Have you ever looked at your car’s plastic trim and thought, “Ugh, it looks faded and old”? Maybe it’s that black trim around your windows or the bumpers. Sunlight and weather can be tough on plastic. It can start to look dull, chalky, or even cracked over time. It really makes your whole car look less awesome, right?
Choosing the right paint for your car’s plastic trim can be tricky. There are so many paints to choose from! You need to find one that sticks well, looks good, and lasts. You don’t want to waste your time or money on a paint that peels off after a few weeks. Finding the best paint for plastic trim can be a real headache!
But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll make everything easy. We will show you how to pick the perfect paint for your car’s plastic trim. You’ll learn about the best types of paint, how to prepare the plastic, and how to apply the paint like a pro. By the end, you’ll know how to give your car a fresh, new look. Get ready to make your car shine! Let’s dive in and discover how to make your car look great again.
Our Top 5 Paint For Plastic Car Trim Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Paint For Plastic Car Trim Detailed Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum 251574 Automotive Trim & Bumper Spray Paint
Rating: 8.8/10
The Rust-Oleum 251574 Automotive Trim & Bumper Spray Paint is a great way to make your car look new. This black spray paint is made to refresh your car’s trim, bumpers, and mirrors. It’s designed to stop rust and is easy to use. You can spray it from any angle! It dries fast and covers a good area. This paint helps protect your car from weather damage, too.
What We Like:
- It’s great for metal trim, bumpers, and mirrors.
- The paint stops rust to protect your car.
- It dries quickly, in about 20 minutes.
- One can covers a good amount of space (10-15 sq. ft.).
- The matte finish looks good and resists wear.
- The spray nozzle is easy to use.
- It matches many original car colors.
- This paint offers any-angle spray technology.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may need multiple coats for best results.
- The color match may not be perfect for all cars.
Overall, the Rust-Oleum 251574 spray paint is a solid choice for sprucing up your car. It’s a quick and easy way to make your car look its best.
2. CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of faded plastic and trim on your car? The CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer is here to help! This product brings plastic, rubber, and vinyl back to life. It’s easy to use and safe for your car. The kit includes an 8 oz bottle and a foam applicator.
What We Like:
- The results last for months! It keeps your car looking great.
- It survives rain! Water won’t ruin your hard work.
- It dries completely. No more oily, messy residue!
- CAR GUYS cares about quality. They make their products in the USA.
- They offer real customer support. They want you to be happy.
What Could Be Improved:
- (No cons are listed in the provided text.)
This CAR GUYS product is a great choice for anyone who wants to restore their car’s plastic and trim. It will help make your car look new again!
3. Dupli-Color ETB101000 Trim and Bumper Spray Paint – Black -11 oz. Aerosol Can
Rating: 9.0/10
Bring your car’s trim and bumpers back to life with Dupli-Color ETB101000 Trim and Bumper Spray Paint. This black aerosol paint is designed to give your vehicle a fresh, factory-like look. It’s easy to use and works on different surfaces. This paint is perfect for anyone looking to restore or refresh their car’s appearance.
What We Like:
- This automotive paint restores trim and bumpers.
- The flexible finish uses Fade-X Technology. This helps the color last.
- It’s easy to spray and dries fast. You can handle it in an hour.
- It works well on plastic, rubber, metal, and chrome.
- Dupli-Color has been making quality paint since 1938.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might need multiple cans for larger projects.
- The finish might not be as durable as professional applications.
Dupli-Color ETB101000 is a good choice for DIY car projects. It’s a simple way to improve your car’s look without a lot of hassle.
4. CERAKOTE® Ceramic Trim Coat Kit – Quick Plastic Trim Restorer – Ceramic Coating Guaranteed Restoration to Last Over 200 Washes – A Ceramic Coating
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of faded plastic trim on your car? The CERAKOTE® Ceramic Trim Coat Kit is here to help! This kit is a quick and easy way to restore your trim to its original, like-new look. It’s a ceramic coating, not a simple dressing. This means it bonds to your car’s plastic and won’t wash off easily. It will bring your trim back to life and keep it looking great for a long time. It will also protect it from sun damage.
What We Like:
- Doesn’t wash off! The coating bonds to your trim.
- Long-lasting! It can survive over 200 washes.
- Easy to use! You can apply it in under 30 minutes.
- Restores and protects! It brings back the color and helps prevent UV damage.
- It’s science! Cerakote uses real ceramic technology.
- Trusted brand! Cerakote is a leader in ceramic coatings.
What Could Be Improved:
- Application process can be a bit messy.
- Requires proper surface preparation for best results.
This CERAKOTE® kit is a great choice for anyone wanting to restore and protect their car’s trim. It is a reliable product backed by science.
5. SEM 39063 Gloss Trim Black Aerosol – 12 oz.
Rating: 8.7/10
The SEM 39063 Gloss Trim Black Aerosol – 12 oz. is a brand new product. It is a spray paint designed for trim. This paint gives a glossy black finish. You can use it on many different surfaces. It is sold in an aerosol can for easy application. If you need to make your car trim look new, this paint may be what you need.
What We Like:
- It is a brand new product.
- The glossy black finish looks great.
- The aerosol can makes it easy to use.
- It is made to be used on trim.
What Could Be Improved:
- We don’t know how long it will last.
- The price is not mentioned.
- It only comes in one color.
The SEM 39063 Gloss Trim Black Aerosol is a new option for car trim. It is easy to apply and gives a nice finish. You should check it out if you want to make your trim look better.
Level Up Your Ride: A Guide to Painting Plastic Car Trim
Want to make your car’s plastic trim look awesome? Painting it is a great idea! This guide will help you pick the best paint for the job.
What to Look for in Paint for Plastic Car Trim
You need the right paint! Here’s what to consider:
- Durability: The paint needs to last! Look for paint that resists chipping, cracking, and fading. Your car sits outside. The paint must be tough.
- Adhesion: Good adhesion means the paint sticks well. It should stick to plastic. Look for paint made for plastic.
- UV Resistance: The sun is strong! UV rays can damage paint. Find paint that blocks the sun.
- Flexibility: Plastic moves. The paint needs to move with it. Choose paint that’s flexible.
- Finish: Do you want matte, satin, or gloss? Pick the finish you like best.
Important Materials You Need
You need more than just paint! Here’s what you need:
- Paint specifically for plastic: This is the most important thing. It is made to stick to plastic.
- Primer (optional, but recommended): Primer helps the paint stick. It’s like a base coat.
- Surface Cleaner: Clean the plastic! Get rid of dirt, grease, and wax.
- Sandpaper: Sand the plastic lightly. This helps the paint stick better.
- Masking Tape: Protect areas you don’t want to paint. Tape off the rest of the car.
- Drop Cloths: Protect the ground. Paint can drip.
- Gloves: Protect your hands. Paint is messy.
- Paintbrushes or Spray Gun: Choose what you like. Spray guns give a smoother finish.
What Makes Paint Quality Better or Worse?
Some things make paint good. Other things make it bad:
- The right ingredients matter: Good paint uses good stuff. It has special chemicals to stick to plastic.
- Proper preparation is key: Clean and sand the plastic well. This makes the paint stick.
- Application technique is important: Apply thin, even coats. Don’t rush!
- The environment matters: Paint in a clean, well-ventilated area. Avoid extreme temperatures.
- Brand reputation: Some brands are better than others. Do some research!
User Experience and How to Use It
Painting plastic trim can be fun! Here’s how it works:
- Clean the trim: Wash it with soap and water. Then, use a surface cleaner.
- Sand the trim (lightly): This roughs up the surface. The paint will stick better.
- Mask off the area: Use masking tape to protect the rest of your car.
- Apply primer (if using): Follow the instructions on the can. Let it dry.
- Apply the paint: Use thin, even coats. Let each coat dry before applying the next.
- Let it cure: The paint needs time to fully harden. Read the instructions on the can.
- Enjoy your new trim! You did it!
You can use this paint on bumpers, mirrors, and other plastic parts. It can make your car look brand new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of paint should I use?
A: Use paint made specifically for plastic car trim. It’s designed to stick and last.
Q: Do I need to use primer?
A: Primer is not always needed. It will help the paint stick better. It is a good idea to use it.
Q: How do I prepare the plastic before painting?
A: Clean the plastic. Then, sand it lightly. This helps the paint stick.
Q: How many coats of paint should I apply?
A: Apply multiple thin coats. This gives the best results. Follow the instructions on the paint can.
Q: How long does the paint take to dry?
A: Drying time varies. Read the instructions on the paint can. Let it dry fully.
Q: Can I use this paint on other parts of my car?
A: This paint is made for plastic trim. Don’t use it on metal or other surfaces unless the label says you can.
Q: What if I mess up?
A: Don’t worry! You can usually sand off the paint and start again. Just be careful not to damage the plastic.
Q: How do I choose the right color?
A: Consider your car’s color. Choose a color that looks good. You can match the original color or try something new.
Q: What if the paint chips?
A: If the paint chips, you may need to sand the area and repaint it. You should try to find paint that resists chipping.
Q: Where can I buy paint for plastic car trim?
A: You can buy it at auto parts stores. You can also find it online.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hey there, My name is Joe Martin & I’m the author of OffroadersGuild.com. I’ve been hitting the dirt for a while now. I’ve been off-roading in all sorts of vehicles, from Jeeps to trucks and everything in between.
I’ve also built and modified a few off-road vehicles of my own, so I know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to upgrading and modifying off-road vehicles. I started this website to share my experience and help others get the most out of their off-roading adventures. Let’s hit the trails!