Faded trim sucks. Fix it once.

Faded plastic trim isn’t a cleaning problem. It’s worn out.

Those wipe-on trim restorers look good for a week, then fade right back. That’s why you keep redoing it.

The real fix: clean it, scuff it, use adhesion promoter, then spray trim black paint.

Tools I Use in My Shop

• Bulldog Adhesion Promoter
  Check price on Amazon
• Dupli-Color Trim & Bumper Paint
  Check price on Amazon
• Scuff Pads (Red or Gray)
  Check price on Amazon
• Automotive Degreaser
  Check price on Amazon

Watch the Process

Why Trim Restorers Don’t Last

They don’t fix the problem.

• UV damage breaks down the plastic
• The surface is already degraded
• Coatings sit on top and wear off

You end up stuck in the same loop: apply → fades → repeat.

The Method That Actually Works

1. Clean and degrease

Remove all dirt, wax, and residue before you do anything else.

2. Scuff the surface

This gives the new coating something to bite into. Skip this and you’re asking for failure.

3. Apply adhesion promoter

This is what keeps the finish from peeling off the plastic later.

4. Spray trim black paint

Use light coats and build it up evenly for a factory-looking finish.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping adhesion promoter
• Not scuffing the surface
• Spraying over dirty trim
• Using heavy coats

Any one of those will put you right back where you started.

Troy’s Shop Takeaway

If the trim is faded, it’s already failed.

You’re not restoring it with a wipe-on product. You’re refinishing it.

Do it once. Done.

Final Word

Stop chasing trim restorer.

Prep it right. Use the right products. Paint it once.

Done.