Plastic trim detailer keeps running onto paint

G

gto78

New member
Hey, got a basic question I think. I just bought an Expedition, which has the black plastic side mirrors with the black plastic triangle trim piece that holds it onto the door. The plastic looks a little faded so I made sure to detail as usual. The next time it rained I end up with streaks running down the door, from the plastic detailer coming off.



I've tried GM Vehiclecare Trim Detailer, Armor All trim detailer, and even a few different brands of rubber & tire dressings that dry and don't sling. Normally I always use the GM trim detailer, lasts a long time and looks great. However this is the first vehicle I've had a problem with it streaking and coming off, onto my paint. Looks horrible, it's like none of the brands want to adhere to the plastic.



I tried scrubbing the plastic and washing with Westleys, and wiping clean with alcohol. It didn't seem to help.



Any suggestions for a natural finish looking detail for hard black plastic, that dries and won't streak?
 
This can especially suck if your truck is a dark color. Florida sun sure can beat up black textured trim. I'd toothbrush scubb it with APC and avoid oil/solvent based dressings. Some might suggest a product called Black Wow, but I prefer using a water based dressing. When you do, apply it to a totally clean surface, allow it to wet/dry and do a good wipe down to remove any excess.
 
gto78- I almost always use a LSP-based approach, usually the Klasse twins. Yeah, on exterior black plastic trim. The KAIO cleans off the oxidized material leaving things OK-looking, and the KSG does the protection. I spritz a little FK425 or somesuch QD on it after each wash but other than that it stays maintenance-free for a long time (how long depends on how many layers of KSG I use).



The [EDIT: ULTIMA, not Sonus as originally posted :o ] trim/rubber sealant seems to work well too, but I generally just use that on rubber (after cleaning with Griot's Rubber Prep, a true miracle product).



No, the above approaches don't give quite the same look as an ERV dressing, but they don't run, or need redone regularly, either.
 
Accumulator said:
The Sonus trim/rubber sealant seems to work well too, but I generally just use that on rubber (after cleaning with Griot's Rubber Prep, a true miracle product).
Click to expand...



Accumulator, which Sonus product are you referring to?
 
yakky said:
Accumulator, which Sonus product are you referring to?
Click to expand...



Had to run out to the shop and see...wanted to get it right :D And sure enough...."oops!" :o



It's not Sonus, it's "Ultima Tire and Trim Guard Plus+"



Like the Griot's stuff, it's a pricey little bottle, but man-oh-man is it working well for the few things I use it on.
 
I have used Forever Black tire gel applied with a cheap yellow kitchen sponge .... its a water based dye and dries in a few minutes. Apply 3 coats then your good for 20+ washes and it doesn't run. Make sure you mask off the painted area around where your working. Dries to a matte finish.
 
I didnt read throught all the post so I dont know if this was mentioned but when I had my non-claded Avalanche I tried many things on the top panels and storage areas and they all ran after a rain or wash. The only thing that I found to last a very long time was Carsystems Refinish Restorer, CARSYSTEM Refinish Restorer 1L. Its a little pricy but its for 1L and it will last at least a half of year and you want to make sure that you dont get any on the paint or glass. It kind of smelled and looked like a varnish when applied. Check out these post on the Avalanche forums for some before and after pics. Chevy Avalanche Fan Club Refinish Restorer Before/After pics
 
Great advice everyone. I think after seeing the before/after pics I'm sold on the CARSYSTEM RR. Looks awesome, and last long time...perfect. I just hope that container it comes in doesn't rust or get sealed shut, it's a tin can. I also want to try a few of the water based systems, whatever has a semi gloss finish is good.
 
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