Exterior plastic care

06vrss

Member
Hey guys, ive tried searching this and did find a few threads but most were from like 3 years ago so i figured i ask again. My mom drives a 2005 element, you know the little boxy looking things with all that plastic! Well i washed and waxed it today but i didnt quite know what to use to revitalize the plastic panels as they are lookin pretty dull. I used PB natural look but wasnt very satisfied. What would you guys recommend? I was thinkin maybe just some tire gel but i wanted to get some "autopian" opinions first. Thanks guys
 
06vrss said:
Hey guys, ive tried searching this and did find a few threads but most were from like 3 years ago so i figured i ask again. My mom drives a 2005 element, you know the little boxy looking things with all that plastic! Well i washed and waxed it today but i didnt quite know what to use to revitalize the plastic panels as they are lookin pretty dull. I used PB natural look but wasnt very satisfied. What would you guys recommend? I was thinkin maybe just some tire gel but i wanted to get some "autopian" opinions first. Thanks guys



You can use some armor-all on them, (but it will wash off), a solvent based tire dresssing (e.g a clear silicone fluid/gel) will usually give you the best results.



You can paint them with Black Magic Titanium Matte Finish, if you want them really black.
 
I'd probably pursue a LSP-based approach. I've never worked on an Element, and different exterior plastics respond differently to different products, but *some* combo oughta work OK.



The safest bets would be either the Klasse twins, or KAIOI topped with Collinite 845.



Some plastics do OK with ZAIO, some don't. Ditto for 1Z consumer line polishes and some other products. But 845 works fine as the LSP almost all of the time.
 
I still like Poorboy's Trim Restorer on exterior vinyl surfaces......haven't had great luck with PB Natural Look. Trim Restorer is a different product.
 
Waterbased products (303 + Natural Look) etc will not last well on exterior vinyl.

A similar product to Poorboy's Trim Restorer is Megs Hot shine Tire Gel.
 
Sounds to me like you could also use some APC/TAW/SC Grime Remover and a soft brush to clean up the plastic first. Then apply something like PB's Trim Restorer.
 
I have just begun using Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus--definitely a product worth considering. I just applied a second coat to the windshield cowl of my S2000, which was definitely looking on the poorly side. UTTGP blackened and shined up the cowl. It looks like new. I do not know yet how long it will last--the manufacturer promises a couple months--but so far I am very pleased.
 
Hey thanks guys. I have Megs endurance tire gel as well as 845, i guess i will try both of them on a lower area and see which one i like better.
 
akimel said:
I have just begun using Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus--definitely a product worth considering. I just applied a second coat to the windshield cowl of my S2000, which was definitely looking on the poorly side. UTTGP blackened and shined up the cowl. It looks like new. I do not know yet how long it will last--the manufacturer promises a couple months--but so far I am very pleased.



keep us updated. i've been looking for a good exterior trim dressing and i havent found something i like.



=D
 
akimel said:
I have just begun using Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus--definitely a product worth considering. I just applied a second coat to the windshield cowl of my S2000, which was definitely looking on the poorly side. UTTGP blackened and shined up the cowl. It looks like new. I do not know yet how long it will last--the manufacturer promises a couple months--but so far I am very pleased.



UTTGP is the best. Expect at least 4 months out of two coats even parked outside 24/7 and a daily driver. And no streaking down the paint from rain.
 
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