what to use on black plastic?

9

91black5spd

New member
Just wondering what(if anything) works well to keep black plastic exterior trim looking good. I acually have been using ICE Polish on just the black trim and it seems to work ok. Any thoughts, or other products?
 
I started using Poorboy's Trim Restorer as a general purpose product more recently. It has a nice smell, very easy to apply, nice finish, and not that messy.

I have also used Mothers Back to Black and 303. Mothers seems to darken more initially and can run easily if not buffed off well so it is more finicky on application. I did a side by side performance check but did not see any major differences in longevity but I know I am in a minority on this. 303 is a bit shiny for me on some exterior trim and likes to streak so it takes a little more effort to insure even look.
 
I've been using PB Trim Restorer for a few years now. It goes on very easy. One coat leaves a nice satin finish. A second coat will make it more glossy if you prefer.

Shawn
 
As suggested the PB TR is a good one...if you are stuck with an OTC then Mother Back to Black is good..apply with a terry applicator and then use a clean towel to buff it even and remove the excess...repeat in areas that it soaks into.
 
this question and the answers to be given need more information :hmmm:

are we talking about smooth hard plastic or are we talking about grainy trim?

for smooth hard plastic, a non-abrasive polish is the way to go, if we are talking about the grainy trim then a dressing like Trim Restorer as mentioned previously would be my choice ;)
 
I just haven't had good luck with PB's TR. It has been more of a hit or miss thing. It does offer initial good appearance, but the turn around ("restore") is fleeting. Even on trim that is not "dulled" (maintenance), the longevity is lacking. If not buffed, it will run just as other products will.

Like all of the other things we do, good prep is essential. Clean the area well with an APC, rinse and perform additional IPA wipedowns before treating. Multiple applications may be required.

I've read, good things about this product
Black Wow Exterior Trim Restorer 4oz, but I have not tried it.
 
Mr. Clean said:
I just haven't had good luck with PB's TR. It has been more of a hit or miss thing. It does offer initial good appearance, but the turn around ("restore") is fleeting. Even on trim that is not "dulled" (maintenance), the longevity is lacking. If not buffed, it will run just as other products will.

Like all of the other things we do, good prep is essential. Clean the area well with an APC, rinse and perform additional IPA wipedowns before treating. Multiple applications may be required.

I've read, good things about this product
Black Wow Exterior Trim Restorer 4oz, but I have not tried it.
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I agree that its seems like TR can loose its luster somewhat fast...its because IMO its not coating the surface but rather sinking into the plastic..that's been my observation over the years that I have used it..on some of the older plastics it requires a few app's before it starts to hold its luster...your also right that it requires buffing or it will run with water...I just make sure that there is time for it to dry after application.


On my 87 Ford Ranger the rubbers in some areas where really bad, after some serious polishing with PP I started to apply TR every week for a few months..toady the rubber looks real good...the water beads and runs off...
 
I used the PB TR on my "GM" fender flares,running boards,mirror heads with great results.All are black in color,rough surface and after 2-3 coats seem to be what I want.Also the PB'S works well on the wax residue that I can never remove from the fender flares.

I have no experience with other products doing this job like PB'S.:bigups
 
Following a thread describing the results of mutiple application of TR, I jumped on the process. Several times in fact; multiple applications (4) allowing for drying between applications, preceded by careful prep and followed by final buff etc. Lot of time and effort for negligible return. This is trim that has seen regular treatment by TR and other vinyl treatment products over the years.

A point of clarification, my nemesis is vinyl/plastic (w/grain) trim, not rubber as you mention. I have read that some use TR for their sidewall treatment and like the appearance. I use B-n-B for that purpose. I am seeking the Restorer function of TR and products like it. Even as a maintenance product I've got several products that seem to be its equal in longevity.

I'm going to check to see if I can pick up that Duragloss product locally. I would try Vinylex, but it only mentions "cleans/protects" in its description.
 
Thanks for the information peeps.
I'm going to be doing my trim this weekend and from what I've read here I'll be doing multi coats (1 a day for 3 or 4 days) of PB's TR.Now should I buff/wipe with a cotton towel or terrycloth applicator?
 
rabbi said:
Thanks for the information peeps.
I'm going to be doing my trim this weekend and from what I've read here I'll be doing multi coats (1 a day for 3 or 4 days) of PB's TR.Now should I buff/wipe with a cotton towel or terrycloth applicator?
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I use a clean terry cloth towel and apply with a cloth wax applicator.I use a foam poly applicator brush for the tight spots.I found the longer it sits the better it works,seems funny with hard plastic but it soaks in.

Be extra careful of runoff on paint and other trim pieces...:bigups
 
Mr. Clean said:
Is the vinyl/plastic used for automobile trim really permeable? When you think about the different vinyls used specifically in housing (ie. wallpaper, siding), vinyl is used specifically for its moisture repelling properties. :confused:
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That's what I thought, but the product must go somewhere.Its like an oil so I must think its getting sucked up by the plastic,vinyl not evaporating???:inspector:
 
Mr. Clean said:
Is the vinyl/plastic used for automobile trim really permeable? When you think about the different vinyls used specifically in housing (ie. wallpaper, siding), vinyl is used specifically for its moisture repelling properties. :confused:
Click to expand...

In my experience with this product...when ever I have applied it to older grainy trim..at the start it looks great then some areas start to look faded...sort of splotchy....I again apply and those start to fill in...I had an older Nissan car that took a few weeks for it to really come back...on other trims I find that it requires less applications..depends on condition I guess...

I do have a very silicon based dressing that I get from P&S that really brings back the plastic but that is a coating and nothing more..
 
I've been using Back to Black myself and have not been impressed.

I had a new client that had previously been taking his truck elsewhere and the trim conditioner that was being used was excellent. I'm guessing it was a thicker oil base because of how well it repelled water. It beaded just like a waxed surface and it lasted over two months that I had been detailing it. It has since worn off and the B2B does not perform in any way comparable.

Has anyone used a product as described? I'd love to get my hands on some.
 
Heres a question, the rubber on my quarter panel windows has a spotty almost oxidized look to it. I sanded it some and masked the glass off and sprayed it with SEM Trim Black, which worked great for restoring color to my hatch shocks, however when i did the trim around the window, all of these oxidized spots came through what i sprayed. I do not know why, i did two heavy coats of the trim black, which i thought would have covered it. Should i sand it back down and use something else?
 
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