A question I’m often asked is how to revive faded black automotive exterior trim, especially plastic and rubber parts that have stained and whitened from winter salt and summer sun.

Believe me, over the years I’ve tried most everything on the market, and typically the results from available products last for a day or two, or until it rains. I used to like Turtle Wax’s Black Chrome, but that’s no longer available. Another product, Mother’s Back to Black, looks good at first but doesn’t last.

Forever Black car care products use a black pigment and dye to get the job done. The results from this small, California-based manufacturer are superior to products that I’ve tried from large, mainstream companies.

Forever Black President Merrick Browne says that owners of current generation Mini Coopers are particularly happy with the Forever Black Bumper and Trim Reconditioner. Mini owners will know that their cars feature a matte, plastic trim that finishes the fenders, sills, grille and rear bumper. This trim is particularly susceptible to fading and staining, and can be difficult to revive.

Before treatment (top) and after treatment. Click image to enlarge

According to the product description, the $10.95 (US) Forever Black Bumper and Trim Reconditoner is “Designed to permanently recolour and protect all black plastic, vinyl and rubber surfaces on your car.” It is also billed as “Environmentally safe, non-flammable, and without silicone.”

The product consists of a cleaning concentrate (you mix one part cleaner to four parts water) and a reconditioning solution applicator. After the cleaned trim dries, you use the sponge applicator to evenly distribute the reconditioner as required. The instructions recommend taping off the trim pieces, to prevent the black solution from marking paint.

The results are very satisfactory. After trying this product myself, the trim pieces on my car are indeed reconditioned, and have stayed that way for over a month. There’s enough reconditioner to treat three or four cars.

Forever Black also makes a black vinyl convertible top reconditioner, a black tire gel with applicator (which also works very well), and a black bed liner gel with applicator for your truck.

Interested Canadians will have to order Forever Black products online, as there are no distributors here. Check the company website at www.foreverblack.net for locations.