If you require a quick answer, the best black trim restorer is the Gtechniq C4, which is a permanent solution that penetrates the trim for superior results. It’s also the longest lasting formula that’s designed to last up to 2 years. However, if you are on a tight budget, the Autoglym Gel is the best alternative that ticks all the boxes.
To rate the black trim restorers within this article, we based our recommendations upon testing, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the ease of application, protection duration, compatible plastic surfaces, finish left behind and value for money.
Best Black Trim Restorer Overview
- Best Overall: Gtechniq C4 Permanent
- Best All-Rounder: Autoglym Black Bumper & Trim Gel
- Best Back To Black: Meguiar’s Ultimate Black
- Best Value: Simoniz Jet Black
- Best Value Runner-Up: Sonax Extreme
- Best For Versatility: PoorBoys TR
Below is a list of the best black trim restorers that restore dull or grey plastic surfaces back to black.
The Best Black Trim Restorers
1. Best Overall: Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer
Gtechniq are a brand that offer premium detailing products and their C4 Permanent Trim Restorer is one of their most rated. Unlike other products that temporarily restore the trim, this formula is designed to last for at least 1 to 2 years.
The permanent restoration is made possible by the covalent chemical bond formed by the restorer. It’s able to become an extension of the plastic molecules, which produces it’s superior weather and UV protection qualities.
- Suitable for all exterior trim
- Available in 15 or 30 ml bottles
- Easy to apply using the supplied pad
- Lasts up to 1 to 2 years
- Requires 12 hours to cure
- Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives
Although expensive, the Gtechniq C4 is the ultimate trim restorer that’s easy to apply and able to restore any exterior plastic back to black. It’s worth pointing out that although the formula is only available in 15 or 30 ml bottles, it still goes along way because it only requires a few drops to the applicator pad.
2. Best All-Rounder: Autoglym Black Bumper & Trim Gel
The Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel is a popular option that’s made in the UK and perfect for most automotive plastic components. According to the brand, the formula is designed to clean and revive the original colour of the plastic trim as well as protect it against further weathering.
- Easy to apply via an applicator pad
- Creates a flexible protective barrier
- Suitable for all plastic trim colours
- Revives and protects
- May require regular application to keep the trim black (its original colour)
Overall, the Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel is the best trim restorer for the money that’s easy to apply and provides a “like new” finish. It’s also manufactured in the UK by a reputable brand for complete peace of mind.
3. Best Back To Black: Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Trim Restorer
By far the most popular black trim restorer in the UK is the Meguiar’s Ultimate Black. It’s not only designed to restore the trim and plastic back to black but it also provides long lasting UV protection too.
Another great benefit of this particular black trim restorer is the dressing that’s left behind after the application. It creates a rich darkness and shine that can’t be matched by any other product.
- Extended durability
- Non-greasy formula that dries fast
- Protects the surface from contaminants
- Prevents aging of the trim
- Increasing shine and leaves a rich darkness
- Finish may not be to everyone's taste
Overall, the Meguiar’s Ultimate Black is an excellent all-round black trim restorer that leaves a great finish to dull plastic trims. Although more expensive than the Autoglym alternative above, it does provide additional darkness and shine to the finish that many people may prefer.
4. Best Value: Simoniz Jet Black Car Trim Restorer
One of the cheapest black trim restorers in the UK that’s actually worth buying is the Simoniz Jet Black. It’s specifically designed to return bumpers back to black and reduce the appearance of scuffs or scratches. It can even be used as a tyre dressing, which can be useful if you want to add the finish touches to your tyres too.
- Easy to apply using a dry cloth
- Guaranteed results
- Doubles up as a tyre dressing
- Protects all exterior plastics
- May require regular applications to keep trim black
The Simoniz Jet Black is a high quality yet affordable black trim restorer that’s guaranteed to work. For the best results, it’s worth applying an extra coat of the restorer because this helps to reduce the appearance of scuffs or scratches.
5. Best Value Runner-Up: Sonax Extreme Black Plastic Restorer
Another relatively affordable black trim restorer that provides great results is the Sonax Xtreme formula. It makes use of nano-sized particles that penetrate the grained surfaces to provide maximum protection against weathering.
- Suitable for plastic trim, bumpers and mouldings
- Makes use of nanotechnology
- Effective upon all colours
- Seals and provides long lasting protection
- Tube requires slightly more effort to get the formula out
The Sonax Xtreme Restorer is an easy to apply formula that restores most plastic trims, bumpers and mouldings back to black. It’s also suitable for use on all colours, which is another great bonus of this particular trim restorer.
6. Best For Versatility: PoorBoys Exterior Trim Restorer
The PoorBoys trim restorer is an American made formula that’s ideal for use on a whole range of automotive surfaces. It’s one of the brand’s most rated products that produces a long lasting dressing that won’t disappoint. It also has the unique benefit of being suitable for use upon both exterior and interior plastic trim too.
- Patented UV absorber
- Suitable for exterior or interior use
- Doesn't leave a greasy or sticky finish
- Long lasting durability
- Ideal for bumpers, grained trim and so much more
- Relatively expensive when compared to other trim restorers
The versatility and excellent dressing that this trim restorer produces makes it standout from the competition. However, if it wasn’t for the price, it would be even more popular than it already is.
How We Tested & Rated The Black Trim Restorers
Black trim restorers are one of our favourite products to use because they provide instant and very clear results. We’ve tried and tested both premium and budget formulas upon a range of plastic trims over the years and gained plenty of experience using them. Therefore, along with our experience and hours of research, we were able to produce our list of recommendations above. Some of the factors that we also took into consideration included the ease of application, protection duration, compatible plastic surfaces, finish left behind and value for money.
As an example of how clear and instant the results are whilst using a trim restorer, below are some recent photos we took whilst testing a formula upon a neglected plastic cover.
Conclusion
Restoring neglected plastic trim is far easier than you would expect and any of the recommendations above can make a huge difference. Each of the restorers are suited to every budget and they can be applied using an applicator pad or dry cloth. For the best results, you want to ensure the plastic is completely clean and dry before applying the restorer.
