How to repair black diffuser plastic?

[ft86Fan]

I got some scuff marks on my diffuser. What do you guys think is the best way to fix this? Initially I thought I can just spray the diffuser with Plasti Dip but its one piece with the bumper. Do you think using Forever Black or Mothers Back-to-Black will do the trick?

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by ft86Fan

I got some scuff marks on my diffuser. What do you guys think is the best way to fix this? Initially I thought I can just spray the diffuser with Plasti Dip but its one piece with the bumper. Do you think using Forever Black or Mothers Back-to-Black will do the trick?

Attachment 23024

Because of the texturing... I imagine it a PITA to get it to look new again...

[Perfections]

Look @ www.carpro-us.com and checkout "dlux" it's worked miracles on my customers cars that had scuffs and needed it darkened to hide it.

[ft86Fan]

Originally Posted by DaJo

Because of the texturing... I imagine it a PITA to get it to look new again...

Yeah. Don't expect it will look new. Can't believe its one piece with the bumper. I was hoping to replace it with an aftermarket diffuser

Originally Posted by Perfections

Look @ www.carpro-us.com and checkout "dlux" it's worked miracles on my customers cars that had scuffs and needed it darkened to hide it.

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Thanks for posting a pic so we can see what you're talking about

I don't think there is any 'fixing' it but a trim restore / protect type of product should darken up the entire piece and hide it

personally, after going through a number of these type of products, my top choice is ultima trim and tire guard.

Most other stuff on the market will run in the rain and not last very long. UTTG looks great and it beads water instead of streaking in the rain

I have not tried DLUX which someone mentioned above. I know that product has a following though. I'm happy with UTTG so haven't looked any further

[Rayme]

Try WD-40 in a small part..it's not made for this obviously but it does bring some plastic back to a shiny black - I'm not sure it's going to work there but hey, just a suggestion.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Originally Posted by ottopilot

Try WD-40 in a small part..it's not made for this obviously but it does bring some plastic back to a shiny black - I'm not sure it's going to work there but hey, just a suggestion.

I would not recommend doing that. there are products (many of them) designed for restoring / protecting trim. WD-40 is NOT one of them. I believe with repeated exposure you might discolor the trim

also, is WD-40 clear coat safe? I have no clue but high likelihood you'll get overspray on the paint

[Rayme]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sparkle

I would not recommend doing that. there are products (many of them) designed for restoring / protecting trim. WD-40 is NOT one of them. I believe with repeated exposure you might discolor the trim

also, is WD-40 clear coat safe? I have no clue but high likelihood you'll get overspray on the paint

Spray it in a rag and rub against the bad parts. It's not going to get worst.
WD-40 is paint and clear coat safe.

[CircuitJerk]

WD-40 is clear coat safe and won't ham the plastic.
It's primarily fish oil.
That's not the best solution since it will evaporate and rinse off easily with a car wash as most products will.
It's a good test to see if darkening the scuff would be an acceptable compromise.
The suggestion of the gel is a good one which lasts a long time and won't rinse off.
I discovered Meguires tire gel works wonders on old aging plastic by accident. Had a car with unprinted mirrors and accidentally touched one with the applicator. I used my fingers to rub it off and discovered the more I rubbed, the better it looked. Did that for both and they looked good as new for weeks.

PlastiDip is certainly an option to consider.
Sucks the diffuser is not a separate piece.

[CircuitJerk]

Ham? I prefer bacon....

[Rayme]

Originally Posted by CircuitJerk

WD-40 is clear coat safe and won't ham the plastic.
It's primarily fish oil.
That's not the best solution since it will evaporate and rinse off easily with a car wash as most products will.
It's a good test to see if darkening the scuff would be an acceptable compromise.
The suggestion of the gel is a good one which lasts a long time and won't rinse off.
I discovered Meguires tire gel works wonders on old aging plastic by accident. Had a car with unprinted mirrors and accidentally touched one with the applicator. I used my fingers to rub it off and discovered the more I rubbed, the better it looked. Did that for both and they looked good as new for weeks.

PlastiDip is certainly an option to consider.
Sucks the diffuser is not a separate piece.

That tire gel works good. I used to put that on the matte black OEM lip of my civic. Forgot about that!

[rawbz]

could try aerospace 303 which should give you a bit of protection over the entire piece as well? designed for vinyl and rubber but I've found success in really faded black plastics to bring back more uniform colouring

[serial gixxer]

Now you have excuse to dish out and slap an MV Designz carbon diffuser over it!

[Mr. Sparkle]

Originally Posted by rawbz

could try aerospace 303 which should give you a bit of protection over the entire piece as well? designed for vinyl and rubber but I've found success in really faded black plastics to bring back more uniform colouring

303 is on the list of exterior trim products that I tried, and retired for that use because it runs in the rain (303 aero is my top choice for interior stuff though)