exterior plastics and trim

E

Envious Eric

New member
so here is the deal....for cars like xterras, jeeps, etc with a lot of plastic black trim, I need a more durable product if one exists. Right now my process is the following:

wash, deep clean, hit with either 303 or megs hyper (temp looks).



is there something out there that will last a lot longer than 303 and add some color?????
 
If the trim is in good shape give Opt-Seal a try. I just tried it this weekend on the black cladding of my truck and was quite surprised. I've been using 303 but I'm hoping this lasts considerably longer.



I liked the gloss and look of Opti-Seal so I applied it to everything but the tires and tonneau cover. Even for those that prefer a different LSP; I still would recommend this for door jams, rims, wiper blades and any other area that's a pain to use a conventional wax\sealant.
 
toyotaguy said:
so here is the deal....for cars like xterras, jeeps, etc with a lot of plastic black trim, I need a more durable product if one exists. Right now my process is the following:

wash, deep clean, hit with either 303 or megs hyper (temp looks).



is there something out there that will last a lot longer than 303 and add some color?????
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Hmmm...it's that "add some color" bit that makes me think that you're after something other than an LSP-based approach.



There was another thread discussing some stuff called "C4" but oninions seem to vary as to how long it lasts.



FWIW, when I have to use a dressing type approach, I use AutoGlym Bumper Care, but I dunno if it lasts long enough to be right for you :nixweiss
 
....being a user of 303 on some exterior components, there are a few dressing/protectants I can certainly think of that last longer (definitely not one of 303's strong points IMO/IME). Meguiars Ultimate Protectant is one of the better ones (again, IMO/IME) in that respect but I have found it to be a little difficult to apply to some textures or to work it in to corners/crevices. I think a lot has to do with my own application technique though since others don't seem to have an issue. Black Wow is one I would say has "better than most" staying power and probably does a better job of "darkening" (even on neglected trim). It can get a little messy though if you get it on surrounding painted surfaces, glass, etc. ....I prefer the LSP approach but will still use dressings/protectants on some bits if needed.
 
Ultima Tire & Trim Guard is what you're looking for. Yes its on the expensive side at first BUT it takes such little product that in the end its cheaper.
 
Dubbin1 said:
Ultima Tire & Trim Guard is what you're looking for. Yes its on the expensive side at first BUT it takes such little product that in the end its cheaper.
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What I posted above (about how LSP-based approach might not be right) kinda applies to the Ultima too though, doesn't it? I've only used Ultima on stuff that I've been able to get into decent condition :think:



I really like the stuff, but I don't see it working on something that needs its appearance *improved*; I see Ultima as a great way to keep nice surfaces staying nice.
 
Accumulator said:
What I posted above (about how LSP-based approach might not be right) kinda applies to the Ultima too though, doesn't it? I've only used Ultima on stuff that I've been able to get into decent condition :think:



I really like the stuff, but I don't see it working on something that needs its appearance *improved*; I see Ultima as a great way to keep nice surfaces staying nice.
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Cee Dog has been doing some tests with it over on AG and it does an amazing job at improving the appearance on neglected plastic and trim. I too have had good luck with restoring severely neglected trim using Ultima.



Here is one of the pictures he has posted



PB trim restorer on left, Ultima Tire & Trim Guard on right

This is after 12 says with 2 rainy days. As you can see the Ultima did an excellent job at restoring the color. It does an even better job on black.

IMG_3083.JPG
 
Dubbin1 said:
Ultima Tire & Trim Guard is what you're looking for. Yes its on the expensive side at first BUT it takes such little product that in the end its cheaper.
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Been using UTTG as my go to trim protectant and very satisfied with the results. Recently tried GTechniq C4 and I must say I'm switching to C4. Have a full bottle of UTTG at half price if anyone is interested.
 
Legacy99 said:
Been using UTTG as my go to trim protectant and very satisfied with the results. Recently tried GTechniq C4 and I must say I'm switching to C4. Have a full bottle of UTTG at half price if anyone is interested.
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I am interested how much for the uttg
 
toyotaguy said:
maybe i shouldnt have added the add color. i want something that lasts!!!!
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Well, if the "richer looking" bit of it *does* matter, then it matters (and if it doesn't...). I wouldn't want something nice and satiny-looking, nice and long-lasting too, on top of some gray, yucky trim that needs a different approach.



Maybe I'm just all worked up about the topic since I'm dealing with these new beaters of mine that're a LOOOONG way from the condition I'm used to dealing with! If the trim is in good condition that Ultima stuff lasts an incredibly long time, even with winter/etc. use.
 
Dubbin1 said:
Like I said Ultima is what you're looking for and it will add the color.
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Guess this is a "YMMV" sort of thing. I wasn't thrilled with how it looked on the beater-Audi's rubber until I worked on it with Griot's Rubber Prep. I'll have to give it a try on something else that's messed up and see how it works.
 
Accumulator said:
Guess this is a "YMMV" sort of thing. I wasn't thrilled with how it looked on the beater-Audi's rubber until I worked on it with Griot's Rubber Prep. I'll have to give it a try on something else that's messed up and see how it works.
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I'm talking about plastic trim like the OP was asking about, I really don't know how well it works on neglected rubber. I'll have to find a car with nasty rubber and give it a try.
 
Dubbin1 said:
I'm talking about plastic trim like the OP was asking about, I really don't know how well it works on neglected rubber. I'll have to find a car with nasty rubber and give it a try.
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Eh, I guess I'm not being clear. I *was* thinking about plastic trim as much as rubber; the plastic rocker panel covers on my Crown Vic, the roof rack on my Tahoe...stuff like that. The kind of weathered plastic that I start fixing by working with Hi-Temp Heavy Cut. You know, whitish-gray, blotchy finish, rough texture...worn and sun-faded.



Anyhow, yeah...let's try some of the Ultima on not-so-nice materials and see how it works.



Oh, and just FWIW, on the Crown Vic I went at the rubber with that HiTemp Heavy Cut in the places where I couldn't use the Rubber Prep (which can't contact glass) and it worked very well. That particular polish/compound is great for surfaces where the usual "white staining" would be a nightmare, just don't let it dry before you buff it off and there's no problem.
 
I was impressed with Ultima T&T on black trim but the problem was that it after 6 months mine got funky in the bottle and didn't work as well.
 
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