Ultima Tire and Trim Guard Plus on Xterra

Raider · 07-24-07, 10:10

I have a 2001 Xterra and about a third of the vehicle is unpainted plastic. I have used a variety of products to keep the trim looking new, but none have performed that well, or that long, or both. The best I have found is 303 Protectant (looks great but washes off easily or streaks down painted areas) or Zaino Z16 (lasts about three washes, also streaks down painted areas). Most recently, I have tried Zaino Z-CS and Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal. These lasted longer, but over time the trim lost its darkness, and even began to show the porous nature of the plastic as small white dots. I also tried ICE, but it performed essentially the same as the Z-CS and Z-8, and also streaked.

I have actually investigated having the panels painted, but the textured nature of the panels, presence of silicones, and even release agents on new panels makes most paint shops reluctant to guarantee any result, if they will even agree to paint them at all.

When researching plastic paints on Xterraowners.com forum, I ran across a reference to Ultima Tire and Trim Guard Plus (TTG+ hereafter), and what I have read here on all the threads certainly sounds promising. The potential impact of such a product for Xterra, Avalanche, Element, and other owners of plastic-clad cars, as well as Volvo and BMW owners whose vehicles have mid-line black plastic trim strips, cannot be overstated. IF the product performs as promised. Sorry, but I'm skeptical after trying a myriad of products.

While the price of admission at $40 isn't cheap, if it does work as promised, it will be relatively cheap compared to any other alternative (painting or replacement). So I plan to try order the product tommorrow, to try a last attempt at avoiding the costlier alternatives.

So my questions are these:
1) How well does the product last, and what testing bears this out?
2) Over time, does the initial darkness provided grey-out?
3) Over time is there any evidence that emerges of the porousity of the plastic, i.e. white dots/streaking?
4) Since most customers have previously used some other product, what is the recommended method for prepping the plastic for the TTG+. Could the Elastrofoam, Paint Guard Wash, Interior Shampoo Gel, or even Pint Prep Plus be used to remove previous products, and/or oxidation from the panels and trim before the TTG+ is used?

Though I have lurked here for years, I have benefitted from the opinions of the professionals here greatly, as I'm sure many enthusiasts have. I appreciate the opportunity to post and your patience in advance.

jw

DavidB · 07-25-07, 04:49

We tested Ultima Tire & Trim on dozens of different plastic, rubber and vinyl parts, including large areas like truck bed liners. On our truck bed liner test, which is now going on 7 months, you clearly see a difference between the side that was treated and the side that was not. The treated side is dark, has some gloss and still beads water like a son-of-a-gun.

I challenge you to find a better product. If you purchase the product and are not 100% satisfied, I will refund your purchase with no questions asked (you pay shipping).

I am simply not aware of another product on the market with the same level of performance.

Customers are using this product on:

- Tires
- Trim
- Boats
- Jeep and boat Bimini Tops
- Engines
- Wheels

I get a couple of great responses each week with new surfaces people have tried it on with great results.

I stand behind it 100%. If you're not happy with the results. Send it back... get your money back.

db

Raider · 07-25-07, 06:23

David:

Thanks for the response. Pretty strong guarantee. I'll be ordering tonight.

What preparation do you recommend for plastic trim to assure that the product bonds as best as possible? What would best remove any previous product?

DavidB · 07-25-07, 06:32

A good washing with Dawn dishwashing liquid will remove all of the silicone oil on the plastic. Be sure to dry very well before applying the sealant, as Ultima does not like water! I suggest a drive around the block to get the water out of the cracks.

I would greatly appreciate before and after pics and a write up on your thoughts. If you would be kind enough to provide your honest feedback, I will ship you a free bottle of Ultima Paint Guard Wash or Ultima Detail Spray (your choice) for your effort. The only way I want it, though, is if it is 100% brutally honest. Tell it how it is.

I believe Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus is a great product for all of the new vehicles with large areas of plastic... I'd love to get the word out.

Don't forget, it's not just for trim:

- Nothing works better on your tires & wheels

- Nothing works better on your engine

- Nothing works better on your wheel wells

- Nothing works better to protect stainless, polished aluminum and chrome

- Nothing works better on your vinyl soft top

- Nothing works better on your Bimini top

You will be amazed when you try it on all of these surfaces.

mbkintner · 07-25-07, 06:44

David,

How well does Ultima Tire & Trim Guard clean off of paint that may be covered during application to adjacent trim? Any residue left or degradation of the LSP?

Mike

DavidB · 07-25-07, 06:48

Mike,

It wipes of very easily, but you do need to buff it off before it dries.

My recommendation to people is to apply TTGP first and follow with PGP. The solvents in PGP will wipe away the TTGP and you will have a perfect finish. No fuss, no muss.

If you're not using PGP, I still recommend using TTGP first and follow with your LSP. As long as you hit it with your LSP (even a detail spray) in the first hour, it cleans right off your paint.

phamkl · 07-25-07, 07:09

So I take it you can't layer PGP? Or would it be layerable after the layer underneath has cured or something?

DavidB · 07-25-07, 07:16

PGP and TTGP love to be layered. Simply allow 12 (least) to 24 (best) hours of cure time. Your paint finish will get very, very wet looking after 3-4 coats.

Most tires take 2-3 coats to get a good seal going then a single coat once a month to really keep it looking nice. What you will really notice is how easily your tires and wheels clean up after being sealed. Bye, bye wheel cleaner. All you need is wash shampoo and a old wash mitt. If you try Ultima Paint Guard Wash, you will experience a wash shampoo with suds that can't be killed by brake dust.

Raider · 07-25-07, 08:12

David:

Thanks for the tip on prepping with Dawn. I like to drive around to get water out of the cracks, or sometimes I wash the night before, and garage till the next day to allow to dry. I also like to use a leaf blower to dry cracks, so I don't pick up any road debris.

I should know preliminarily how it does on the Xterra within about a week. All other products will either grey-out, or come off in the rain or wash by then. So I'll at least know by then how it compares to the competition, though longer term durability will be the real test.

I just dropped the hammer on an order for the entire line of products a few minutes ago, and I appreciate Lynn working with me on it.

Does the product come with complete recommendations and instructions? If so can these be downloaded in advance of order arrival?

If the product arrives in time, I'll be using them on my Xterra this weekend. Next weekend I plan to detail my mother-in-law's 2001 dark grey metallic Maxima for her birthday. I also owe my friend a few favors, and we will be detailing his 1996 Black Miata soon. I'll take before and afters. May need some help posting the pics, though. I have no problem with brutal honesty; it's the quickest way to deal with a problem and move on. Long as it's done in a constructive manner.

DavidB · 07-26-07, 07:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raider

David:
I just dropped the hammer on an order for the entire line of products a few minutes ago, and I appreciate Lynn working with me on it.

Does the product come with complete recommendations and instructions? If so can these be downloaded in advance of order arrival?

Thank you very much for your order. Greatly appreciated.

I have not finished the instruction manual. Each product has instructions on the bottle. We have made it very easy to apply. Really, the only thing you have to get used to is how little product you actually need to use to get the job done.

Each sealant product comes with its own applicator. The PGP has a huge mf applicator that makes applying a coat of sealant a breeze. The IGP and TTGP products come with two color foam applicators. I use the orange side of the TTGP foam applicator to do my wheels. The orange foam with the sealant has a little cleaning action that removes any remaining brake dust, road tar, etc.

A note or tires and other rubber parts. I have had a couple people tell me they don't like TTGP on tires. After I instruct them to clean their tires again and add two more coats they love it. The reason is that in many cases the rubber pulls the sealant in and it goes flat. With one or two more applications the shine sticks and the long-lasting appearance rocks.

db

Tuan209 · 07-31-07, 09:41

David,

Does the TTG+ produce a matte or sheen appearance?

Tuan

DavidB · 07-31-07, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuan209

Does the TTG+ produce a matte or sheen appearance?

Tuan,

It does a very good job of mimicking the surface it's applied to. So, if the finish has a natural sheen, TTG+ will enhance the sheen and the color.

When TTG+ is applied to chrome or a painted wheel, it will be very, very glossy.

When applied to rubber, it will be dark and matte unless you apply multiple layers. To better understand how and why, you may want to read this:

http://autopia.org/forum/ultima-red-...echnology.html

db