Technique for dressing grilles

[drrac2]

I was detailing my wifes explorer last week and I had a hard time dressing the grille. It is made of matte black plastic, and it is a PITA to dress with 303 or plexus. I was wondering if you guys had any special techniques for application of dressing to uneven or lattice-like surfaces. My index finger still hurts.



BTW: I finally tried VM on the matte black fender flares and it worked awesome. Much easier to apply than the 303, and it does not run when it rains. VM ROCKS!!!:up

 

[carcrazy22]

I use small foam applicator ( like paint brush ) and apply VM. With MF, I buff it later.

 

[Lowejackson]

I use a cut down dish washing foam pad

 

[drrac2]

Thanks for the replies.



I tried trim shine in the past, but experienced problems with overspray and longevity.

 

[Accumulator]

Yeah, best method for dressing grills is... *to not dress them*



I usually use AIO/SG, applied with foam swabs and MF wrapped around small sticks that I'll whittle to the right size. It takes a little while, but if you get enough SG on there you're set for a very long time, up to a full *year*.

 

[TortoiseAWD]

I think we've agreed on this before, Accumulator: If it's hard, non-textured plastic, don't dress it; seal it with the non-staining LSP of your choice (though I'd wager something like Klasse or Zaino would be the most durable).



Tort

 

[Accumulator]

I think we've agreed on this before, Accumulator: If it's hard, non-textured plastic, don't dress it; seal it with the non-staining LSP of your choice

Yeah, and I take it a step farther- I also seal the textured stuff. MFs and w-o-w-o seem to work best.

 

[DETAILKING]

I use 303 or Z16 on the grill of my BMw and it is a PIA. I only have to apply dressing every few weeks. I usually wrap my finger in a 4" x"4 cutout of an old cotton sheet, drench it in dressing and apply. Then I use quick detailer to remove any over wipe.......



Hope this helps..

 

[TortoiseAWD]

Yeah, and I take it a step farther- I also seal the textured stuff. MFs and w-o-w-o seem to work best.

Hmmm; I'll have to give that a try. I've avoided trying it on textured plastics for fear of having dried residue stuck in the grain (which I tend to think of as different from a "stain"). Any residue problems at all? Or does WOWO pretty much negate that concern?



Tort

 

[Kleanride]

Trim Shine baby! (for dressing it at least). I spray my grills and trim before washing in it....then I let it sit for a while and then wash the whole vehicle. Comes out looking great everytime!

 

[Accumulator]

Hmmm.. I've avoided trying [sealant] on textured plastics for fear of having dried residue stuck in the grain (which I tend to think of as different from a "stain"). Any residue problems at all? Or does WOWO pretty much negate that concern?

Yeah, the w-o-w-o seems to handle it. Plus, I use my more aggressive MFs to wipe it off. Be sure to put it on thin, though! Fogging the surface with your breath helps during removal (as it usually does).