I want to smarten up the black rubbing strips and bumper inserts etc. Does Back to Black work, and/or is there anything better?

YES - or at least it did on my Fabia. Also good on the black bits of your window surrounds.

Do not use it on your tyres though!

Peanut oil is great

(honestly!!)

Peanut oil is great

(honestly!!)

Worked a treat at getting excess wax off the plasticky bits of my car

Try an eraser that you would use to remove pencil marks.I would use a good quality white one. It worked for me, it was an idea from a member on Detailing World.

The thing with back to black and other products like that are only temporary and will need to be done regularily.

This stuff works pretty well and lasts several weeks longer than all the other products I tried.

Bit pricey but the bottle lasts bloody ages.

Elite Car Care - Black WoW - Trim Cleaner/Dressing

Yes, nice and quick and easy. The best results I have found with back to black is when you use lots and rub it in with a fairly strong paper towel. The back bumper next to the tailgate takes the most work to keep fresh. Back to black also produce a seperate spray for tyres which seems to last quite well also.

Thanks all - I'll be off to the shops tomorrow, with my pocket money clutched in my mitten, to see what is on offer!

An natural non-aerosol alternative (if you are feeling Eco) -

Black Shoe polish - Kiwi Parade Gloss is best.

This is also safe to use on your tyres.

I've used Armor All interior wipes on external plastic.

I think it's got silicon in it and shines black plastic up nicely. Doesn't last all that long and smears on paint or glass but easier to use than Back to Black.

I've got the remains of an actual black car wax, sort of thick cream consistency, but it is difficult to get an even finish and of course if it gets onto the paint it has to be polished off properly.

I thought Back to Black might be easier as it is colourless. I'm off now to browse the local stores and see what is in stock.

Autoglym bumper gel is also very good and available over the shelf in most car accessory shops.

The trick with it is to first apply a quite thick layer and let it "soak" in, remove that and then apply a VERY thin layer.

BUY smooth peanut butter and use a nail brush or similar to apply .....it works every time with brilliant results