Restore unpainted plastic
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
Restore unpainted plastic
I just got a 2003 F-150 XLT and I was going to get the stock chrome grill, but I think it would be too much chrome on the front. My stock plastic grill is structurally fine, but the black plastic weathered and turned gray (as outside plastic does). I've seen a lot of products in stores but I don't know what will work well and not need to be applied every few weeks to stay looking decent.
Does anyone have anything to recommend for this?
Does anyone have anything to recommend for this?
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 660
Likes: 62
From: Southeast Kansas
Well, the grill is plastic isn't it?? They sell that plastic paint, called FUSION about anywhere you go.
It's for plastic. It would take some work, and alot of masking tape, but I bet that it would take care of the problem.
It's for plastic. It would take some work, and alot of masking tape, but I bet that it would take care of the problem.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 50
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I got the Krylon Fusion paint today and it's working pretty well. Even though the can said it would work with temps 50 and up, it wasn't sticking outside this afternoon (thermometer said it was 57) so I had to do it inside and clear my upstairs for a few hours. It looks pretty good, though. I'll post a picture when it's finished drying.
I guess I'll have to wait until the spring to do the plastic gap filler between the bed and cab.
I guess I'll have to wait until the spring to do the plastic gap filler between the bed and cab.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 660
Likes: 62
From: Southeast Kansas
I'm glad the FUSION paint is working. Just a note about it, I installed some of those fake plastic shutters on my house about 5-6 years ago, and used the FUSION paint on them. The paint still looks good on them.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Oshkosh Wisconsin
I have a the same problem. Does the actually grille (faded part/ honeycomb) come out of the painted fascia?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
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I'm not sure about the honeycomb. My truck has the bar grill. Mine has a bunch of clips holding it to the chrome plastic trim piece.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
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I'm bumping this up as I want to know what color of Fusion Paint you used on your grill. How does it look today, any pictures? My Bar Grill came grey, and I'd like to keep it near the original color, Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 567
Likes: 1
Over 10 years ago I bought some expensive SEM Products flat black plastic spray & spray on pre-treatment (both specifically for automotive plastic) for a badly weathered dashboard. I pre-treated the dashboard and then put several coats of SEM on the dash. After 10 years cooking in the sun, this paint still looks new.
I have had my grill out for other work over the last few months & decided to paint its weathered plastic while I was at it. I still had the leftover SEM, and used it on my old 2001 grill, which has hanging on a clothes line. I washed it with Dawn dishwasher soap & hot water, rinsed it & dried it, then put about 6 thin coats on it. It looks better than new.
Those clips can be tricky to remove.
I have had my grill out for other work over the last few months & decided to paint its weathered plastic while I was at it. I still had the leftover SEM, and used it on my old 2001 grill, which has hanging on a clothes line. I washed it with Dawn dishwasher soap & hot water, rinsed it & dried it, then put about 6 thin coats on it. It looks better than new.
Those clips can be tricky to remove.
New User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Camp Pendleton,Ca
I used Mother "Back to Black" plastic polish and it worked great. Its easy to apply and works really good. took me about two hours to do my whole truck exterior. I did everything from the plastic on the back bumper, bed, and tailgate all the way up to my grill. I bought mine at O'Reilleys but Ive seen it at AutoZone and NAPA too, so Im guessing they have it at pretty much any auto store. And it was only like 9-10 bucks and the whole bottle did the whole '03 SuperCrew. Simple to use too, just apply, let dry and wipe off with a microfiber towel. Didn't have to remove anything.
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