Recommended product to restore black trim and fender flares
- Thread starter iamslotman
- Start date
Tossing the plastic in the trash and replacing them with painted metal is the best long lasting fix.
Others have used 303 Protectant to help restore and bring back the black color.
Back to Black (Mothers or Meguier brands). Found at any auto store or WalMart.
WestCoastDan
JK Enthusiast
I just did a facelift on our '03 TJ. I had done this to the speaker pods last year and had debated using it on the 'exterior' plastic. I was concerned that it would peel, flake, fade, and generally look worse than before I did anything & that was holding me back.
But a year + into the rework on the usually exposed speaker pods convinced me to give it a try...
Believe it or not, Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric paint.
Spray can that you can get at your local auto parts shop.
Be sure to clean and possibly even sand and/or prime the fenders first, but a few good coats of this paint and the side steps, lower fender trim, front bumper filler, & front bumperettes all look NEW.
I'm even thinking about a coat or two on the mirrors now.
But a year + into the rework on the usually exposed speaker pods convinced me to give it a try...
Believe it or not, Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric paint.
Spray can that you can get at your local auto parts shop.
Be sure to clean and possibly even sand and/or prime the fenders first, but a few good coats of this paint and the side steps, lower fender trim, front bumper filler, & front bumperettes all look NEW.
I'm even thinking about a coat or two on the mirrors now.
Greene728
New Member
I use the 303 as well with good results. The best thing about it is that it isn’t greasy and holds up well. Now like most things, after a couple washes or heavy rains it may need another coat, but that’s gonna be the same with most anything except paint.
Limey's Girl
New Member
I swear by Trim Renew from Rugged Restore:
https://ruggedrestore.com/collectio...ducts/trim-renew-black-trim-restorer-featured
1 application still looks good after 2 years! I do it once every spring.
https://ruggedrestore.com/collectio...ducts/trim-renew-black-trim-restorer-featured
1 application still looks good after 2 years! I do it once every spring.
I've tried most of the products mentioned in this thread and still not happy with the results 
I want to remove and paint, but am afraid of breaking off the clips holding the fender (rear) on. Is there a safe way off removing them or will I have to buy new? I've got a clip remover. The plastic clips appear to be brittle
I want to remove and paint, but am afraid of breaking off the clips holding the fender (rear) on. Is there a safe way off removing them or will I have to buy new? I've got a clip remover. The plastic clips appear to be brittle
Acxman
JK Enthusiast
WestCoastDan
JK Enthusiast
Nothing can ‘restore’ the original color except new plastic, but I found a textured, black, spray paint at Home Depot that I used on the TJ splash guards, front bumper, running boards, etc. as well as several accessories/parts on my Harley and I’ve been very impressed with the way it retains the dark color and the adherence to both metal and plastic.
WestCoastDan
JK Enthusiast
This is the paint:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...alaxy-Protective-Spray-Paint-252303/202531398
This is the rear bumper and the splash guards:
(Dirt not included)
I’ll probably get a coat of this on the mirror heads and the window trim panels too… pretty much everything black will end up this color.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...alaxy-Protective-Spray-Paint-252303/202531398
This is the rear bumper and the splash guards:
(Dirt not included)
I’ll probably get a coat of this on the mirror heads and the window trim panels too… pretty much everything black will end up this color.
Is this your TJ? If so where did you find the end caps?
WestCoastDan
JK Enthusiast
Thanks, I like those. I removed the OEM ends, but didn’t like the look so put them back on. Now they both are bent, dented etc. from rocks. Looking for a way to close off the ends.