How to choose a plastic restorer?
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How does a plastic restorer work?
Plastic restorers are in the TOP-5 products for maintaining the appearance of a car. Restoration polishes, in addition to car enthusiasts, are widely used by resellers before selling cars to give shine to initially worn plastic parts.
The plastic restorer works in the same way as most polishes for paintwork. The composition penetrates into the microrelief of the treated surface and levels it. Due to this, the sun's rays are not refracted randomly, as it was when they fell on the relief surface of damaged plastic, but are reflected much more “organized”, which gives the effect of the integrity of the element. At the same time, plastic polishes do not restore the very structure of plastic in any way. That is, the tool works exclusively in cosmetic terms.
Plastic restorers consist of a wide variety of substances: from petroleum-based lubricants, silicones, wax and glycerin to other "secret" compounds positioned by manufacturers as unique. However, today the effect of using different products from different price categories can be called similar. The differences are mainly in the gloss or matt finish of the plastic after use, as well as in the degree of resistance to external influences and the duration of action.
A brief overview of popular plastic restorers
About a dozen different plastic restorers are now represented on the Russian market. Let's consider the most common.
- Polish cleaner Grass Polyrole Matte. One of the cheapest ones. Sold in plastic canisters of 5 liters, bottles of 1 liter and in bottles with a mechanical spray of 500 ml. It is applied to the plastic surface in a small layer and rubbed with a soft cloth, sponge or microfiber. Does not leave liquid streaks, does not interact with plastic at the molecular level and does not change the original color of the part. Keeps, depending on external conditions, from a week to several months.
- Plastic restorer-polish Lavr. Available as a concentrate in small bottles of 120 and 310 ml. It costs about 170 rubles for a small bottle of 120 ml. It is applied to plastic and rubbed with a soft material. Gives a fairly durable, matte finish even to badly damaged plastic. The company has in the line of polishes several products with different properties. In addition to the restorer polish, the Lavr velvet polish, various plastic conditioners and products with antistatic properties are found on the market. However, the Lavr restorer-polish is the most common.
- Sonax plastic restorer. This German remedy is available in small bottles from 75 to 300 grams. Some sellers sell this product in bulk with a price of about 10 rubles per 30 grams. That is, for 100 grams of this polish you will have to pay about 300 rubles, which makes it one of the most expensive compounds on the market. The effect of the application is a glossy shine and protection from external influences. It works for about a month, depending on the load on the plastic (contact, thermal and light).
- Plastic restorer DoctorWax. A wax-based product from a well-known company with a worldwide reputation. Sold in jars of 300 ml. The price is around 400 rubles per bottle. In addition to significantly improving the appearance, the product protects the plastic from aging and cracking.
Also among amateur motorists, ordinary glycerin is common. After mixing glycerin with water, some car owners polish the plastic. The effect of using glycerin as a polish is almost the same as that of expensive products. However, its duration is short: surfaces polished with glycerin lose their luster after a few days.
Which plastic restorer is better?
Numerous experiments conducted by enthusiastic motorists have shown that all plastic restorers quite effectively cope with their main task: restoring the appearance of treated surfaces. However, many of them have their own characteristics.
For example, the DoctorWax wax-based product will better protect against scratches and hide serious damage. In principle, this brand has proven itself well and is recognized as the market leader in wax car care products. For example, among car waxes, it is DoctorWax products that hold leading positions in various ratings.
Motorists call the domestic remedy Lavr the golden mean. At a low cost, the effect lasts quite a long time. Grass cleaner-polish has a relatively short effect, but its cost is disproportionately small compared to other products. A 5 liter canister costs only about 1500 rubles.
Motorists generally leave positive feedback about plastic polishes. For their low price, they really transform shabby plastic parts and give them an almost original, factory look.
