Damaged/stained trim

A

AndyC

New member
I've checked other threads but can't find anything specific for this.



I have 2 problems with the trim as follows.



1. Plastic trim on bumpers and sides of car has polish/wax stains on it - combination of bodyshop applying a hand glaze poorly and me pre-Autopia when I knew everything.....



2. Bodyshop buffed bodywork unsuccessfully and have left what I can best describe as swirls with polish in them on the trims beneath the side glass. They've also left polish embedded in top window seals and other areas of car.



It's only since claying and washing properly that this has all become apparent and nothing I've tried has had any effect at all (Megs CG trim detailer, Auto Glym, Armour All and even QS). It really ruins the overall appearance, which is gradually improving as I forget more of what I thought I knew before getting into Autopia!



Any thoughts/product ideas?
 
The old favourites here for removing wax etc are peanut butter or an eraser, but I've not tried either as I normally use Autoglym bumper care which does the trick. This should work on all the polish residue you have.



For scratches in the trim it will depend if you have painted/ unpainted or smooth/ rough texture. If its smooth painted then treat with care but as for scratches anywhere.
 
What it sounds like you need is one of these:



tolae_1769_9414223




Its a small paint brush with very short bristles. You can make one by taking a 1" paint brush and using sharp scissors cutting down the bristles to 1/2" or so. The stiffness of the bristles makes it easy to remove wax buildup from around seams and emblems by simply brushing it away. An indispensible tool for any detailer.



As for removing wax from textured trim, I've not found an easy method or product. Sometimes mineral spirits work, sometimes an all purpose cleaner. A neighbor of mine got wax in some of his trim and I had to use acetone to remove it. You've got to be patient with it and keep at it.



Hope this helps.
 
Thanks guys and I've got loads of old paintbrushes so will break out the scissors! I tried peanut butter last weekend and no discernible difference to stains. I've used Autoglym Bumper Care in the past and found it very oily plus it says it contains petroleum distillates which I'm just not so sure about letting near my paint.



I thought about a strong (or even undiluted?) solution of APC+ as this might remove the polish stains - any thoughts?



As for the window trims, I'm stumped. I can only think of maybe replacing them as they are badly scuffed.
 
I had this problem with the ones on my roof. I took them off (if you can figure out how to do this, DO IT)...



Then sanded em down with 1000 grit, then 1500...They were then very smooth and had a flat finish. I then used Clearcoat in the spray can form to bring back a high gloss to them. They look great still and I just treat and protect them like my paint.



Give this a try if you can get the moldings off...it works well. Good Luck.
 
Definitely try APC+. The best results I had with removing wax from trim was by using EFHI, a similar product to APC+. I used a small stiff scrub brush and EFHI full strength. Took a few applications but it did work.



Can the window trim be repainted? I don't know what would be easier/cheaper but maybe remove them, prep them for paint, then respray them. Might be worth a try as I imagine replacing the trim would be rather pricey.



Good luck.
 
Looks good! Have enquired about shipping etc and will wait for a reply. Meantime will try APC+ and see what happens.
 
Give the Pink Pearl eraser a try .. I have used it on old wax on trim and it works . If it doesn't work for you .. your out $0.39 and no shipping. The eraser is part of my detailing supplies.
 
Eagle A2Z wheel cleaner does a dandy job of cleaning wax and polish stains out of plastic trim. So does Klasse AIO. Black Again as well does a good job.
 
Thanks foxtrapper - just looked at Eagle One's UK site and A2Z looks like an acid based cleaner. If that's so, will it be safe for use on plastic trim?
 
I've not had any problems with it on plastic. It's for painted wheels, so it's mild enough not to tear up painted surfaces or the plastic center caps many of them have.
 
Thanks for that - the more suggestions the better! The door trims are actually fairly cheap so as a last resort I suppose I can always replace them and never let a lunatic with a buffer within a mile of my car again....
 
A2Z has a high Alkalyne base not an Acid, however getting harder to come by. Wax blaster specifically made for cleaning wax residues
 
OK, here's what I did with my trim yesterday.



APC+ diluted 1:64 as recommended. Applied with spraybottle and worked into trim with an old toothbrush and left for 5 minutes then rinsed. Didn't remove stains but cleaned trim completely - the brown muck which washed off was unreal.



Dressed with AG Bumper Care and this has covered all stains bar those on window trims (which were put in with a buffer by a bodyshop). Left AG for 20 mins and then buffed and it looks great - nice satin finish without smears.



Happy man!
 
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