Can polishing compounds stain plastic trim

S

Striker

Active member
I was polishing the new car with 85rd when I noticed some compound dots all over my door panel and the b pillar trim on the exterior.

Figured no big deal. Grabbed a mf towel. Wiped it down with water and called it a day. But nope.

They are still there. They disappear briefly and like magic. Come back again???


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Yeah, it can, I would try some all purpose cleaner or trim cleaner and a brush to agitate to see if it comes out.
 
it shouldn`t be permanent, but it also depends on the product and the condition of the trim. I never had product stuck to the trim permanently, always cleans up nicely with some APC and a brush. I just tape everything now after I clay the car and wipe it down.
 
I just got some einzett deep plastic cleaner in the mail a few hours ago so we will see


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I love the old Menzerna PO85rd finishing polish..
I still have a few 32oz bottles, but dont know if they are still good or not..

I have never got compound on trim, because I also tape up all trim carefully since I use a Rotary and I can guarantee you a direct drive machine with even nothing on the pad can do damage very quickly to anything if left on there even for a second..

You should be able to remove it with my another of my all-time Favorites - Einszett/Nextzett Deep Plastic Cleaner...
This stuff takes everything off plastics and leaves a beautiful finish..
Good Luck !
Dan F
 
I`ve had nasty compound?/polish? residue on exterior plastic that *NOTHING* got off (e36 M3). Finally just replaced the trim, never had it happen so severely before/after though.
 
Taping of trim and molding (vinyl or rubber) and metal bright work(Stainless or chromed) seems to be imperative when compounding, especially with a rotary paired with wool pads or microfiber pads for correction. Not only are you negating the staining effects of the compound, you are reducing the chance of scratching/marring the trim work regardless of it material composition. AND with emblems, they can rip and tear a pad to shreds IF it gets caught on a sharp or pointed corner.

Some detailers like to treat trim with vinyl protectant or restorer BEFORE correcting/polishing and then be careful about how they polish with a DA to forgo the tedious task and time required for taping. I`ve tried it and it`s OK with an "underpowered" PC-DA and softer pads used for polishing. But with rotaries or long-throw DAs (Rupes Bigfoot or Griot`s BOSS) and correction with a compound, I`d definitely tape the trim and emblems.

Now waxes or sealants that stain trim, that`s another thread.............
 
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