Restoring Exterior Plastics Back to an OEM Finish
Exterior plastics are one of the first things to fade on a vehicle, especially in Australia, where the UV exposure is unforgiving. Even a clean, well-kept car can look tired if the exterior trims are grey, chalky, or washed-out. We see this constantly at Infinity Detailing Studio, and restoring these plastics back to an OEM finish is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make.
A lot of people try to fix faded trims with cheap store-bought dressings, but those products don’t actually restore anything. They just make the plastic look shiny for a couple of days before the fading returns. If you want a proper, long-lasting result, you need more than a temporary gloss. You need a full restoration.
This is exactly how we bring exterior plastics back to life in our studio and why this service makes such a big difference to the overall appearance of your vehicle.
Why Exterior Plastics Fade So Quickly
Exterior trims are exposed to constant UV, heat, chemicals, car wash detergents, and road grime. Over time, this breaks down the surface and causes oxidation. Once the plastic oxidises, it loses its deep factory colour and starts turning grey or chalky.
This is why your trims look dry even right after washing the car.
The problem gets worse if the vehicle is regularly washed with strong soaps or if low-quality detailing products are used. If you’ve ever accidentally applied polish to plastic and ended up with permanent white marks, that’s oxidation taking hold.
Proper plastic restoration isn’t just about appearance — it also protects the material from further UV damage.
How We Restore Exterior Plastics to an OEM Finish
This is the same process we use on vehicles featured on our Transformations page.
Step 1: Deep Cleaning and Decontamination
We start by thoroughly cleaning the plastics with dedicated trim cleaners and APC to remove built-up grime, wax residue, old dressings, tar, and contaminants that a regular wash won’t touch.
This step is crucial because any leftover contamination stops restoration products or coatings from bonding properly. If you skip the deep clean, the results won’t last — it’s as simple as that.
Step 2: Reconditioning the Plastic
Once the surface is clean and prepped, we apply a high-quality professional trim restorer. These products are completely different from the oily dressings you find in retail stores. They penetrate into the material, rebuild the surface, and restore the natural richness of the plastic.
This is the step that brings back that factory OEM look — not glossy, not greasy, just clean and new.
Step 3: UV Protection & Trim Coating
This is the most important step for long-term results. After reconditioning, we seal the plastics with a UV-resistant trim coating. This protects the surface from fading, prevents oxidation from returning, and keeps the restored colour locked in.
A proper trim coating can last 12–24 months, depending on how the vehicle is maintained. It’s the same style of long-lasting protection we use in our ceramic coating service.
How Long Do Properly Restored Plastics Last?
With the right prep and a professional trim coating, your plastics should maintain their OEM finish for at least a year. If you wash your car properly and avoid harsh chemicals, it can last closer to two years.
This is one of the biggest advantages of choosing professional restoration over quick-fix store products. You’re not chasing the look every few days — it stays looking new.
The Most Common DIY Mistakes People Make
People often attempt to fix faded plastics themselves, but most DIY attempts cause more harm than good. The most common mistakes include:
• Using silicone sprays that attract dust and fade quickly
• Accidentally getting polish on black trims, causing permanent white staining
• Overheating plastics with a heat gun
• Using household degreasers that dry out the plastic
• Applying trim products without properly cleaning the surface
DIY products simply don’t have the durability, UV protection, or actual restoration ability of professional materials. That’s why the results don’t last.
Why Plastic Restoration Makes Such a Huge Difference
Restoring plastics transforms the entire look of the vehicle. Even simple cars look significantly newer once the trims are deep, rich, and uniform again. Combined with a paint correction, the difference is night and day.
If you want to see real examples, check out our before-and-after transformations here:
https://www.infinitydetailingstudio.com.au/transformations
If your entire vehicle needs a full exterior refresh, our paint correction services pair perfectly with plastic restoration:
https://www.infinitydetailingstudio.com.au/paint-corrections
And for ongoing care, our maintenance detailing plans keep everything looking new:
https://www.infinitydetailingstudio.com.au/maintenance-details
Ready to Get Your Exterior Plastics Restored?
If your trims are faded, chalky, or patchy, we can bring them back to a deep, factory-fresh finish that lasts. No greasy residue. No temporary shine. Just proper restoration with long-term protection.
You can explore more of our work on the Transformations page or reach out to book your service anytime.
Book or enquire here:
https://www.infinitydetailingstudio.com.au/contact
