Trim detailing

A

a.k.a. Patrick

New member
One of my most arduos and time consuming tasks while detailing, is cleaning and treating all the rubber/plastic trim and plastic grill patterns (where the hood meets the front window) on vehicles. My questions is, how do others do it, do they do it, do they do it before washing, after washing etc....All tips vastly appreciated....

Ive often wondered what it would be like to treat prior to washing, and not wipe down, then wash and hope theres still product left after the wash ? Thoughts ??



Ive found VM to be the least of my hassles for cleaning and preserving, i just wonder how well it preserves.....
 
I do a little bit of both. Prewash while I am dressing the motor, I dress it with #40 (cut 50/50 with water). After washing the car, I find that there is still a little bit left. I then apply AIO over it after the car has dried. Does that make sense?
 
I always do this part of the car after all the polishing, I find if there is any dust created while polishing it gets into these places, so I do them last. I use AG Bumper Care to do these parts and other exterior trim, including the rubber window seals. (Being careful not to get any on the glass)



Where the hood meets the front window
 
I use AIO topped with either SG or UPP/BF or, in some cases, wax. I've only found one or two bits of black plastic (or satin black painted) trim that this didn't work well on. The usual "ERV dressings" are just too messy for me, especially in the rain.



For the same reason, I don't think I'd try treating it before washing. First, you'd be dressing/rubbing in any contamination and second, if you did wash it off you might get streaking from where it ran over your paint and/or contaminated your wash mitt.



If the VM is working for you, I'd probably just keep applying it regularly and keep an eye on things. Even if you get a *little* deterioration (oxidation, etc.), if you're paying attention you can still catch it in time and try another approach.
 
I do mine the day after washing so that the car is completely dry (if the weather's dry here in the UK :rolleyes: ).



I use 303 applied with the sponge side of a WalMart 2¼" x 3¾" sponge-scourer* which makes accurate work real easy, with the help of a toothbrush for the more awkward places (and sometimes a ½" paint brush for real awkward places). I use old (but soft and clean) cotton towels to wipe dry.







* For dishes/pots/pans... dunno if they go by that name Stateside. :nixweiss



PS

I was probably Autoglym Bumper Care's biggest fan 'til I discovered 303.
 
Hands down, GR-40 Trim Cleaner from www.topoftheline.com



I've tried APC's, other Trim Cleaners, dyes, dressings. This stuff blows it all away in seconds. Just spray on an applicator, rub in and voila! I usually top it off with PB Trim Restorer for a touch of sheen and protection.



I don't mean to sounds so zealous about this stuff, but it really blew my mind.
 
Cal said:
I do mine the day after washing so that the car is completely dry (if the weather's dry here in the UK :rolleyes: ).



I use 303 applied with the sponge side of a WalMart 2¼" x 3¾" sponge-scourer* which makes accurate work real easy, with the help of a toothbrush for the more awkward places (and sometimes a ½" paint brush for real awkward places). I use old (but soft and clean) cotton towels to wipe dry.







* For dishes/pots/pans... dunno if they go by that name Stateside. :nixweiss



PS

I was probably Autoglym Bumper Care's biggest fan 'til I discovered 303.
Click to expand...



More than half way through my AG Bumper Car Cal, UK distributor for 303 then ?
 
MF applicator.



I just massage it in and walk away.



Next detail I have with crappy trim, I will fully document it and review.
 
I usually use a paint brush or one of those foam brushes, it makes quick work of large areas and it is easy to avoid paint/glass ect. I usually dip the brush in a little "Cool whip" container that has some protectant poured into it.
 
Hey Axe



I used my AG Bumper Care for two years plus and still have half a bottle left. (Yes, the first bottle!) Don't get me wrong, it's excellent stuff. I just like 303 much more, even though I apply it nearly twice as often, externally that is â€â€� internally and under the bonnet (hood) it lasts a L-O-N-G time.



I get my 303 from Autopia here. :xyxthumbs
 
I'm chopping and changing between several dressings but always use a 1" paint brush to 'paint' dressings on with. As Scottabir says it makes it easier to avoid getting on glass or paintwork but makes easy work on bigger areas like my front splitter that would take twice as long if using a cloth or pad to apply with.

:).
 
You know that is such a good idea, I am going to purchase a brush for that job :) Maybe a 1" for the 'leaf collector' and a .5" for the rubbers
 
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