Best dressing for ext plastics?

R

ret

New member
I’m looking for some suggestions on what product I can use on hard black plastic external trim.



The pictures are of Z-16 after a light rain, however I haven’t had much better results using products like NXT Tech Protect, ArmorAll, or 303.



NXT-TP and others don’t wash out as bad as the Z-16 did, however every product I’ve tried has bled during rains and left oily streaks.



Any suggestions?

Thanks

RET



1922P1010005-med.JPG










1922P1010008-med.JPG










1922P1010010-med.JPG
 
Try some Poorboys Trim Restorer. Never had any problem with runs when it rains. I usually wipe some on wait about 30 minutes and buff the excess. Lasts about a month.
 
A couple notes re the wardell thing. First, I like forever black, but it's a paint to apply (imo), a similar product, Leatherique Rubber Black is another dye and is easier to apply and lasts as long.



Oh, I wonder if he's tried Z16 pro yet?



Oh, and on the trim restore, sometimes it will leave the trim more white; re-application seems to re-hydrate, and the whiteness stops and the shine lasts awhile.
 
I would try Klasse AIO with a PC or rotary. I was amazed what it did to the trim on my wife's CRV. I don'thave to use a dressing anymore.
 
Thanks guys....ordered some Trim Restore from autogeek...will give it a try.

Didn't want to go the forever black route...it's 2006 so the trim is in good shape.

The NXT-TP makes it look great, but I can't handle the run-off when it rains.

I'll update with results.

Thanks Again!

RET
 
Let's stir the pot a little more :D.





The *only* trim I've ever had a streaking problem with is Ford. Every Ford I do, I usually just use a spray wax on as I usually get a little note from customers saying "Hey, the car looks amazing, but my mirrors are streaking a bit". I've used PB TR, Meguiar's Trim Detailer, Zaino Z16, Armor All, 303.





I have found, however, that something like Klasse AIO *or* Clearkote RMG has worked wonders. It's not that shiny, but it cleans, darkens, and adds a sheen, plus notable protection.





Ultimatley, I think the best stuff out there is:



http://www.topoftheline.com/trimmolreski.html



I used it on my girlfriend's Saab about 15-17 months ago and it's still sticking around. It takes time to get right and you have to tape everything off, but for a personal vehicle, I think it's great stuff.
 
If that's hard plastic, it's in good condition, and you're using Zaino, why don't you just use whatever Z product you're using on the paint (Z2/Z5)? I have had good success on hard plastic in good condition with SG...and I believe Zaino as well :think:
 
Rafa said:
I would try Klasse AIO with a PC or rotary. I was amazed what it did to the trim on my wife's CRV. I don'thave to use a dressing anymore.
Click to expand...



Anybody know if AIO/SG works as well on textured black plastic trim as well?
 
Setec Astronomy said:
If that's hard plastic, it's in good condition, and you're using Zaino, why don't you just use whatever Z product you're using on the paint (Z2/Z5)? I have had good success on hard plastic in good condition with SG...and I believe Zaino as well :think:
Click to expand...



Z-6, Z-8 and Z-2 didn't give me the look I like on trim, Z-16 did, however it won't stick.

RET
 
abbeysdad said:
Anybody know if AIO/SG works as well on textured black plastic trim as well?
Click to expand...



These outside-the-box applications can be tricky, so IMO the best answer is "maybe, it all depends". Having posted that disclaimer ;) the answer in *my* case is "almost always".



I've used the Klasse twins on the textured trim of numerous vehicles, most notably a WRX and the MPV. I worked ("works", in the case of the MPV) great. This is one application where I do use the W-O-W-O technique, it seems to give a more uniform appearance.



I've used BF and UPP on sorta-similar surfaces on the Audis. It works until they get too worn.



I just used 1Z polishes topped with 845 on these surfaces on the new beater, a '00 Blazer, worked great.



I use both the Klasse approach and Souveran on various similar surfaces on the XJS (Souveran works great on its *rubber* trim as did the Malm's wax I used before that).



On the Volvo (240 wagon) I used both Z16 (never ran like in those pics, but I buffed, buffed, and buffed again) and Collinite 476S. I liked the 476S approach better, but it'd start to look pretty bad after a few months if I didn't refresh it. The Z16 looked crappy much sooner, but it was a different type of "bad look" that wasn't quite so awful...sorry, it's hard to describe. Anyhow, I ended up sticking with the 476S approach. This was on exterior plastic *and* the rubber bumper covers.



Note that *some* polishes, on *some* plastic surfaces work OK..the 1Z on the Blazer for instance (don't try that with 3M PI-III stuff!). Pinnacle's PCL has also worked OK for this sort of pre-LSP prep but that was the older, more citrusy, version. AIO is a safe thing to try but I don't consider Autoglym SRP a good choice for this.



When I can't use the LSP-type approach, I generally use Autoglym's Bumper Care. It's a thick gel with some mild abrasives that help clean off wax residue and other stuff (including oxidized material). It doesn't run in the rain for me and I'd notice it due to the particular pieces I use it on. But again, you gotta rub rub rub off any excess. Doesn't last as long as the LSPs but it's good for at least a few washes.
 
+1 for Poorboy's Trim Restorer.



I never thought about using RMG to clean/dress trim, but I will definitely try it on my next detail. Thanks for the tip Sean!
 
I had good luck with Stoner's Trim Shine and will continue using it, the spray patern is good too, nice and fine

EDIT: I have decided this stuff sucks! it runs alot.
 
The best I've used on hard plastic is Tropicare non silicone dressing- it lasts for months as long as the surface is clean and silicone free
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top