Chemical Guys Fade 2 Black Product Review
by Todd CooperiderI wanted to take a brief moment to introduce you to a tremendous interior/exterior spray dressing: Chemical Guys Fade 2 Black. Immediately following my first test it became a staple item in the Esoteric arsenal that I use on every single detail!
Chemical Guys has always produced versatile products that can be used in a wide variety of applications, and Fade 2 Black follows in that tradition.
Where to use it?
Fade 2 Black is used to provide a nice glossy finish and UV protection on all of your plastics, vinyl, rubber, and exterior trim. Specific areas would be in the engine bay where it is wonderful for dressing rubber hoses, plastic exterior trim and bumpers, plastic mirrors, windshield cowling, A/C vents inside the car, and my favorite application which is dressing the wheel wells. Because this 100% VOC compliant product comes in an aerosol spray can, it’s also very easy to use for hard to reach places (engine bay, wheel wells).
How to use it?
The application couldn’t be much simpler! Shake well first, and then spray a light coat 8 to 10 inches from the surface. If you get a little overspray on surrounding paint or glass, it cleans off very easily. If you desire a higher level of shine, then add a second light coat as needed. The finish is non-greasy and dry to the touch, and provides an anti-stick UV all-weather protection.
Given its ease of use, versatility, and performance I can’t recommend it enough. Your detailing arsenal is incomplete without it!
Fade 2 Black in Action
Here are just a few examples of where Fade 2 Black can be used:
The engine compartment:
All hoses were dressed with Fade 2 Black and are glossy, yet dry to the touch!
Wheel wells before:
Being dressed with Fade 2 Black:
Finished!
If you have any additional comments or questions, please submit your reply in the comment box below.
How long does an application of Fade to Black last in the wheel wells? Is it necessary to apply with each wash, or does it have more staying power than that?
Especially if you’re driving through any rain, you’ll need to re-apply to the wheel wells after you wash the car.
I just picked up a can of this from DI. Awesome on the trim and rubber.
Is this safe on drive belts in the engine, i.e. will it provide lubrication where there shouldn’t be any? Or should drive belts be protected from the spray?
Andy,
I’m sure it’s safe on the belts, but having said that I’d probably protect them from the spray…
Would this be good to use on dingy WeatherTech floor mats? Or will they make them too slippery? I’m looking for something to revive them. After a good cleaning, they still look dirty. Suggestions?
Jason,
For that I would rather use something like 303 Aerospace Protectant, Meguiar’s Vinyl & Rubber, or Chemical Guys VRT. After applying on the driver’s side mat however, you may want to go back over it with a slightly damp towel to make sure that there is no slippery feel to it.
[…] Check out the outstanding results from the Chemical Guys Black on Black (aka Fade 2 Black) in Todd Cooperider's Chemical Guys Fade 2 Black Product Review As always if you want any recommendations, etc. please don't hesitate to ask! Greg @ DI […]
I am looking for a substance that will protect ink imprint on a license plate frame from fading in Chicago type weather. Any suggestions?
I’m not really sure what you’re referring to, so I can’t recommend a product in particular.
Todd, I’m new to detailing, so I have been read all the articles that you have written. I have a 2010 F-150 that has a rubber/vinyl covered running boards that have lost the gloss. Everything that I have tried to use makes them very slippery. I was wandering if this product would fit the bill in this case or can you recommend a product that will bring the running boards back to life and not make them slippery.
Thanks, Bruce Devilbiss
Excellent review as always, Todd!
What’s your favorite trim restorer for trim pieces you can’t use this aerosol for? Looking for something to really bring back the black and last for months. Thanks!