.

I have used the Krylon Fusion for plastic, and its really good. A matte black would work well.

 

[Owen Lucas]

A matte black would work well.

I think I'll go with mat, the grille was not glossy originally. I'll put up some before and after pics when I'm done.

 

[2010Civic]

SEM makes a trim paint.

 

[meep]

Consider black truck bed liner spray?

 

[spasm3]

There are also some 2k spray bombs and primer spray bombs on amazon. I have not used them. You would still want PPE with those as they are 2K mix in a can sprays, definitely a respirator mask.

 

[Nukeman7]

Project Farm's test results are on point regarding the black plastic trim restoration products. While skeptical, I used the Cerekote Trim Coat restoring wipes on the bumper and side trim pieces ~18 months ago and they still look showroom fresh today. Stands up remarkably well to rain, car washes and UV degradation. I may retreat them later this summer to ensure the protection is sustained.

 

[xspeedy]

Will the heat gun trick work on this type of trim?

 

[Owen Lucas]

Will the heat gun trick work on this type of trim?

I'll give it a shot on a small corner, if not I'll go with Krylon Fusion black matte. 2K paint seems awesome though.

 

[bcossa2020]

Project Farm's test results are on point regarding the black plastic trim restoration products. While skeptical, I used the Cerekote Trim Coat restoring wipes on the bumper and side trim pieces ~18 months ago and they still look showroom fresh today. Stands up remarkably well to rain, car washes and UV degradation. I may retreat them later this summer to ensure the protection is sustained.

I‘m terribly disappointed in the Back to Black. Never again….

 

[Nukeman7]

I‘m terribly disappointed in the Back to Black. Never again….

Yep...it is only good for 3 or 4 weeks of exposure to the elements. Only looks nice upon application but does not last.