Matte Black Metal (Windshield Wipers)

B

Bobhornet

New member
Before becoming compulsive (says my wife) these past few months keeping my car looking good, I realize there is something I am missing. The matte black metal that comprises the windshield wiper arms. All of my past cars have had the finish either flake away of fade away. I'd like to know:



1) How do you recommend keeping the new wiper arms looking new?



2) How to restore old faded or flaked wiper arms?





Thanks in advance!



Bob
 
:welcome to Autopia.



To answers your questions:



1. If they are smooth (not textured) and appear painted, any wax will work fine. Textured plastics should be protected with a dressing, like the stuff you use on your tires.



2. Faded or flaked wiper arms need to be repainted or replaced. Remove them from the car, sand or strip the paint, and repaint. If they are plastic and faded, you can try something like Forever Black to restore some of the original look but if that doesn't work they'll need replacing.



Hope this helps.
 
I find that powdercoating works great, and lasts longer than most "trim" paints. Problem is, you will need to have them done at a shop, unless you have the stuff to powdercoat them yourself!



As Bret said, check on the price of replacement arms. I was going to sand, prime, paint my Explorer wiper arms. Then, I found out brand new ones were only $13/each from Ford. Needless to say, I just purchased new ones.



Welcome to the site! :wavey
 
I guess they wont cost the same from Porsche :shocked . Anyway, on the last Carrera I did, I "dressed" them with Klasse AIO, it cleaned them very well and left a nice look too.
 
I use AIO on wipers also, it does add some gloss to the matte finish but I like it. I then also use AIO on the plastic that is underneath the arms, on most cars that gets oxidized quite a bit.
 
phareous said:
I was thinking gloss black would look better than flat...opinions?
Click to expand...
You're asking Autopians?? :D Hey, if it's paint, it's gotta shine! ;)



......Then again, I started thinking about why they're flat in the first place. It's probably to reduce any reflections or glare that shiny wiper arms might cause. Just something to think about I guess.
 
I used P21S Multi Finish Restorer with great results on my Porsche. I recently refinished the rear wiper which was very oxidized (read dull) and brought it back a like new shine I used it on the plastic portion as well with equally impressive results.



If your wipers have a matte finish I'd recommend trying a repaint. I've used Wurth gloss or satin black for that project.



Good luck...
 
Good point on keeping them matte- the wipers on my girlfriends car have flaked off paint and the shiney metal nearly blinded me the other day.
 
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