Kick panel restore - paint, dye, or protectant ???

[DAVEN1256]

My black kick panels are in good shape but the surface has turned a dried out chalky gray color.

I am wondering the best way to get them back to their original dark black, satin finish.

I know there are dyes and special paints for interior plastic parts. I am wondering though if all they need is a good dose of vinyl protectant such as Armorall or 303 Aerospace Protectant.

In my picture below, the kick panel on the right had water sprayed on it and you can see how much that darkens it down. It looked the same as the one on the left before spraying it. That's what make me think soaking it in protectant might work.......But then I would be concerned that if the protectant didn't work as good as I wanted it to, paint or dye wouldn't adhere to it afterwards.

Thanks......Dave

[Kelley W King]

I did mine with rattle can interior dye from local paint store. I cannot remember the name of it but I remember it said for vinyl or cloth which surprised the paint guy because he did not know they made it. Armoral scares me because is you ever want to paint it makes a mess'

[L78 steve]

Black shoe polish. Old style from the flat can.

[68camaroz28]

My kick panels were excellent but still not good enough for a restored car and could not get them in new condition. I ended up purchasing new ones that actually fit better than the originals believe it or not, but there are some excellent products out there for assisting with plastic scratch removal like Novus #2 scratch removal.