How to Restore Faded Trim & Plastics – Using All Dressed Up
Nothing makes a car look older than dull, gray trim. The good news is that restoring faded plastics and rubber is easy with the right process. In this guide, you’ll learn how to restore trim to a fresh, factory look using All Dressed Up, the water-based dressing that leaves an OEM matte finish without greasy shine.
Restore & Protect Trim the Right Way
All Dressed Up brings faded trim, plastics, and rubber back to life while adding protection against UV and future fading. No grease. No sling. Just clean, factory-style results.
Why Trim Fades
Plastic and rubber components are constantly exposed to harsh elements. Over time, they lose their natural oils and start to look gray. The main causes include:
- UV Damage: Sunlight dries out plastics, causing discoloration.
- Oxidation: Plastics break down and lose their depth of color.
- Chemicals & Road Salt: Harsh soaps, cleaners, and winter salt speed up fading.
Fortunately, fading isn’t permanent. The right cleaning and dressing products can quickly restore that rich, factory-black look.
Tools & Products You’ll Need
- All Dressed Up – the main trim restorer and protector.
- Scrub Buddy Pads – for cleaning textured plastics.
- Microfiber Towels – for wiping off excess.
- Detailing Brush (optional) – for reaching tight crevices.
Step-by-Step: Restoring Trim
- Clean the Surface: Use a Scrub Buddy Pad and safe cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and old residues.
- Dry Completely: Ensure trim is fully dry before applying dressing.
- Apply All Dressed Up: Dispense a small amount onto a foam applicator and spread evenly across the trim.
- Work It In: Use circular motions to massage the product into textured areas.
- Buff Away Excess: Wipe lightly with a microfiber towel to leave a uniform finish.
Maintaining Restored Trim
Keeping trim looking fresh is simple if you maintain it properly:
- Reapply All Dressed Up every 4–6 weeks.
- Wash with pH-balanced soaps like The Super Soaper.
- Avoid harsh degreasers or silicone-based dressings.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the cleaning step—dressing won’t bond to dirty trim.
- Using greasy silicone dressings that attract dust and cause sling.
- Overloading the applicator—thin, even coats last longer.
FAQs
Does All Dressed Up permanently restore trim?
No. It restores the look and protects against further fading, but reapplication is needed every few weeks.
Can I use All Dressed Up on interior plastics?
Yes—it’s safe on interior and exterior plastics, vinyl, and rubber, leaving a natural matte finish.
Will it sling if I use it on tires?
No. All Dressed Up dries quickly and leaves an OEM matte finish with no greasy residue or sling.
Final Verdict – All Dressed Up is the Trim Solution
Faded trim doesn’t have to ruin the look of your car. With All Dressed Up, you’ll restore plastics, vinyl, and rubber to a clean, factory look—without shine, streaks, or mess. Keep your trim looking new with regular applications and safe washing habits.
