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A tonneau cover is a great bit of kit for protecting your truck bed and its contents.
But, have you been failing to protect the tonneau cover itself?
Faded tonneau covers are a common problem, and you might be struggling to restore it to its former glory.
The worst part of all is that most online advice and most dedicated tonneau cover products actually make the situation worse in the long run.
Silicone and petroleum-based products are always recommended to give your tonneau that ‘new’ shine, but in reality, they are slowly degrading it.
There’s only one brand we will recommend for restoring a faded tonneau cover.
In a hurry? Here’s the only product you will ever need when restoring a faded tonneau cover:
Best at restoring faded tonneau cover
Wolfsteins Tonneau Cover Care Kit
Causes of Faded Tonneau Cover
Understanding the causes of a tonneau cover fading is essential in helping you take preventative measures to ensure your cover lasts longer.
There are several reasons why a tonneau cover might start to fade over time.
The most common cause of fading is exposure to UV radiation. The sun’s rays can cause the cover’s color to fade and make it look dull. The fading effect can be more severe if the cover is made of low-quality materials or if the truck is parked in direct sunlight for long periods.
Environmental factors such as rain, snow, and dirt can also contribute to tonneau cover fading. If the cover is left dirty or wet for extended periods, it can cause discoloration and mould or mildew formation.
Another main culprit that often goes unnoticed is harsh chemicals and cleaners. These cleaners often contain silicone or petroleum-based ingredients that make your tonneau cover sparkle…for a short time. However, over longer periods these products damage the cover’s protective layer, leading to fading and other issues such as cracking.
Another reason why a tonneau cover may fade is due to wear and tear. Over time, the cover’s protective layer can become thin or wear off, making it more vulnerable to fading.
How to Restore Faded Tonneau Cover
Recommended Products:
- Wolfsteins Tonneau Cover Care Kit
- Fireman’s spray nozzle
- Chemical Guys Wheelie All Exterior Brush
- Chemical Guys Horse Hair Brush
- Cobra Ultimate Guzzler Microfibre Towel
- Chemical Guys Microfibre Applicators
1. Clean Faded Tonneau Cover
Proper cleaning is the first step in restoring a faded tonneau cover. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your tonneau cover ready for restoration:
- Spray down your tonneau cover with a pressure washer or hose with a fireman’s spray nozzle to remove loose dirt.
- Liberally spray your cover with Wolfsteins Tonneau Cover Cleaner.
- Begin scrubbing the surface with the Chemical Guys Exterior Brush or other soft-bristled brush.
- For tougher stains scrubs with the Chemical Guys Horse Hair Brush.
- Rinse the cover thoroughly with a hose, making sure to remove all the soap.
- Dry the cover completely with The Ultimate Guzzler or a clean, dry cloth.
Once you have completed these steps, if possible, move your truck and tonneau into a covered area away from direct sunlight.
2. Restore Faded Tonneau Cover
If your tonneau cover has started to fade, restoring it is possible with the right products and techniques. Here are the steps to restore a faded tonneau cover:
- Liberally apply the Wolfsteins Tonneau Cover Protectant all over, or if your tonneau cover is out in the sun, work in sections.
- Thoroughly work the product into your tonneau cover with a microfibre applicator. Take your time with this as it will add to the overall finish.
- Leave the Wolfsteins Tonneau Cover Protectant to properly dry for a few minutes.
- If the tonneau cover’s color hasn’t been fully restored, repeat the process until you achieve the desired result.
- Enjoy a fully restored, shiny tonneau cover.
How to Restore Faded Tonneau Cover – Conclusion
A faded tonneau cover can be unsightly and will slowly to start to crack and peel if not treated correctly.
However, restoring it is possible with the right products and techniques.
Proper cleaning and maintenance can help prevent a tonneau cover fading, while using a tonneau cover restoration product can restore the cover’s color and protect it from future damage.
The best tonneau cover cleaning and restoration kit on the market is Wolfsteins Tonneau Cover Care Kit. This kit is specially designed to clean, protect, and restore tonneau covers, helping them look like new again.
Taking care of your tonneau cover can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking great.
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