How to restore a faded rubber bumper?

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Geronimo - 02 Jun 2005 18:02 GMT

Our Lumina van has a very faded-looking rear bumper. I can spray it
with Armor-All and it looks fairly new/black again, but it only lasts
a couple of days. Is there anything that restores the black color of
rubber more permanently?l

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James C. Reeves - 03 Jun 2005 02:18 GMT

It *IS* the Armor-All that has caused that "wash-out" and "weathered" look.
Been there...done that! When I bought the 1997 Caravan I have now, I swore
never again use Armor-All on ANY vinyl surface. The dash still looks brand
new (all my other cars had cracked dashes by now..but there were sure
shiny!). The vinyl bumpers still look new too (all my other cars had washed
out looking bumpers by now). The secret? Use ONLY plain warm water and a
sponge to clean those surfaces. Never soap...not even a vinyl cleaner! IF
there is a tough dirt/scuff spot that needs to come out, use "Mr. Clean
Magic Eraser". But be careful, don't rub too hard with that product.

> Our Lumina van has a very faded-looking rear bumper. I can spray it
> with Armor-All and it looks fairly new/black again, but it only lasts
> a couple of days. Is there anything that restores the black color of
> rubber more permanently?l

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MisterSkippy - 03 Jun 2005 12:28 GMT

>Our Lumina van has a very faded-looking rear bumper. I can spray it
>with Armor-All and it looks fairly new/black again, but it only lasts
>a couple of days. Is there anything that restores the black color of
>rubber more permanently?l

Many years ago my father had a Chevy with a black vinyl roof that had
faded. I used a product called Color Back or Color Black to refresh
it. Worked well and lasted a long time, IIRC.
FWIW
YMMV
DFB

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