What are you all using to clean the black plastic trim pieces (bumper, wheel well trim, side of doors, etc.) I've washed my PP several times now and the black always looks dirty no matter what I do. The wheel wells also look filthy. The black trim piece along the front doors seems to be a fingerprint magnet too. I have some Meguiars Ultimate Black Trim Restorer that I used on another vehicle, but it made a mess as soon as it got wet. There has to be something better out there than one of the products that is geared more towards cleaning versus restoring.
Cleaning black plastic trim
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Whatever you do, don't get wax on it. I use the 303 protectant and have had decent results. I also use Meguairs ultimate liquid wax near the plastic trim.. It says on the bottle it won't leave white residue on plastic trim. You want the plastic trim filled with a product so regular wax won't get in there. It's hard to get off. I've heard peanut butter etc,, etc, never with any results. I've used this combination on my Ridgeline with decent results.
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590 Posts
I have a Element and believe me I know about black plastic, I would highly recommend Griots Garage Black Shine Trim Restorer $15 through them $11 I believe through Amazon.
Depending on how often you wash your car I usually put it on 2-3 times a years, water repels right off. These guys make some of the best auto detailing products
Depending on how often you wash your car I usually put it on 2-3 times a years, water repels right off. These guys make some of the best auto detailing products
Good ole soap and water. Hahaha. Only kidding. I use my Adam's car wash shampoo, They then get a treatment of a diluted solution of CarPro Perl, usually every other wash.
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I use this about every two years, because I have to pay very close attention to details. The only time I applied it to my (current) PP was Oct 2019 and I used painters tape to keep it off of my glass and paint.
If you apply this WIPE NEW $14 and wipe it dry (after two minutes) and then wipe it again with another towel, it will last a year in direct sun. This lasts and lasts.
The problem is the application process. If you apply it too thick and you don't wipe it dry, it will streak. If you get it on glass and you don't wipe it dry, it will be there for years. If you rub it over dirty plastic, it will lift up dirt and the dirt becomes a part of the liquid. When that dirty liquid gets on your paint, you must STOP immediately and devote all of your time to getting it off, or else it will be there for years and years.
I've it on all of my cars and I swear by it. Hint...Do your engine bay and wheel liners, too.
If you apply this WIPE NEW $14 and wipe it dry (after two minutes) and then wipe it again with another towel, it will last a year in direct sun. This lasts and lasts.
The problem is the application process. If you apply it too thick and you don't wipe it dry, it will streak. If you get it on glass and you don't wipe it dry, it will be there for years. If you rub it over dirty plastic, it will lift up dirt and the dirt becomes a part of the liquid. When that dirty liquid gets on your paint, you must STOP immediately and devote all of your time to getting it off, or else it will be there for years and years.
I've it on all of my cars and I swear by it. Hint...Do your engine bay and wheel liners, too.
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717 Posts
In my 50 years of owning, driving and caring for my vehicles I've tried numerous car care products and a few years ago I discovered Surf City Garage Black Max. Absolutely the best product for exterior plastic trim. I apply it with a foam applicator, let it sit for a few minutes and wipe or buff it. Looks great, lasts a long time.
For tires I use Surf City Beyond Black. Again, the best product I've found for tires. Creates a nice sheen rather than the ultra shiny look. And, it also lasts a long time. Better than the many other tire dressings I've tried over the years.
For tires I use Surf City Beyond Black. Again, the best product I've found for tires. Creates a nice sheen rather than the ultra shiny look. And, it also lasts a long time. Better than the many other tire dressings I've tried over the years.
Products
surfcitygarage.com
A trim sealant might be best. Ultima and Wolfgang make two highly regarded products. Available on amazon. Additionally, I’ve been using turtle wax hybrid solutions spray coating. Cleaned the trim well and used the spray on my paint and trim. It worked very well and subsequent washing seems to be very easy.
Another easy and cheap one is meguiars ultimate quick wax. It really works well on trim. An easy to apply spray and available pretty much everywhere.
Another easy and cheap one is meguiars ultimate quick wax. It really works well on trim. An easy to apply spray and available pretty much everywhere.
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61 Posts
I have to recommend CeraTrim, a ceramic based coating.
I used a detail brush and all purpose cleaner to thoroughly clean the trim after I washed the Passport. You can then apply the CeraTrim and let it cure for 24 hours. It's super hydrophobic and is a clear gel so it doesn't unnaturally darkened your trim. If you want to know more about it here's the video that sold me on it.
I used a detail brush and all purpose cleaner to thoroughly clean the trim after I washed the Passport. You can then apply the CeraTrim and let it cure for 24 hours. It's super hydrophobic and is a clear gel so it doesn't unnaturally darkened your trim. If you want to know more about it here's the video that sold me on it.
Love their Dash Away and Road Grime Destroyer. Surf City makes excellent products.In my 50 years of owning, driving and caring for my vehicles I've tried numerous car care products and a few years ago I discovered Surf City Garage Black Max. Absolutely the best product for exterior plastic trim. I apply it with a foam applicator, let it sit for a few minutes and wipe or buff it. Looks great, lasts a long time.
For tires I use Surf City Beyond Black. Again, the best product I've found for tires. Creates a nice sheen rather than the ultra shiny look. And, it also lasts a long time. Better than the many other tire dressings I've tried over the years.
Products
surfcitygarage.com
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