If you have faded garden furniture that’s lost its colour and charm after a few seasons in the sun, you’re not alone. From intense UV rays in the summer, to damp, cold winters, the British weather can quickly leave anything left outdoors looking tired, faded and grey.
But don’t rush out to replace it just yet! There’s a much simpler and more cost-effective solution: Owatrol Polytrol Colour Restorer.
Recently we took on the job of restoring a faded uPVC, rattan effect garden trunk that had become dull and grey after exposure to the elements. Using Polytrol, we restored it to its original deep black finish with no painting, no special tools, no mess and in no time at all.
🎥 Watch our short video below to see the transformation!
Before & After: See the Difference
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and when it comes to Polytrol, that’s absolutely true!
- Before: Looking faded, tired and grey
- After: A deep black, rich finish, that looks like new!
Here’s how we did it and how you can too.
What is Polytrol?
Polytrol is a deeply saturating, oil-based colour restorer that brings a wide variety of faded surfaces, such as plastics, metals and fibreglass, back to life by restoring their original appearance. Polytrol works by re-wetting and reviving the dried out pigments, bringing back the richness of the original colour.
It’s perfect for use on garden furniture, guttering and downpipes, uPVC window frames, composite front doors, car bumpers and trims and of course – plastic storage boxes!
The Problem: Faded, Sun-Exposed Plastic
Exposure to UV light and rain had bleached the plastic, transforming it from a rich black to a faded and aged looking grey. Structurally, the box was still sound with no cracks or damage, but visually, it was letting the garden down.
Step-by-Step: Restoring the Box with Polytrol
Step 1: Clean the Surface Thoroughly
We started by giving the storage box a good clean with warm soapy water to remove surface dirt and any built-up grime. A soft brush was used to scrub into the crevices and corners.
Once clean, we rinsed it thoroughly with a hose and allowed it to dry for 24 hours to completely dry. This step is important as any dirt or moisture left on the surface can affect how well Polytrol penetrates into the surface.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra stubborn dirt or mildew, Owatrol’s Net-Trol cleaner and brightener can be a great prep product – even for plastics.
Step 2: Apply Polytrol
Using a clean and dry brush, we applied an even coat of Polytrol across the surface of the storage box, ensuring it was well covered. Immediately, the dull grey plastic began to darken and the original black started showing through.
We left the product to work its magic for about 15 minutes. You can leave it on for anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes maximum, depending on the level of fading.
Step 3: Wipe Off the Excess
Before the Polytrol dried, we wiped off the excess with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. We cannot stress how vital this step is.
Polytrol should not be applied and left – this is because it works by restoring the pigments within the surface, not by creating a film or barrier on top of the surface. As such, any excess left on the surface after 20 minutes can leave a tacky residue – which is not only unsightly, but also difficult to remove.
Step 4: Leave to Dry
Finally, we left the trunk to dry fully for several hours in a shaded area. The end result was a restored, sleek black finish that looked almost brand new.
Why Choose Polytrol?
✅ Fast and Easy to Use – no need for time consuming sanding or priming
✅ Long-Lasting Results – resists further fading from UV exposure for around 12 months
✅ Versatile – works on plastic, GRP, metal, composite wood, UPVC, stone and more!
✅ Eco-Conscious – reduces waste by restoring rather than replacing
Ideal for the Garden
Outdoor furniture, accessories and fixtures take a beating from our ever-changing weather. Polytrol is a great investment for anyone looking to refresh and revive their outdoor spaces, without splashing out on new equipment.
So, before you spend hundreds or even thousands of pounds replacing, try restoring first. Polytrol offers a quick, affordable and highly effective way to bring life back to any weathered surface.
We hope you found this post on restoring a faded garden trunk interesting! If you have any other advice or top tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
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About Owatrol Team
Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.
