Marcus RodriguezCar trim restorers5 products
If you want a permanent-style ceramic bond, go with CERAKOTE. If you prefer a professional-grade dye to hide deep damage, pick Solution Finish or ExoForma, while Chemical Guys and CAR GUYS are better for regular maintenance.
Severe fading on trucks and Jeeps
Quick routine maintenance
Long-term protection enthusiasts
Controlled application on textured trim
Professional-grade restoration
| Feature | ExoForma Black Trim Restorer | CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer | CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat | Chemical Guys Trim Restorer Gel | Solution Finish Black Restorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.95 | $23.99 | $16.88 | $19.99 | $33.99 |
| DurabilityCERAKOTE offers the most quantifiable longevity with its ceramic curing process. | 6+ months | Not listed | 200+ washes (winner) | Not listed | Long-lasting |
| Formula TypeSolution Finish uses a professional dye that actually repairs rather than just masking. | Dye-infused liquid | Gel-based dressing | Ceramic coating | Thick gel | Silicone-free liquid (winner) |
| FinishFor those who hate dust buildup, the dry-curing ceramic of CERAKOTE is king. | Gloss | Natural finish | Dry to the touch (winner) | Deep black | No wet look |
Severe fading on trucks and Jeeps
A solid dye-infused liquid that hides scratches well. It takes a full day to cure, so don't rush it.
Quick routine maintenance
A user-friendly gel that is easy to apply for beginners. It is better for maintenance than restoring dead plastic.
Long-term protection enthusiasts
The gold standard for longevity in this group. It uses ceramic chemistry to bond to the plastic instead of just coating it.
Controlled application on textured trim
A thick gel that stays exactly where you put it. Great for complex, uneven trim pieces.
Professional-grade restoration
This stuff is a shop favorite for a reason. It is a silicone-free dye that actually restores the pigment of the plastic.
When your plastic trim starts looking like a piece of drift wood, you have two paths: dye it or coat it. The dye-based options like Solution Finish and ExoForma are essentially painting the plastic back to life. They are incredible for hiding deep scratches and grey spots, but they require a steady hand because they can stain if you are sloppy.
On the other side, we have the ceramic warriors like CERAKOTE. These don't just sit on top; they bond into the surface pores. They aren't as good at hiding physical gouges, but they are the clear winners if you want something that won't run off the second you hit the car wash. The gels from CAR GUYS and Chemical Guys sit right in the middle, offering a nice boost that is easy to apply but generally won't survive as many wash cycles.
If you want the job done once and want it to stay for a year, stop buying thin dressings that wash away in the first rain. The ceramic kits change the surface chemistry of the plastic, which is why I prefer them for daily drivers. However, if your trim is truly nuked by the sun, you need a dye like Solution Finish to put the black back where it belongs before you seal it.
If you are dealing with severely faded trim, grab Solution Finish. It is the best way to get that factory-new look back. If you are just trying to keep your new vehicle looking sharp for the long haul, go with CERAKOTE. It is the most durable option here and keeps the dust off, which is a massive win in my book.
For those who just want an easy weekend detail, the Chemical Guys gel is the most user-friendly choice. Just avoid the cheap silicone sprays that turn your trim into a dust magnet.
Prices on amazon.com as of November 3, 2026. Prices may change.
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