Hey guys, new here. I have tried to restore my plastic trim on my 2000 Jeep Wrangler. I used a heat gun and did it just like the videos showed but it’s very spotty. I’ve done multiple times. I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. Any suggestions?
Restoring plastic trim with heat gun
- Thread starter Tiffany LeBlanc
- Start date
I had no problem, just move slowly and progress using an even pattern, do not jump around. The parts must be clean (I power washed everything) as years of cleaning products can add to blotchy results. It also helps to have a good heat gun, I use a Porter-Cable gun.
OP
I didnt clean it. The video didn’t say to.should I clean what I’ve done and retry? I uploaded photo. What heat setting did you use? What do I clean with?
Why not use a product actually designed for restoring plastic...? Sometimes using the right tool for the job eliminates the problems like the ones you are having. I notice the same ugly spots in Jerry’s photo.
I know this is a peoduct photo but it really does work. I run it and thought it would be slick and sticky like armor all. But it dried and came out great and wasnt sticky or slick. It just looks new.
http://adamspolishes.com/adam-s-black-trim-restorer.html
Note: pics from Adams website.
There are plenty of youtube videos from professional detailers like ammoNYC. He doesnt use heat...
Warm soap and water mix. Or an all purpose cleaner with the recommended diluted ratio.
The area should be cleaned, soap and water with a scrub brush will do the trick, I used a power washer and as Jerry stated a low setting is preferred.
crackedcornish
TJ Enthusiast
would the heatgun thing work on restoring color to the door panels of my half doors?...the grey panels are almost white at the top from the sun
The plastic is not being "burned" by this age-old process.
OP
That depends on how much sun the fender sees. I remember doing it once or twice to my fenders over the 12-13 years I had that TJ.
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I use the same gun with excellent results.
It takes me several hours with all the plastic cladding on an Avalanche.
Patients is key.
Once your trim begins to fade the chemical breakdown has begun it cannot be reversed. The only way to go back to new is to buy new.
Well Speaking from experience a few months bc I wash it every few months. But my stock TJ with flares on it doesnt see the sun much or the weather. So it will definitely depend on weather and sun exposure.
As with most things, you get what you put into it.
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Adam's Polish is the shit, excuse my French. Great products.