I have some long black armrests and the plastic is faded white/grey in a few areas. I would rather not paint them. Are there any tricks to brick the black plastic back to a nice black shine? Thanks
Short answer is NO. The plastic has started to designate from UV exposure. IF you run your fingernail across it can you pick up the plastic???
Nothing can be done to "restore" or revive that part of the plastic. Those areas are "chalky" and dried out..if you try to scrape those areas with your fingernail, for example, the deteriorated plastic will flake off. You are better off finding a nice used piece. Also...the black plastic pieces survive better than any of the other colors. In that regard, you should be able to find some real nice replacements. Be sure and ask anyone that is selling if theirs have been painted or are they still the original "bare" plastic. Post a good pic if you can but all I'll likely tell you is that you should also consider painting them with SEM Landau Black vinyl/plastic paint. If the deteriorated areas already have the surface grain/texture scraped or scratched those areas can't really be repaired or restored.
If they are not chalky, I paint them with fabric/plastic paint. It lasts a long time and looks as good as the original finish. I use this stuff:
Agree with Dr. Roger, but be aware that there are two tones to the black: satin and gloss. The biggest issue is PREPARATION of the surfaces before using the Dupli-Color product. you will have to scrub the living pee out of the surfaces; you will not believe the amount of oils deposited on the material by your hands. And pity on your attempts if it EVER had use of Armor-all or similar products. You will be soaking and scrubbing multiple times to get the desired uniform non-drying surface. Also, use an adhesion promoter before the actual product. BTW: Dupli-Color Vinyl and Fabric coating is NOT a paint, but closer to a dye product. I used it on a 2000 Ford Crown Vic doing a color change with good results.
Thanks guys. Here are some pics. I have one passenger side armrest which is pretty decent as is but I have another passenger and my only driver's side are the ones that are slightly faded....When I run my fingernail I am not flaking anything off which I guess is a good sign. Which would be more correct for a 72 Skylark, satin or gloss? I think i found the Duplicolor at a local Advance Auto, Anyone know if the SEM products is available locally at any auto parts stores or do I have to order it if i went that route? Thanks
Looks like it has a lot of embedded dirt/grease/oil. I would scrub it real good with some simple green first to get all that stuff off. As far as flat/satin/gloss, I would test a spot to see how well it matches. Try the satin first.
https://www.autocolorlibrary.com/pages/1972-Buick.html#open-modal2 This identifies which components get which 'gloss' of paint. Basically, if it is eye level or above, it should be the zero gloss (So as not to reflect light/ glare into the driver's eyes.) Therefore, it wouldn't hurt to use the satin on the door armrest. Just remember: CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!!!
Scrub them well...with hot water, soap and a nylon bristle brush or even an old toothbrush. DON'T use anything abrasive to scrub it....no steel wool, no Scotchbrite pad, etc. Then...scrub them again w/soap and hot water. Rinse w/hot water. Let them dry overnight inside your house. Spray w/Bulldog adhesion promoter (READ the can instructions)....should be able to buy it at O'Reilly's....this is mandatory. USE SEM Landau Black vinyl/plastic paint (15013)...it IS the correct sheen. No need to worry about Flat, Semi, Gloss concerns. Spray it in the right temps......65 + and not humid. It is super thin stuff. Don't HOSE it on but also don't "fog" it on dry. Just 2-3 medium wet coats.
Ok thanks everyone. Took a little advice from all the above and gave it a shot. There are no O-Reilly's near me and didn't want to wait so found the Duplicolor Fabric/vynil gloss black as they didn't have the satin in stock. Soaked them in Dawn dish soap for a few hours. Scrubbed them with a very stiff brush in the soapy water 3 times... then scrubbed with wax and grease remover 3 times and wiped dry and let dry for a few hours. Applied 3 light coats of the Duplicolor and let dry overnight. Might be a little glossy but I am happy with the results as it's not a concours restoration. Thought I might lose some of the grain but don't think much if any.
Thanks. I have seen a bunch of recommendations. Are SEM Products superior to others? I have seen a lot of folks mebtion SEM when it comes to color matching non-black interiors for dyes etc.
