The plastic that is around my exhaust is a lighter color that the rest of the plastic grey instead of black. What would I use to make it black again?

 

repaint it or coat it with fiberglass and then sand prep and paint matchin color... many have done it....

 

mother's back to black seems to be what most people use there.

 

collects alot of debris with that though but it works....

 

Back to black works wonders, but it is a little greasy... It works somewhat on the black windshield wiper arms too, but again, greasy.

 

I will try the btb are there any other choices for something more permanent ?

 

I'm looking for the same thing. I'm thinking of just repainting them.
I've used trim black spraypaint before. not on my car specifically. But it turns out pretty good.
I think I'm going to give it a try soon. Reason being, I polished my car and got polish on some of the plastics and the colors gone if that happens.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...88YQS9G1S5D340

this is the stuff I've used. just light, quick sprays and it'll get it back to good color

 

The black plastic trim is solid black throughout, right? How would polish remove the color? I got some synthetic wax (NXT 2.0) on some of the trim and it's been white ever since, even after washing with Dawn soap. Griot's Garage's Paint Prep didn't even work. But somehow Back to Black masked/got rid of it. It's no more work than waxing your car...

If you're intent on making it permanently black, you could try a vinyl dye that would pigment the plastic black. You might have to dye the entire thing since it might not match the stock color. I'm not too keen on "painting" an unpainted plastic trim piece.

 

if it's just leftover polish/wax, try rubbing alcohol, diluted maybe 1:5. Detailers will use it to strip oils leftover from polishes.

 

I've tried tons of cleaners and everything so far. It all stays the same color.
I'm pretty sure when polish gets worked into the trim plastics it discolors them. But... I'll give the rubbing alcohol a try. or maybe back to black

 

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will remove wax that dries onto plastic parts of your car. If they're really faded from abuse you could always pick up new ones as a last resort. Exhaust shrouds are $35 a piece usually, and very easy to replace.

 

I've use a heat gun on one of my vehicle's, but had to take the bumper off. It's a very delicate operation with the heat gun, but if you know how to use it and how long to use it it turns it black pretty fast, and our bumper was a grey color and with your nails when you scratched it it turned black. Just use caution with it.

 

Yeah that or replace them.

 

The discoloration is mainly on my side mirrors though.
but... where would you guys order exhaust shrouds from?
my drivers side shroud is cracked. and the only place I've seen them is rx8strakes or rotoryfx whatever it is now. and that would cost me $75 plus $30 shipping. kinda expensive..

edit: nevermind. did some research. looks like finishline performance has a good deal

 

+1

i actually have maquiers tire shine, which works great on tires, well it works so well on tires. i tried in on all the vinyl on the outside of the car. well guess who has the cleanest shrouds and winshield wiper tray stuff works amazingly and stays like that

 

i also used it on the windows and trims. and front lip, (no air dam). it works great and with mulitple coats as suggested it looks amazing and stays looking good. the stuff is like 7 bux at walmart

 

Protect the plastic, rubber, and vinyl with 303 Aerospace. That stuff is amazing...

 

LOL, I was so afraid of getting wax on the black plastic trim that I covered it all with painters tape before I waxed it. I think I will try the Back to black or Meguires tire shine though because it is pretty faded.

 

I use the same stuff i use to protect my dash. You will actually be surprised on the finish!

I first clean the black plastic with water/windex. Then spray rag with leather/dash protectant and rub in a circular motion. I also do this to my windshield wiper arms, and any black parts that are plastic. The difference is amazing!!!!!

I tried it on my Moms Mazda 6 first to make sure it wouldnt mess up the coating! lol It works GREAT!!!!

And we have that nasty Florida sun, and it works everytime!!

 

My theory is that the heat from the exhaust tips is the cause of the shroud discoloration. Any TSBs on this piece?

 

I find that that stuff leaves a greasy residue on any exterior plastic that it touches, and that just attracts dust like a magnet. It looks good for about a day, then I start to regret ever trying that, lol. Tried Back to Black and Meguiar's matte interior spray.

 

Meguiars insane tire shine.

 

I just took off the rear bumper and painted all of the black plastic with Krylon satin black. looks factory new after a few coats.

 

how did you get an even finish with a rattle can? i can understand the shrouds would be ok considering its a small section. but for me when i rattle can a large surface, it doenst look even when in certain light conditions. you can see the overlap when you do the paint streaks.

 

I just do very light coats and then sand between every 3 or so.