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.

[White_Comanche]

This Labor Day weekend I have finally started a project that needed the right temperature and enough time to tackle.

 

Last year during the election I had a bumper sticker on my back window that someone(s) with severe TDS could not handle.

 

So I took this as an opportunity to learn how to properly sand away key scratches. Followed by base color, clear coat, and finally polishing.

 

Take what you see below and imagine this level of deep scratches all the way around my CRV.

 

I feel sorry for whoever did this, because I'm not hurt in the least. This has been a FUN project so far.

 

 

[ghetdjc320]

A good solvent based ceramic coating is excellent for plastics, glass and paint . I get about a year out of it here on our extremely harsh conditions. I use Migliore but there are other great options. 

[White_Comanche]

After a few all-day-long days during this holiday weekend I finally got my CRV "finished". Sometime in the near future I'll polish the paint either by hand or by motorized tool.

 

Overall I'm happy with the results. I don't have an air compressor so I needed to go with rattle cans. It took 3 spray cans of base color and 2 cans of 2K clear coat. I could easily have used an additional can of clear, however.

 

Some areas are glass-smooth, while other parts have subtle orange peel. Not bad for working in a small garage with terrible lighting.

 

I also used this opportunity to fix prior paint damage and sun bleaching on the hood and roof as well.

 

MASKING

 

 

 

 

 

PAINTING & CLEAR COAT

 

 

 

 

 

[Pete M]

looks pretty good!   

[White_Comanche]

On 8/31/2025 at 12:39 AM, ghetdjc320 said:

A good solvent based ceramic coating is excellent for plastics, glass and paint 

Can you tell me the exact Migliore product you use? Looks like all quality stuff.

 

As I was using lacquer thinner to clean overspray today, I noticed my rags were turning black from rubbing the plastic... hence SOLVENT based.

 

Using the torch method generally works pretty well, but it does require repeat spot treatments. And the sheen still remains flat.

 

[NHMJXJ]

9 hours ago, White_Comanche said:

Using the torch method generally works pretty well, but it does require repeat spot treatments.

 

It also fatigues the plastic.   

 

I fell for the Garage Bulls product advertised on Facebook.  It works really well, but can't survive more than three washes.  I contacted them and they sent two

more bottles.  I use that on the bumper ends on my XJ, but I sprayed the body side moldings with RUST-OLEUM Trim & Bumper paint.  Looks natural and has

lasted 5 years without a need for touch up.