How to clean the black "smile"?

[flightlead404]

The plastic black "smile" on top of the bumper under the front lip of my bonnet (trunk, hood) has whitish smears and smudges from prior waxing.

What's the best way to get this back to black and keep it that way?

[Tippy]

Soft toothbrush should work

[flightlead404]

Any sort of cleaner recommended? Just soap and water? What gets old wax etc out the best without damaging or leaving other discolouration?

[Tippy]

I'd do it dry.

[infraredcalvin]

A mild dishwashing detergent (Palmolive, dawn, etc) will break down the wax and help remove.

[krasuskyp]

If you've got any solar oxidation on it you can lightly sand it with 2000grit then hit it with exactly what you said... Back to Black (Mother's).

I opted to do mine this way last year instead of wasting $ on a new one, and it looks great.

[Tremelune]

Worst case scenario you can hit it with black vinyl dye. Goes on like spraypaint, but does not smell or flake off. Looks brand new when finished. Great for all trim bits, vinyl seats, unpainted bumpers.

Not good for plastic gas tanks, but that's another story.

[Tippy]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

Worst case scenario you can hit it with black vinyl dye. Goes on like spraypaint, but does not smell or flake off. Looks brand new when finished. Great for all trim bits, vinyl seats, unpainted bumpers.

Not good for plastic gas tanks, but that's another story.

I'd get all residue off first, or the dye may look blotchy.

[Tug68]

Back to black works great

[mreid]

Gumiflug (sp?)