by Joshua Thomas
Plastic restorers are a convenient vehicle maintenance product as they help keep plastic trims in tip-top condition. What's more, these products are ideal for restoring and protecting various other materials such as vinyl and rubber.
With the best plastic restorers, you get a product that effectively replenishes the plastic parts of your vehicle to a like-new appearance. Better yet, these restorers protect against future damages, and they leave a protective layer that filters out harmful UV rays while also keeping dirt and water out.
If you are in the market for a product for restoring your plastic trims and other surfaces, here we help make shopping more straightforward with a review of some top-rated plastic restorers and a buying guide.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. CarGuys PR-8OZ (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Mothers 06112 (Best Inexpensive) |
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 | 3. TriNova FBA_33307 (Best Premium) |
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 | 4. Solution Finish SFB (Best for Black Exterior) |
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 | 5. Carfidant CARF-C304 (Best for All Surfaces) |
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 | 6. Cerakote R-TKIT1004 (Best Long-lasting) |
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 | 7. Meguiar's G16910 (Easiest to Apply) |
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The CarGuys PR-8OZ takes our top overall spot because, unlike other plastic restorers, it will protect your surfaces for several months. What's more, this is a versatile product that is ideal for interior and exterior surfaces and a wide variety of materials, including vinyl and rubber.
Because this plastic restorer includes some unique UV inhibitors, it will be very effective at preventing fading and ensuring the surface does not dry out.
The formula does not include harmful chemicals like petroleum distillate and silicone to ensure it will be safe for both the environment and the users.
Many motorists also appreciate that this product comes in a nice bottle designed to ensure the application is more straightforward. And the finish that you get makes this an even better buy as it will be dry to touch and with no oily or greasy mess.
While this plastic restorer could be more water-resistant, it still holds up quite well against the rain when applied correctly. The low quality of the provided sponge should also not be a big concern as it still gets the job done, and you can always use a microfiber cloth if you have one.
Pros
Cons
Since the Mothers 06112 comes at a more affordable price tag, it will be ideal if you do not want to spend a lot of money maintaining and restoring the vehicle's exterior. This plastic restorer is also safe for use on all colors, and it works for a variety of exterior surfaces, including bumpers, molding, and door handles.
With this product, you have an effective solution for cleaning and restoring your surfaces, and it always leaves the color looking new. Also, it protects against further deterioration of the trim due to water, chemicals, or the sun's rays.
Application is straightforward as this product comes with a free applicator and it will get rid of any light oxidation, dirt, or surface films without requiring too much scrubbing from you.
This product still seems to be a little oily after application. Also, it appears to require relatively more frequent reapplication as it is not very long-lasting. But, for such an affordable product, these are things you can overlook.
Pros
Cons
Anyone looking for a premium-quality trim and plastic restorer will love the TriNova FBA_33307. What makes it such an outstanding product is that it effectively protects the surface from the natural elements to ensure it does not show signs of aging.
The advanced formula ensures that with this restorer, you get protection from the rain, dirt, and salt by creating a protective coating over the surface. Hence, you will never have to worry about preserving the vehicle's shine.
Besides restoring the shine in the trims, the formula will also be effective at darkening surfaces to revitalize them. And it does all this without leaving some annoying streaks behind. Better yet, it is also relatively easy to apply, and it comes with a free applicator.
This TriNova plastic restorer seems a little oily, but it still works fine, and with enough buffing, this will hardly be an issue. Although it can also be quite messy during application as it seems to ooze from the bottle, the results are worth it.
Pros
Cons
Solution Finish SFB is a highly effective black plastic restorer for cars that will leave the black surfaces in the vehicle looking new again. It works for black plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces. Better yet, it is suitable for use on various vehicle parts such as bumpers, window trims, and mirrors.
This product has a potent formula that will restore and condition, renew and protect the black surfaces.
Better still, it will leave the surface with a deep black matte finish with no greasy shine or a wet look to ensure a more attractive look. You do not need to reapply it very often as this restorer offers protection for several months.
There is only 1 ounce of product in the bottle, and this plastic restorer is also relatively expensive, given the smaller quantity. However, a little of it goes a long way, and the fact that it is more long-lasting ensures you still get value for your money. Better yet, you can always go for the 12-ounce Solution Finish SFB-12 bottle if you need more of this fantastic product.
Pros
Cons
Whether you want to clean plastic, vinyl, or rubber surfaces, the Carfidant CARF-C304 should serve you well as it is suitable for restoring different surfaces. This plastic restorer is ideal for interior and exterior surface use and can work on various vehicle components, including bumpers.
The water-based formula is more eco-friendly to ensure it is safe for the environment and will not harm the user or vehicle's paintwork in case of an accidental spill.
Once applied, this restorer protects surfaces from UV rays and road grime to ensure your vehicle looks neat and clean. And it is dry to the touch after application with no greasy or oily residue.
This plastic restorer seems to last for just a couple of weeks on a regularly used vehicle. But, a simple touch up is often enough to bring back the pleasant look. Because it comes as a cream, it will take more time to apply, but the process is still relatively easy.
Pros
Cons
Cerakote R-TKIT1004 is a unique ceramic coating that will give your surfaces a more long-lasting coat to ensure maximum protection. With this plastic restorer, you are sure to get protection for up to 2 years or at least 200 washes.
This product restores and protects your surfaces, and it is simple to apply. For the application, you only need to use the pre-moistened wipes to rub the product over the trim.
Once dry, this ceramic coating leaves you with a dry to the touch surface that will not streak and is not oily or greasy.
The only notable drawback with this ceramic-based plastic restorer is that it can be hard to remove if you need to, as it is very hard once dry. However, a little sanding or using things like thinner and rubbing alcohol should help you with this.
Pros
Cons
With the Meguiar's G16910, you get a quick and easy-to-use product as it comes in an aerosol spray bottle. To apply the plastic restorer, you only need to hold the can about 6 inches away from the surface and spray a thin but even coat. And it dries quite fast without leaving a greasy look or streaking.
This plastic restorer formula provides outstanding UV protection so that the sun's rays will not damage the surfaces or cause them to fade and discolor.
Once you have this product on your plastic, rubber, or vinyl surface, it will give them a like-new look. What's more, it works on different vehicle surfaces such as bumpers, door handles, mirror housings, and windshield cowlings.
While it is possible to overspray with this aerosol bottle, you should be okay if you follow the instructions. Because this product is a clear coat, it is not very useful when you want to darken your plastic surfaces, but given the pleasant look it leaves, this should not be a deal-breaker.
Pros
Cons
When choosing a plastic restorer, whatever you buy should be compatible with the specific surfaces you want to restore.
Besides being compatible with the material, the product needs to be suitable for use on the color of your vehicle. For example, the Solution Finish SFB is specifically for use on black surfaces, while the Turtle Wax 50601 is ideal for all colors.
Also, some are only good for restoring plastic trims, while others like the CarGuys PR-8OZ will be ideal for other materials like vinyl and rubber.
The level of protection is also vital when it comes to choosing the best plastic restorer. While some products only clean and help bring back the lost shine, others provide long-term protection to prevent future deterioration of the surface.
For example, the Mothers 06112 has a formula that will provide long-lasting protection from elements like UV rays, airborne contaminants, smog, and chemicals.
With that said, any plastic restorer you choose should at least offer protection from UV rays, water, and dust or dirt.
No matter how good a plastic restorer might be, it will still not work well for you if it takes a lot of effort to apply. Therefore, when choosing one, you need to look at the ease of application as you do not want to have to spend several hours a simple task like this.
A plastic restorer with an applicator such as a microfiber cloth or sponge will be easier to apply than one that does not include either. But, an aerosol spray can also make the restorer easy to use. Some clear directions on what you need to do during the application also help a lot.
Another effective way of telling how easy a plastic restorer will be to use is by reading reviews by other customers that have used the product.
The finish that you get with plastic restorers also varies from one product to the other. While some leave a wet-looking glossy finish, some give you a matte appearance.
When it comes to the finish, it is all about your preferences or the look you want to achieve. But, you also want to make sure the finish will match the specific surface you are restoring.
A dry to touch finish is also more preferable as it does not rub off on your skin and does not allow debris to stick. Lastly, make sure the restorer does not leave an oily or greasy mess.
A: No, plastic restorers can work on any vehicle with plastic trims and other plastic, vinyl, or rubber components from vans to trucks and SUVs. What's more, you can even use these products to restore surfaces on motorcycles and RVs.
A: Yes, applying a plastic restorer on your vehicle's surface will strip off the wax as you have to rub it in. However, it replaces the wax with a protective layer that shields the trim from dirt, dust, and UV rays. That said, any accidental plastic restorer spills on the vehicle surface are unlikely to strip off the wax provided you do not rub it off firmly.
A: This depends on the type that you are using and its quality. Some will last for as little as a couple of weeks, while others offer protection for several months. But also note the environment the car is subjected to affect how long the restorer lasts. Vehicles that are subjected to the sun a lot and harsh driving conditions will require more frequent reapplication.
CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer - Guaranteed Restoration to - Walmart Link
Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer - Walmart Link
Carfidant Trim & Plastic Restorer - Restores Faded and Dull Plastic, Rubber, Vinyl Back - Walmart Link
Lithium Auto Elixirs Trim Serum- Plastic Restorer- Restores Even The Most Damaged - Walmart Link
Chemical Guys TVD_107_16 V.R.P. Vinyl, Rubber and Plastic Non-Greasy Dry-to-the-Touch - Walmart Link
the 12-ounce Solution Finish SFB-12 bottle - Walmart Link
With the Meguiar's G16910 - Walmart Link
the Solution Finish SFB - Walmart Link
the Turtle Wax 50601 - Walmart Link
the more affordable Mothers 06112 - Walmart Link
CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer - Guaranteed Restoration to - eBay Link
Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer - eBay Link
Carfidant Trim & Plastic Restorer - Restores Faded and Dull Plastic, Rubber, Vinyl Back - eBay Link
Lithium Auto Elixirs Trim Serum- Plastic Restorer- Restores Even The Most Damaged - eBay Link
Chemical Guys TVD_107_16 V.R.P. Vinyl, Rubber and Plastic Non-Greasy Dry-to-the-Touch - eBay Link
the 12-ounce Solution Finish SFB-12 bottle - eBay Link
With the Meguiar's G16910 - eBay Link
the Solution Finish SFB - eBay Link
the Turtle Wax 50601 - eBay Link
the more affordable Mothers 06112 - eBay Link
Plastic restorers provide a simple but still highly effective solution for bringing back the shine and protecting your aging plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces. If you are in the market for the best plastic restorer, our review provides enough recommendations.
To make your buying decision an easier one, the CarGuys PR-8OZ is our best overall plastic restorer as it offers more long-lasting protection, works on various materials, and has superior UV protection.
But, for motorists looking for something inexpensive but still useful enough at restoring and protecting surfaces, the more affordable Mothers 06112 is our recommendation.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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