What to use on exterior plastics

I

iDetail

New member
I was curious what I could use on the plastic in between the windshield and the hood. That place that the windshield wipers sit. Im not sure the exact name of that area, otherwise I would do a search. Its pretty faded and I want to get it back to one color of black.



What product would you recommend?



I was thinking tire cleaner, but Im not looking for a wet look. Just a clean look.
 
The plastic may be faded and it might not be possible to just clean it to your specifications. I would try an APC and a brush to gently scrub. After that dress it with an aerosol dressing.
 
Werkstat Satin Prot and Black WOW both would work well for this. The problem with WOW is that it needs to be buffed some, and that area to which you are referring usually has a lot of crevices that don't make this easy. You can also use a tire dressing, but it won't last as long and will be too glossy if you don't buff it. I like Werkstat Satin Prot best for exterior trim like this.
 
available at your local carquest...



DG_0271.jpg


Contains a blend of polymeric synthetic polymers in a solvent base. Cleans and shines rubber bumpers and moldings. Also recommended for flat black surfaces.

DG_0265.jpg


Is a blend of synthetic siloxanes. This convenient aerosol spray gives a "wet look" appearance with one easy application. Works great on tires (black or whitewall), bumpers, moldings, door jams and AC vents.
 
mothers back to black is horrible, looks nice for 1 day or right when you apply and then fades after driving. I would recommend poorboys trim restorer.
 
Yeah, I can't believe anyone uses B2B more than once. It is amazing how quickly it fades away and leaves the surface looking worse than before.
 
I never use dressings on materials like this if I can help it because of dust retention and the possibility of streaking in the rain. I prefer LSP approaches unless the plastic is so compromised that I *have* to use an ERV dressing (in which case I usually use AutoGlym's Bumper Care).



On the Jag I use Souveran (yep, and it's like new after 20-some years). On the MPV I use the Klasse twins, and *its* trim is also like brand new. On the Blazer I used 1Z Paint Polish topped with 845. and on the Denali XL I'm using 845 on some exterior plastic and UPP Spray Sealant on the cowling at the base of the windshield (where the wipers are).
 
I've been using Chemical Guys Extreme VRP as my go to plastic topper. It's nice that it doesnt leave an oily finish, very smooth and completely dry. A gallon of it is only $24...and a gallon goes a VERY long ways. I use it on the interior dash, door panels, exterior trim, engine plastics, and supposedly it works on the tires too. I've used about 5 ounces so far doing 4 cars...I can only imagine my gallon to last FOREVER.



Only thing I dislike is how it needs to be sponged on - too thick for spray.
 
blownvert said:
mothers back to black is horrible, looks nice for 1 day or right when you apply and then fades after driving. I would recommend poorboys trim restorer.
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I disagree - I use B2B it to restore the black, then top with either 303 or DG AW - it holds up really, really well for me.

Having written that though and inasmuch as I'm in a DG phase, I'd try the DG 271.
 
When helping my sister sell her old '91 BMW, I actually removed these trim pieces from the car. The black plastic had actually turned a light blue color.



I used the large white pad that originally came with the PC (the big puffy one) and used my PC at speed 5-6 using some Optimum Polish. I polished them several times over the course of a couple hours. The restoration was amazing. The plastic was deep black and felt soft and new. I treated with some 303 and buffed to a matte finish and reinstalled the parts.
 
If it's smooth plastic or rubber, Klasse AIO or Werkstat Prime works wonders. If it's textured, you can still use these, but you need to dilute them with water so and use a brush to get down in the recesses and to get the product back out. That's only if it needs cleaning, though. If it's already in decent shape, Satin Prot is excellent and much faster. Back-to-black might last longer if it's topped with something more durable, but why take the extra step?
 
I don't think I have ever dressed or done anything other than washed the plastic in front of the windshield. It usually stays pretty good looking for me at least. The lower plastic and bumper parts are usually the ones that need attention. But I have never had very old cars so I am maybe not the right person to open my mouth here :)
 
abbeysdad said:
Having written that though and inasmuch as I'm in a DG phase, I'd try the DG 271.
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You'll like it! No dust retention or streaking issues, nice matte (new car looking) finish and lasts a long, long time.
 
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