Poorboys Trim Restorer Review (pics)

NavindraLR

NavindraLR

Pre Med Student
well, I decided to write up a mini-review on the poorboys trim restorer. the test subject was my 2004 Acura RSX, which has trim around the fog lights. The trim, was faded for some reason, and look almost as if it had wax stains on it. I guess I was being careless?? To start off with, the whole car was washed with mothers gold, including the trim, wheels, and everything else. I applied the trim restorer using a foam applicator pad. I notice people saying that they get even results with microfiber apps, then some say they get even results with foam apps, but I got the best results with a foam pad. I let it sit on the trim for about 10 minutes, as the instructions stated. After that, I buffed off with a poorboys microfiber (green work towel). I was pretty happy with the results. Extremely even, results... no streaks what so ever. No, residue, different gloss patterns, or anything. Best results I have had with a product for trim in awhile. As the product is named, I would consider it a restoration product, but it does have some dressing abilities/characteristics. Basically a trim dressing on steriods. Durability has lasted through multiple rain storms, and its snowing right now, with my car parked outside, so I'll keep you updated on how the foglights fare with the weather conditions. Here are the pics:
Driver side, just washed
DSC02358.jpg

Passenger side, finished
DSC02357.jpg

the yellow towel was for removing the wax, not the one i used for removing the trim restore, as stated above
 
Thanks for the review. Very well written. I love this product on my son's 96 Grand Cherokee. It works wonders.
 
I just tried the Trim Restorer on my 04 CRV. There is a TON of black trim on the thing. It started to look slightly faded almost immediately after purchase (new). The product is wonderful! Easily applied and a light buff 10 minutes later or longer. I started on the front end and worked my way around the car's exterior and then did a very light buff, it didn't need much. Nice, even, deep black color with no streaks. I didn't try the foam applicator approach, I used a piece of non-linting cotton flannel wrapped over my index finger for all the tight spaces and narrow trim edges and a simple flat pad of the material for the wider areas. I did the roof rack, wiper blades and blade wells as well. It all came out far better than I had hoped. Just completed yesterday, so I haven't had time to evaluate durability. It's quite often rainy where I live, so it should get a fairly decent test, but will have to wait till mid summer here to see how it holds up against strong sun.
 
I have had a lot of success with TR as well. It's almost so easy, you feel like your not doing something right!!!

mtwedt: Thanks for the tip on using your finger behind flannel. After working with the product (with foam paint brush), it seems to me like flannel would spread the product even better. I'll have to try that soon.
 
membim said:
I have had a lot of success with TR as well. It's almost so easy, you feel like your not doing something right!!!
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couldnt have said it better... so easy, beyond believe..
 
membim said:
I have had a lot of success with TR as well. It's almost so easy, you feel like your not doing something right!!!

mtwedt: Thanks for the tip on using your finger behind flannel. After working with the product (with foam paint brush), it seems to me like flannel would spread the product even better. I'll have to try that soon.
Click to expand...
You're most welcome...I wish I could take credit for some smart planning in choosing the flannel, but the truth is, I didn't have a foam paint brush and a foam applicator would have been too big for some of the stuff. I buy flannel remnants at the fabric store and wash the daylights out of them (stick them in with a load of regular laundry for two or three times) and hang it to dry without fabric softner. I then cut pieces for whatever I need a little soft pad for and pitch it when the application is done. You can get nearly a yard in a flannel remnant for about a buck. I used up an old flannel sheet set this way as well.
 
My favorite tool for applying TR in small areas is a cosmetic foam wedge. You can find these at supermarkets and drug stores for about $2 per 2-3 dozen. Use it once, then throw it away.
 
:D Thanks for the mental image of all these guys strolling into Ulta & asking for "cosmetic wedges"! :lol

I find that TR seems to lighten and get water spotted on the black trim on the sides of the V, but lasts beautifully on the front & rear bumpers. Any ideas besides clean & reapply more frequently? :dunno
 
norahcrv said:
:D Thanks for the mental image of all these guys strolling into Ulta & asking for "cosmetic wedges"! :lol

I find that TR seems to lighten and get water spotted on the black trim on the sides of the V, but lasts beautifully on the front & rear bumpers. Any ideas besides clean & reapply more frequently? :dunno
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That's why I mentioned the supermarket and drug store locations. There is no need to venture into a "girly store" to buy cosmetic foam wedges.

Some plastics just react differently to products. My biggest trim annoyance is the cowling underneath the windshield of my BMW. Very few products seem to be able to cling to that surface. :dunno
 
Some plastics just react differently to products. My biggest trim annoyance is the cowling underneath the windshield of my BMW. Very few products seem to be able to cling to that surface. :dunno[/QUOTE]

I have the same problem Marj!
 
awd330 said:
My favorite tool for applying TR in small areas is a cosmetic foam wedge. You can find these at supermarkets and drug stores for about $2 per 2-3 dozen. Use it once, then throw it away.
Click to expand...
What a super idea! I have those in my dressing table and NEVER thought about it at all. The pie shape wedge would be perfect for those little trim edges and probable faster than flannel and my index finger. Will definately give it a try.
 
membim said:
Some plastics just react differently to products. My biggest trim annoyance is the cowling underneath the windshield of my BMW. Very few products seem to be able to cling to that surface. :dunno
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I have the same problem Marj![/QUOTE]


Have you been able to find a product that works well with the grainy surface under the windshield AND other trim and plastic?

I have that cowling as well on my Firebird, and its hard to get it nice and black again but Id hate to buy a 10 buck bottle for just that one thing and not really like it for other plastics? Have you tried VRT on the grain?
 
The best product I've used for the windshield cowling is the previous (non VOC compliant, I think) version of Poorboy's Trim Restorer. The new version seems to work better on most other trim areas, but the cowling is an exception.

I use TR on all exterior grained trim. I just have to reapply more often to the cowling.
 
joshcaro said:
I have the same problem Marj!
Click to expand...


Have you been able to find a product that works well with the grainy surface under the windshield AND other trim and plastic?

I have that cowling as well on my Firebird, and its hard to get it nice and black again but Id hate to buy a 10 buck bottle for just that one thing and not really like it for other plastics? Have you tried VRT on the grain?[/QUOTE]

FWIW,
I have a Trans-Am and have the same problem with the grainy trim under the windshield. I have tried VRT and while it looked nice, it did not look as black as it does with TR. I have found when using TR, that if I apply one coat, let it sit for a while and buff it off, it seems to look and last better.
 
I'll jump on the bandwagon :lol

I love this stuff as well. My moms new Silverado was "detailed" when it left Chevy. They used a high silicone/solvent dressing that slung everywhere. All came off fine with the paint, but on the trim, mainly the mirrors, it was hazy and spotty. I wanted to experiment, so I didn't even use a trim cleaner, just PB TS with a terry applicator. Used a LITTLE amount and worked in, dried for 10 mins, then wiped over again. Looked like brand new with a *touch* more sheen. Has lasted through a couple rains since then and beads great :)...I love this stuff for customers vehicles because trim is a neglected area for many.
 
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