Black Trim Upkeep?

D

djhassey

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I'm 66 and will be retiring next month. I purchased a new Buick Enclave for the wife and a new GMC Sierra crew cab for my self three years ago. Last payment will be Jan1, 2021. I'm hoping that I may never have to purchase another car in my life. I'll be parting with my 2003 Trailblazer EXT V8 shortly with 127,000 miles. I only have 10,000 miles on either of the two new cars. So I tend to keep my cars long and my mileage low. They get washed weekly with Maquires Gold Classic car wash, Waxed three times a year with Maquires Gold Classic Carnuba wax. I have used the Mothers Clay Bar kit twice. Armoral for the interior, saddle soap for the leather. I have Weather Tech mats for all the seating and areas and Rain-X for the glass. I just have no idea how to keep the black plastic trim BLACK. I've tried some products but to no avail. I've read promises of other products but would surely appreciate anyone with first hand info on products that actually do the job and last a few months rather than guess. I had someone tell me Rustoleum Wipe New was what he used, but he was doing it once a month. I'd appreciate any advice that you can give. Those hot sunny days take a toll on the trim. I'm also sorry for posting a question that most likely has been asked multiple times before. I scrolled through some posts but didn't see anything that seemed to fit my question. I am looking more for to maintaining rather than restoring or fixing problems. Of course if I don't get going, I'll be looking for those issues instead. THANKS, Dave
 
As stated above, WETS is some good stuff. Solution Finish is another product that you might consider.

I am currently running a test between the two on my father's unmaintained factory tacoma fender flares. WETS was applied to the rear flares, and SF was applied to the front. The last time I saw the truck, the SF was holding up a little better after about 2 months.

The truck is parked in an open carport, so the sun hits it from almost all directions. I should have taken pics, but I wasn't thinking about it at the time. There are lots of threads regarding the 2 products.

You can't go wrong with either one.
 
My choice would be WETS also. Prep is the key to it lasting. A good APC scrubbing and a alcohol wipe down before applying sealant.
 
djhassey said:
I'm 66 and will be retiring next month.
Click to expand...
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement!
{I’ve really been enjoying mine.}

djhassey said:
Maquires Gold Classic car wash
Maquires Gold Classic Carnuba wax.
Click to expand...
Good stuff! :dblthumb2:

djhassey said:
I just have no idea how to keep
the black plastic trim BLACK.

I am looking more for to maintaining
rather than restoring or fixing problems.
Click to expand...
•Staying within the Meguiar’s line-up,
-I find their Ultimate Protectant Spray
to be a very effective black plastic
trim maintenance product.
-And it’s absolutely economically priced!

[Bonus: no more ArmorAll-ing the
dash(es), means one less product
to buy.]


Meguiars Ultimate Protectant Spray, vinyl and rubber protectant, dashboard dressing


Bob
 
Another WETS fan. I applied it to the exterior plastic trim to my wife’s 2018 Murano in June and it looks as good today as it did back then.
 
I'd like to thank everyone for their suggestions. I went ahead and ordered two 8oz bottles of WETS, 1 for each car. (cheaper than 1 16oz bottle on sale). Seemed to have the most support. I'm sure other suggestions are equally good and maybe better. I'm going to try it on the tires also, so I wasn't sure of the 4oz and coverage. But looking forward to getting my order. Posted a picture of my GMMC also.
View attachment 71983
 
Choosing the right product depends on the condition of the trim, ie. is it faded ?

WETS is a good sealant, and there are good coatings like DLux and Gyeon Trim. But if you have significant fading you probably want to go with Solution Finish.

As previously noted, proper surface prep is a key to getting the best results out of any of these products.
 
Lots of people say that the Mckees Plastic Trim Restorer is the same as WETS, and what I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t hold its initial darkening effect on the plastic for more than a few hours or so. It looks phenomenal upon applying, but the next day it’s suddenly not quite as popping. Kind of a letdown.

Here’s a perfect example of what I’m talking about.. I detailed this Armada with only 4,000 miles on it, basically brand new.

You can see in this pic how the plastic running board is deep black for the most part. After applying the Mckees Trim Restorer.

43ad27485de89c5c88dee368a31a5a96.jpg



But in short time it begins to fade and dry out... I applied it 4 times in the span of 2 days and Still couldn’t get the look to stay. This product hasn’t been as good as I expected.

8138526dd269cf71c287436dc02d933d.jpg
 
Trim has so far held up real well. But it's time to be proactive before I need to try & to restore.
 
Eldorado2k said:
Lots of people say that the Mckees Plastic Trim Restorer is the same as WETS, and what I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t hold its initial darkening effect on the plastic for more than a few hours or so. It looks phenomenal upon applying, but the next day it’s suddenly not quite as popping. Kind of a letdown.
Click to expand...


Ouch, I use the M37 on one of my vehicles. :eek:

Only thing I have noticed, post application, is that it takes on more of a matte finish. I generally see up to 2-3 mos. of longevity, depending on the season.
 
When you use the WETS, use it very sparingly. Only 4-5 drops on your initial application is sufficient. Once the applicator has product on it only need 2-3 drops. You can use either a foam or microfiber applicator. I use foam with excellent results. Good luck.
 
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