Billy Jack
Member
A little late to the party, but I felt it was appropriate to wait for a stretch of above freezing weather for a fair review of an exterior trim product. In the 3D/HD giveaway, I was sent samples of both the 3D Trim Care Protectant and HD Total APC.
The subject vehicle was my recently acquired DD, a 40,000 mile Lacrosse. Not much unpainted trim to work with on a Buick, but one area that needed serious attention was the molding around the sunroof glass. Last November I did a hasty paint prep to withstand being parked outdoors thru a PA winter, so we had wax residue to deal with as well as deterioration from age.
Against black paint, the graying molding stood out boldly.
First step was a thorough cleaning after protecting the nearby paint.
I mixed up the Total APC at 1:5 dilution and went at it with a small stiff brush. Results were OK, but for good measure I scrubbed again with my current favorite, Mother's B to B HD Trim Cleaner, followed by another pass with HD Total to remove any residue. After everything dried it was time for the dressing.
3D Trim Care has a rather heavy consistency, with no objectionable odor. I substituted a flip-top spout for the standard cap and cut a piece of old polishing pad to an L-shape to follow the molding contour. The product spreads well and spreads evenly, requiring just a few small squirts to cover the entire perimeter. Following directions, I repeated the application process after allowing the initial app to soak in, then after 20 minutes lightly wiped of the minimal excess. I would have preferred to do another app, but sunlight was fading fast, so it was time for a final pic.
In diminishing light it looked great, but a tougher test was the morning after in bright sunlight.
As you can see, it wasn't quite as black the next morning, but still a substantial improvement. This weekend I'll give it a light cleaning and a few more apps of product, as it appears the parched plastic is still in need of more soaking.
The true tests of a trim product IMO, are ease of use, initial results and durability. So far, I consider the 3D to be very satisfactory in the first two criteria. After another app or two, I'll update on durability, but it looks like a product well worth considering.
Thanks again David and 3D/HD for the giveaway, and I'll update in the future after some rain and sun exposure.
Bill
The subject vehicle was my recently acquired DD, a 40,000 mile Lacrosse. Not much unpainted trim to work with on a Buick, but one area that needed serious attention was the molding around the sunroof glass. Last November I did a hasty paint prep to withstand being parked outdoors thru a PA winter, so we had wax residue to deal with as well as deterioration from age.
Against black paint, the graying molding stood out boldly.
First step was a thorough cleaning after protecting the nearby paint.
I mixed up the Total APC at 1:5 dilution and went at it with a small stiff brush. Results were OK, but for good measure I scrubbed again with my current favorite, Mother's B to B HD Trim Cleaner, followed by another pass with HD Total to remove any residue. After everything dried it was time for the dressing.
3D Trim Care has a rather heavy consistency, with no objectionable odor. I substituted a flip-top spout for the standard cap and cut a piece of old polishing pad to an L-shape to follow the molding contour. The product spreads well and spreads evenly, requiring just a few small squirts to cover the entire perimeter. Following directions, I repeated the application process after allowing the initial app to soak in, then after 20 minutes lightly wiped of the minimal excess. I would have preferred to do another app, but sunlight was fading fast, so it was time for a final pic.
In diminishing light it looked great, but a tougher test was the morning after in bright sunlight.
As you can see, it wasn't quite as black the next morning, but still a substantial improvement. This weekend I'll give it a light cleaning and a few more apps of product, as it appears the parched plastic is still in need of more soaking.
The true tests of a trim product IMO, are ease of use, initial results and durability. So far, I consider the 3D to be very satisfactory in the first two criteria. After another app or two, I'll update on durability, but it looks like a product well worth considering.
Thanks again David and 3D/HD for the giveaway, and I'll update in the future after some rain and sun exposure.
Bill
