Daily Driver Love

[White_Comanche]

INTRODUCING A NEW COMMUNITY TOPIC

 

Starting out, I gave my 2002 Honda CRV EX some much needed TLC. Spent most of the day cleaning her up. Thoroughly vacuuming, washing, detailing, etc.

 

This time I rejuvenated all the black plastic with the torch method. All plastic that is now black used to be either light grey or almost white. Head light lenses were also restored with hand buffing.

 

That's just bare black plastic... no protectant applied. It's a night and day difference.

 

 

 

 

 

[Salvagedcircuit]

Nice! I think you have to re-coat the headlight lenses with something (probably a UV protecting spray) or they become translucent again in short notice. Not sure exactly what agent to use though.

[White_Comanche]

Thank you!  This time I used a new product called PowerPlastic 4Lights by Mothers. Along with foam applicator pads, tape and elbow grease.

 

I have needed to do this 2 or 3 times per year.

 

This product is supposed to provide UV protection.

 

Prior to this I just used a scratch remover intended for paint, and the lenses for sure yellowed in a few months. We'll see how they keep up now.

[75sv1]

I used Cerakote. Sold at Walmart. Seems to work OK. There is a 2 part clear coat that some say is good. A bit expensive though. 

[pizzaman09]

On 6/2/2025 at 4:03 PM, 75sv1 said:

I used Cerakote. Sold at Walmart. Seems to work OK. There is a 2 part clear coat that some say is good. A bit expensive though. 

Cerakote is good stuff, it holds up much better than most products I've come across for black trim.

 

 

 

The CRV is looking great!  I forgot that those trim pieces were supposed to be black.

[White_Comanche]

8 hours ago, pizzaman09 said:

The CRV is looking great!

Thank you! Wish I knew this torch method years ago, because my front fascia is not original. The piece installed at the factory began looking very chalky so I replaced it with aftermarket. This method would have easily restored it back to condition.

[James92]

13 hours ago, pizzaman09 said:

Cerakote is good stuff, it holds up much better than most products I've come across for black trim.

I bought some to use on my fender flares a month or two ago and haven't gotten around to it yet. I saw some reviews that applying it can be iffy and leave streaks. Have you used it and had any issues?

[White_Comanche]

1 hour ago, James92 said:

I bought some to use on my fender flares

If I presume you mean your MJ flares... yes, try the Cerakote FIRST. Wouldn't want you to damage your plastic. It took me several attempts to understand how to blacken my CRV trim (permanently).

 

No, I've not used that product, but have watched some videos, and heard some things about ceramic coatings. If I'd have to guess, its all about having it well washed and cleaned, while being in a cool area, and employing a smooth application technique. 

[pizzaman09]

9 hours ago, James92 said:

I bought some to use on my fender flares a month or two ago and haven't gotten around to it yet. I saw some reviews that applying it can be iffy and leave streaks. Have you used it and had any issues?

I've used it once, on an 03 Ford Expedition lower plastic.  It wasn't streaky.  Specifically used the Cerakote wipes.  Definitely follow the instructions, it's a very strong chemical product.