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6 Best Plastic Restorers

Updated: Feb 20, 2024 4:20 PM
best plastic restorer featured image that shows the top three best tool models

The best plastic restorer we researched was easily the CarGuys Plastic Restorer. It features a patented formula that lasts for months after it renews, seals and protects both the interior and the exterior of an automobile, excelling with the restoring of black trim. The formula is waterproof and can survive heavy rain storms in addition to it being manufactured without harmful chemicals, making it safe to touch. Investing in the perfect plastic restorer will ensure that you can keep your top-rated tools in tip-top shape.

To help you find the best plastic restorers for DIY auto repairs or for a myriad of other uses, we have researched a multitude of top products, ensuring they were designed to restore luster and color to black trim as found in plastic parts throughout the exterior and interior of cars, in addition to motorcycles and boats. We also liked items that lasted a long time and those that boasted some form of waterproofing and protection from harmful UV rays, in the form of a protective coat. Keep reading to learn more about the CarGuys Plastic Restorer and the other items on this list.

Top 6 Best Plastic Restorers

 #1  CarGuys Plastic Restorer

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic restoration product, providing excellent results to the interior and exterior plastic of automobiles, with a patented formula that goes months without fading, in addition to being waterproof and free from many potentially harmful chemicals.

Pros
  • Easly lasts for up to 4+ months
  • Waterproof
  • Manufactured without harmful chemicals
Cons
  • Slightly small container, at 8 oz
  • Avoid applying to painted surfaces

The CarGuys Plastic Restorer is the best trim restorer that we researched, thanks to featuring a unique formulation that resists fading up to several months, in addition to being waterproof, so it does not lose its luster after heavy rain storms. We also liked that this product was manufactured without the use of potentially harmful chemicals and that the formulation dries rather quickly.

This is a slightly small container, however, coming in at just eight ounces, while some other products on this list ship in containers of 12 ounces or more. Additionally, we found that it could leave an oily residue if accidentally applied to painted surfaces, though it does wipe off easily with a cloth. To make sure the outside of your car stays rust-free, take a look at the best rust converter too.

 #2  Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships in a relatively large 12 ounce container which is enough for multiple uses, with a formulation that dries quickly, without leaving streaks, that is appropriate for use on plastic, vinyl and rubber.

Pros
  • Quick-drying formula for easy application
  • Large 12 oz container enough for dozens of uses
  • Appropriate for plastic, vinyl and rubber
Cons
  • Neglected areas may need multiple applications
  • Lasts around 2 weeks, which is decent but less than top pick
  • Not for clear plastic

This Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer is the best plastic trim paint we researched, thanks to featuring a formulation that dries quickly, without leaving streaks, and is appropriate for use on materials other than plastic, including rubber and vinyl, which comes in handy in multiple spots throughout an automobile. We also liked that the container is on the larger side, at 12 ounces, which is enough for multiple uses.

Though this product does a fantastic job at restoring sheen and luster throughout your vehicle, we found that the result only lasts around two weeks, whereas our top pick can last for months, if properly maintained. Also, if you are applying to neglected areas that have not been treated for a long while, you may need to perform multiple applications. With the best trim paint, all you’ll need is the best fine tip paintbrush, and your car will be transformed.

 #3  Carfidant Trim & Plastic Restorer

Award: BEST PROTECTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Water-based formulation that offers superior UV protection in addition to being appropriate for nearly any surface type, and shipping with an applicator that makes it easy to use.

Pros
  • Will never damage paint
  • Easy to apply, via included applicator
  • Water-based formulation does not degrade plastic and rubber
Cons
  • 8.4 oz container on smaller side
  • Avoid applying to leather
  • Great for adding sheen, but not so great at removing small scratches

This Carfidant Trim & Plastic Restorer is a fantastic product that excels on multiple surface types, including plastic, rubber and vinyl, in addition to providing superior protection against UV rays. We also liked that the water-based formulation does not damage paint, if accidentally applied, and protects plastic and rubber from the kind of degradation that occur from multiple uses. The included applicator was also extremely easy to use.

Though we found that a little of this product can go a long way, if properly applied, the container is on the smaller side, at just 8.4 ounces, whereas our top pick comes with 12 ounces of formula. Additionally, we found the water-based formulation could damage leather seats if accidentally applied, so be careful. If you want the outside of your car to look as nice as the inside, take a look at the best airless paint sprayer to get the job done.

 #4  Torque Detail Trim & Plastic Restorer Spray

Award: MOST EFFICIENT APPLICATION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely easy to apply, thanks to arriving in a spray container, with an environmentally friendly formulation that is waterproof and UV-resistant, in addition to removing oxidation.

Pros
  • Environmentally friendly formulation
  • Waterproof formula for added security
  • UV protection and removes oxidation
Cons
  • Not for carbon fiber materials
  • 8 oz container on smaller side

This Torque Detail Trim & Plastic Restorer Spray is a unique formulation that deeply penetrates plastic and quite literally changes the chemical formulation, allowing for a lustrous sheen. The product features no volatile compounds and, as such, is environmentally friendly and offers both protection from UV rays and the ability to remove oxidation. We also loved the included spray container, which we found particularly easy to use.

Though this product does a fantastic job with plastic, rubber and vinyl, it does not work on carbon fiber materials, which can be found on some dashboards. Also, the container is on the smaller side, at eight ounces, though we found the easy-spray applicator made up for this fact.

 #5  Lithium Auto Elixirs Trim Serum Plastic Restorer

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High quality formulation that lasts for months with a single application and offers superior protection from salt, debris and UV rays, in addition to adding luster and sheen to plastic, vinyl and rubber.

Pros
  • No oily residue
  • Clear formulation that is appropriate for any color
  • Protection from salt, debris and UV rays
Cons
  • On the expensive side, compared to other picks
  • Avoid fabric throughout interior

This Lithium Auto Elixirs Trim Serum Plastic Restorer is an extremely high quality product that offers excellent protection from salt, debris and UV rays, thanks to a formulation that forms a protective shield across plastic, rubber and vinyl. It lasts for months with a single application, helping to prevent surface aging, and the clear liquid formula makes it appropriate to use on any color plastic. If you have some persistent stains on your plastic, then you may want to use the best power scrubber.

This is an extremely powerful formula, however, so try to avoid coming into contact with fabric throughout the interior of your automobile, as it could streak or cause damage. Additionally, this item is on the expensive side, compared to several other picks. If you want to give your car a personal touch, get started with the best acrylic paint set.

 #6  Detail King Trim Kote Black Plastic Restorer

Award: LONGEST LASTING

WHY WE LIKE IT: Formulation that can last over a year before needing to be reapplied, the longest metric on this list, with an easy-to-apply design, a rich darkness finish and shipping in a large 16 oz container.

Pros
  • Largest container on list
  • Easy to apply
  • Holds up well with rain, car washes and hot sun
Cons
  • Dye formulation may not suit all consumers
  • Not clear clear or light plastics
  • Try not to allow product to freeze

This Detail King Trim Kote Black Plastic Restorer can last over one full year, and occasionally up to two years, thanks to a unique dye-based formulation that excels with restoring faded trim, plastic, cladding, and bumpers. It is easy to apply, needing just a small cloth, and holds up well with rain, car washes and hot weather. We also loved the large 16 ounce container, allowing for dozens of uses.

The dye formulation may not suit every consumer however, as it is rather dark and should not be used on clear or light colored plastics. Also, do not let this product freeze by leaving the container in the car during the winter months, as it can solidify, rendering it useless. For more quality tool products like this, then you need to read our guide to the best plasma cutter.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we researched these plastic restorers across a wide variety of surface types on and in a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and small boats. We made sure that each of the above formulas excelled with providing a lustrous sheen to plastic, vinyl and rubber, including trim, bumpers and multiple locations throughout both the interior and exterior of automobiles.

We also populated the above list with a number of black liquids and formulas that truly excel on dark and black plastic and clearer varieties that are appropriate for lighter plastics, including clear. We made sure that the above formulations kept their sheens for lengthy periods of time, with a minimum of one month and a maximum of one to two years.

As far as the elements, we ensured each of our chosen formulas did not fade due to heavy rain storms or car washes and we preferred items that featured some kind of UV protection, which comes in particularly handy during the summer months.

Finally, we preferred formulas that were relatively non-toxic and those that were easy to apply, often via an included applicator.

Best Plastic Restorer Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Materials
    You are going to want to choose a product that excels across a wide spectrum of surface types, including rubber and vinyl, in addition to plastic. This will ensure you’ll be able to treat your bumpers, dashboard, door handles and other locations throughout your car. If you have leather seats or fabric in your interior, you may want to ensure that the product you choose will not cause damage if accidentally applied to those materials.
  2. Rain and UV Rays
    Most of the above products offer some form of protection against rain and UV rays. It would do no good, afterall, if the treatment you so laboriously applied faded after one rainstorm. Look for formulas that are designed to withstand not only rain storms, but car washes and other water-heavy scenarios. Some of the above items can even protect against salt and debris build-up.
  3. Application Process
    Make sure the item you choose is easy to apply. Application methods differ, with some needing to be wiped on, and then off, with a cloth, while others come with applicator brushes. Some products, such as our number four pick, actually come in a spray bottle which can easily be sprayed throughout the interior and exterior of your automobile. As you apply the formula, be sure to avoid leather and fabrics.

6 Best Plastic Restorers Questions (FAQ)

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