How to Restore Sun Damaged Plastic with Polytrol Colour Restorer

Over time, exterior plastic exposed to the elements, harsh UV rays and pollution, inevitably lose their vibrancy. Whether it is your car’s trim, garden furniture, composite front door, or downpipes and guttering, UV degradation causes plastics to turn dull, flat and chalky looking.

Replacing these items can be expensive and painting them is time-consuming and often prone to peeling. Fortunately, there is a simpler and more affordable solution – Owatrol Polytrol.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore why plastic fades, how to safely restore sun-damaged plastic without painting and step-by-step instructions for using Owatrol Polytrol to bring your faded surfaces, back to life.

Why does plastic fade in the sun?

Plastic polymers contain colour pigments that give them their rich hues. However, constant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks down these chemical bonds on the surface layer. Combined with rain, snow and pollution, the pigments fade, leaving behind a dry and dull looking oxidized layer.

While many surface cleaners or temporary sprays offer a short-term glossy sheen that washes away in the next rain shower, a true restorer needs to be able to penetrate deep inside the surface to restore the original colour, rather than just masking the damage.

What is Owatrol Polytrol?

Owatrol Polytrol is a deep-penetrating, oil-based colour restorer designed to bring dull and faded surfaces back to life. Unlike standard paints or temporary silicone dressings, Polytrol:

• Penetrates deep into the surface to re-wet the dried pigments.
• Leaves a flexible, long-lasting finish that will not peel or flake.
• Restores multiple surfaces, including plastics, gelcoats, GRP, fiberglass, bare metals and more.

(Note: Polytrol is suitable for use on all colours, but should not be used on white surfaces – as it is designed to restore pigments, rather than to bleach or whiten.)

Step-by-step guide: How to restore sun-damaged plastic with Polytrol

Restoring your faded exterior plastics is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for professional results:

Step 1: Clean the surface thoroughly

• The plastic must be completely clean and free of dirt, grease, mildew, algae, oils or any previous coatings.
• If mildew or green growth is present, treat it with a suitable mould remover or a 50:50 bleach and water solution, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Crucial Tip: Allow the surface to dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours before application. Polytrol requires a dry substrate to penetrate properly.

Step 2: Apply Owatrol Polytrol

• Work in manageable sections that you can complete within 10 – 20 minutes maximum.
• Apply a generous and liberal even coating of Polytrol by using a clean soft brush, or a clean lint-free cloth or rag.
• Allow the product to work for 10 – 20 minutes maximum, letting it saturate into the pores of the plastic.

Step 3: Remove excess and buff

• Do not allow the Polytrol to dry or form a sticky film on the surface.
• After 10-20 mins maximum, wipe away all excess oil using a clean, lint-free cloth.
• For a deeper shine, buff the surface gently with a dry, lint-free polishing cloth before the oil becomes tacky.
• Leave the surface to dry completely.

What can you use Polytrol to restore?

Polytrol is versatile enough for dozens of DIY and automotive applications around the home and garden:

• Plastic guttering & downpipes: Black uPVC guttering can turn grey or chalky. Polytrol quickly and easily restores a uniform dark tone.
• Composite doors & sheds: Great for rejuvenating faded exterior composite doors and garden sheds.
• Garden furniture & plant pots: Bring weather-beaten resin chairs, tables and planters back to their original colours.
• Vehicle trims & bumpers: Ideal for cars, vans and motorhomes suffering from sun-bleached bumpers, mirror casings and wiper cowls.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s)

Can I use Polytrol on white plastic?

No. Polytrol is a pigment restorer and is not suitable for white plastic surfaces. It works best on coloured plastics, composite wood, gelcoats and metals.

How long does an application of Polytrol last?

As Polytrol penetrates deep inside the material to work, rather than sitting as a temporary film on top, it provides long-lasting protection that won’t flake or peel. This often lasts for several months to even years, depending on location and weather.

Does Polytrol contain silicone, linseed, or teak oil?

No. The makeup of our products is commercially sensitive information, however, we can confirm that Polytrol does not contain any silicone, linseed or teak oil.

Can I leave Polytrol to work for more than 20 mins?

No. After proper preparation of the surface, Polytrol should be left to work for 10 to 20 minutes maximum. It is important that you do not let the Polytrol dry out and that all excess is removed to avoid creating a sticky surface.

Gallery

Plant pot

Guttering

Gas box

Car wiper blade

---

We hope you found this post on how to restore sun damaged plastic with Polytrol helpful. If you have any other tips, tricks or advice, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!

Want to keep up with all things Owatrol? Why not follow us on social media? You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest at @owatroluk or at the hashtag #owatroluk