Blackening the bumper trim and mirrors.

[apexede30]

I recently tried some back to black for both my mirrors and the bumper trim, and I had a wierd epiphany. It worked great on the mirrors, not too great on trim. BUT! A "multi purpose lubricant" (aka wd40 type thing) turned both my old faded mirrors and my trim into a very good black? Is there any negative sideaffect of using wd40 or "multipurpose lubricant" to blacken the bumpers? It's been 4 days since I put it on, still black and shiny, and actually not greasy or anything. Please comment! Thanks for your time.

[egk2]

If you use WD40 on your trim, it will just end up running down th sides of your car when it rains.

Hit your trim up the right way with some SEM trim paint, it matches
factory trim and it's permanent which means no running.

There's no harm in using WD40 on your trim though.

[BUDNUNTA]

He cant paint them now. The WD will keep the paint from sticking. If it soaked in theres no way to remove it for paint. I use a Magic eraser and then 303 protectant to keep my moldings black. I only do it 3 times a year though. I hate shiny trim and tires. 303 protectant leaves a nice matte finish and protects the rubber.



Hunter

[AndrewBird]

The downside is that it will pick up any and all dirt and dust that touches it. Not to mention it will start breaking down the rubber if used repeatedly.

Do it the right way and paint, but good luck getting it clean enough to get the paint to stick.

[PiercedE30]

303 Ftw

[apexede30]

Cool stuff. No worries, in my experience this orange clean stuff I have takes care of lubricants pretty well. I only did 1 mirror, and front bumper trim. Thanks for the advice!

[AlarmedBread]

scotchbrite pad + soap and water, then SEM trim black.

I just did all my trim, grilles, etc. and it really makes a big difference in the overall look of the car. 2 cans is more than enough to do everything on the car.

[Majikal]

I accidently sprayed tire shine on my trim... it worked great. lol

[amdspitfire]

can the mirrors be brought back to life with the sem trim paint?

[CorvallisBMW]

Yes. Black shoe polish also works very, very well. My bumpers and trim look awesome, and it lasts for months. I only apply it once a year or so. They come out looking like new.