Plastic Protectants

**BMW335i** · 03-07-2007, 11:49 AM

I am confused on dressings vs. protectants..I hear some people use tire dressing on plastics while others use 303? What is a good product for plastic - mainly for protection (i.e., preventing discoloration from sun), and some slight sheen? Thanks.

**DM101** · 03-07-2007, 12:39 PM

I like 303 interior. Meg. Hot Shine for tires. Going to try some Zaino for tires soon.

**joyriiide1113** · 03-07-2007, 01:18 PM

If its hard plastic, I highly suggest monthly applications of Clearkote VM, AIO, Poorboy`s PwS.

**White95Max** · 03-07-2007, 03:04 PM

A dressing is something that enhances the appearance of something else...it "dresses it up".

A protectant is something that protects something else.

The terms are used interchangably, and that`s fine, because most dressings also contain protectants.

**xmx250** · 03-07-2007, 03:32 PM

whats a good protectant, that has a very slight sheen to it? one for interior plastics and another for exterior plastics?

**thesacrifice** · 03-07-2007, 04:10 PM

303, works on both

**tom p.** · 03-07-2007, 04:59 PM

335i, how is the new car doing? A friend got one a few weeks ago and it went kaput. He`s in a long line waiting for parts.

Low sheen on plastic: Look at the 1Z products

**BigAl3** · 03-07-2007, 05:02 PM

just to note (rather than start a seperate thread), i have a BRAND NEW 16oz bottle of 303 if anyone is interested...

**sixty7mustang22** · 03-07-2007, 05:07 PM

For exterior plastics such as headlights and taillights, I use P21s Carnuba Wax. For trim type plastics, I use Armor All original. For all interior pieces, I use 303 Aerospace Protectant.

All of these protect while improving the appearance.

**sharky nrk** · 03-07-2007, 05:24 PM

I have heard of people using megs endurance tire gel for black plastics - is this adviseable cause that stuff is TOUGH

**BigAl3** · 03-07-2007, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

I have heard of people using megs endurance tire gel for black plastics - is this adviseable cause that stuff is TOUGH

it isn`t recommended (though you *can* use it), as there will be residue build up after a while and since it`s not meant for plastics, it may not adhere that well..

**sharky nrk** · 03-08-2007, 07:39 AM

oh ok - thats cool I just know that stuff will last a really really long time so figured I would ask as well

**AL-53** · 03-08-2007, 08:11 AM

I have been using

Duragloss UD (Vinyl & Leather Dressing)

It gives a nice new look to plastic trim..not to glossy and not to matte...works great on dash and interior plastic...

It was designed for interior plastics and i was told it works as good on exterior plastics also..I tried it and now my go to product for all plastics..

Best part is it lasts...

used on leather it repels water and stains...

I found it works better than 303 and lasts much longer

Al

**06E90** · 03-08-2007, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

I have heard of people using megs endurance tire gel for black plastics - is this adviseable cause that stuff is TOUGH

I found that it works great for the plastic cladding on my Jeep. The only drawback is that it is oily and attracts dirt like crazy. It gets better after a wash.

**TigerMike** · 03-08-2007, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by AL-53

I have been using

Duragloss UD (Vinyl & Leather Dressing)

It gives a nice new look to plastic trim..not to glossy and not to matte...works great on dash and interior plastic...

It was designed for interior plastics and i was told it works as good on exterior plastics also..I tried it and now my go to product for all plastics..

Best part is it lasts...

used on leather it repels water and stains...

I found it works better than 303 and lasts much longer

Al

Ditto Al`s comments. I have used a lot of interior protectants in my time, and I really like the DG UD Vinyl and Leather Dressing. The smell is a bit different, but it leaves a very nice natural gloss coating and actually lasts a pretty long time. I use it practically on all my interior surfaces, i.e. dash, plastics, leather seats, etc... I have even used the product on my tires and it leaves a nice look there too! Highly recommend this product, if you have a CarQuest nearby, grab a bottle and see for yourself!