Can I use a heat gun to restore faded plastic trim?
Heat can temporarily darken faded plastic by bringing oils and pigments to the surface, but it is risky. Too much heat can warp, melt, gloss or permanently discolor trim, and the result fades again because the underlying damage has not been reversed. It should only be attempted by someone experienced, on suitable plastics. Cleaning and applying a trim restorer or coating is safer for most owners.
References
- Photodegradation, Wikipedia
- Radiation: The Ultraviolet (UV) Index, World Health Organization
- What Is the UV Index?, Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS, Germany)
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