12 oz Back-to-Black Trim and Plastic Restoring Formula

Mothers 06112 Back-to-Black removes light oxidation, dirt, wax residue, and surface film with ease! Mothers Back to Black Trim and Plastic Restorer revives surfaces to a like-new color. It protects against further deterioration caused by sun, smog, ozone, water, chemicals, and airborne contaminants.

This product is sold as a bulk case of 6 squeeze bottles. Stock up your detailing shop or used for retail sale at car wash, gas stations, convenience stores, and more! Buy today!

Item Details

• 12-ounce squeeze bottles
• 6 bottles per case
• Cleans and revitalizes trim surfaces and other plastic
• Can be used on hard rubber and vinyl
• Not intended for glossy or painted surfaces
• Protects against future deterioration - defends against sun, smog, ozone, water, chemicals, and other airborne contaminants
• Can be used on all colors
• For additional information, including ingredients and safety information, please see the SDS sheet found under the "Manuals" section on this page

How to Apply Mothers Back-to-Black

Application of Back to Black is a relatively simple process, but it does involve a few important steps. Read the directions below to understand the optimal way to use the product. You can also watch a helpful instructional video in which Mothers Lead Chemist, Craig Brunett, demonstrates the entire process. Find that video on this page beside the main product image.

1. Start with a cool, clean, and dry surface.
2. Pour the product onto a soft, dry, and clean microfiber or terry cloth towel.
3. Apply product to the surface liberally, making sure to massage it thoroughly onto the surface. Do not allow the product to naturally dry without working it into the surface, as it may cause streaking.
4. Allow the product to dry.
5. Buff with a soft microfiber or terry cloth towel.
6. If any streaking occurs, reapply and rebuff as needed.

NOTES: To avoid getting wax residue on the surface being treated, apply Back to Black before waxing the vehicle. If you don't mask off areas like paint and glass that Back to Black is not intended to treat, make sure to quickly clean off any excess sling that gets on these surfaces to avoid unsightly streaking or film.

Pros and Cons of Back-to-Black

Pros

• Effectively darkens faded black plastics and rubber
• Hydrophobic 
• Cost-effective 
• Readily available
• Helps to remove scuff marks
• Lasts through a regular car wash
• Easy to use

Cons

• Will streak if you use too much
• Multiple back-to-back applications may be necessary depending on the condition of your rubber and plastic
• Needs to be reapplied about once or twice a month depending on car’s exposure to the elements

How Long Will Back to Black Last?

The viability of this product typically varies from a week to several months. In rare cases users find that it lasts 6 months or more. This is heavily dependent on several different variables, with these being the most important:

• Type of surface being treated
• If product was applied thoroughly using the correct method, with reapplication if necessary
• Weather conditions
• How often the vehicle is washed

The general consensus among users is that the product works well but should not by any means considered a permanent or long-term solution. Expect great results but also expect that the surface will need to be treated again within a couple months. For optimal results, follow the usage instructions above.

Can Plastic Trim on Vehicles Be Permanently Restored?

The reality is that there is no true permanent solution to restore plastic surfaces on vehicles. As long as they are exposed to UV rays and other elements, fading and discoloration will continue to happen. The safest method to address this issue is to regularly clean and treat the surface with a product such as Back to Black.

Some people use peanut butter, olive oil, linseed oil, and other oily substances as a plastic restorer. Although you may see very temporary results, this is not recommended because those materials attract dirt and grime. This will ultimately do more harm than good.

It is possible to use a heat gun to temporarily correct fading. The heat lightly melts the plastic to restore color. This method should be done with caution as it can cause permanent damage to the plastic.
Of course, you can also buy aftermarket trim to replace the old trim, but this is an expensive option and requires time-consuming, difficult installation.

Can You Use Black-to-Black Plastic Restorer on Interiors?

While Back-to-Black may work on some interior surfaces, it's not recommended for this use for a couple reasons. First, the product may produce fumes that are hazardous within enclosed spaces. For safety purposes you should avoid using Back-to-Black inside your car or truck. Second, the cabin of your vehicle has areas that are more susceptible to damage than exterior surfaces. Seats, dashboards, consoles, steering wheels, and other potentially vulnerable spots may experience irreparable damage if treated with an exterior product like Back-to-Black. Even if you target plastic, rubber, or vinyl, you may accidentally get product on surrounding areas that could be harmed. For interiors, consider a product like Mothers Protectant or Mothers Total Interior Detailer that are intended for such purposes.

What is the Best Black-to-Black Trim Restorer?

We offer three different Mothers Back-to-Black products for trim and plastic. They use the same basic formula with just slight variation. The 06112 Back-to-Black you're currently viewing is the original thick lotion formula that spreads easily onto surfaces. It works well for general purpose and larger areas but is slightly more prone to drip or spread onto areas you're not treating (which can be readily resolved with a quick wipe to clean).

The 6141 Heavy Duty Trim Kit includes a unique drip-free gel formula that clings to the plastic being treated. This is advantageous for stubborn areas and tight spots that require more intricate treatment. The gel formula is also helpful if you absolutely want to avoid getting the product on the area around the targeted surface. The package also includes a small trim brush.

6110 Trim and Plastic Restorer Aerosol Spray allows for more convenient application using a fine mist to coat the treated surface. Simply spray on and walk away! This treatment process is much easier than the other Back-to-Black products, although you may find it's not quite as effective for extremely faded or discolored plastic, and it likely won't last quite as long as the products you work into the plastic surface.

Does Back-to-Black Work on Tires?

Yes, the Mothers Back-to-Black Line has specific products intended for tires. Instead of the Trim and Plastic Restorer, you'll get better results by using a product like their 06924 High Gloss Tire Shine. For a more natural finish, consider their 06816 Satin Tire Dressing.

How to Remove Trim Restorer

If you need to remove trim restorer from plastic or rubber surfaces, start by using a clean, damp microfiber towel to wipe away as much of the product as possible. For stubborn residue, apply a gentle all-purpose cleaner or a mild detergent to the towel and carefully scrub the area until the restorer lifts off. Avoid using abrasive tools, as they can scratch or damage trim surfaces. Once the product is removed, rinse the area with clean water and dry thoroughly to prevent streaks or water spots. If any haze or excess remains, you may repeat the cleaning process as needed for a clean, bare surface.

How to Remove Polish from Plastic Trim

Polish residue on black plastic trim is a common issue, but it can be removed with the right approach. Start by using a clean, soft microfiber towel to gently wipe the affected area, loosening as much of the polish as possible. If residue remains, apply a small amount of all-purpose cleaner or a plastic-safe trim cleaner directly onto the towel, then work it into the trim using light pressure and back-and-forth motions. For stubborn polish build-up, a soft-bristled detailing brush can help lift the residue from textured surfaces without scratching. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, which can damage the plastic or leave it looking dull. Once the residue is gone, rinse the area with clean water and dry with a fresh towel to remove any leftover cleaner, restoring the trim’s original appearance. Regular maintenance with a trim restorer, such as Mothers Back-to-Black, can help prevent polish from sticking in the future.

Why Buy Back-to-Black in Bulk?

Buying in large quantities is beneficial for a variety of situations. If you operate a business that sells car care products, case sizing allows you to restock your inventory quickly. You decrease your chances of running out of stock and missing out on a sale!

Professional detailing shops rely on products like Mothers Back--to-Black to get their customers' vehicles in perfect condition. They go through a lot of product, so having a reliable supplier is crucial to running their business. To maintain their schedule and keep customers happy, detailers absolutely must have the proper chemicals and formulas on hand to complete their detailing process.

DIY car enthusiasts are incredibly devoted to maintaining spotless vehicles with meticulous cleaning. From just showing off in their driveway to organized car shows, taking care of their rides is a constant maintenance process. As such, saving a few dollars by purchasing detailing products by the case is a very attractive option.

For all of these circumstances, buying in bulk means your spending less money per bottle, and the savings are significant when you need a lot of product. Buying a case also saves you in shipping costs versus buying one or two at a time. Plus, you get several items in one shot and spend less time placing and tracking orders while dealing with fewer invoices.