Cleaning black plastic trim

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sphell

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Hi everyone, I've been reading up on a few past threads about restoring black plastic trim with UTTG/303 etc.

I would just like to know what's the best product to use to actually clean the trim before restoring it? For example, car wash and a brush or is there a specific product I should use?

The car in question is a 2003 Toyota Echo.

Also, I have seen some stuff about plastic sealers. What are these and are they applied after cleaning and before restoring? Is there any benefit to using them and what brands should I look for?

I want to do a top notch job as its my partners car and since she'll be hanging onto it for a few more years I want the results to last.
 
I use a varied degree of APC, depending on how dirty. I also use a stiff brush and then let it sit a bit. I think AG sells a pretty potent exterior APC for that purpose.

UTTG is great product. Also use Carpro DLUX... Would recommend both
 
To clean is use Sonus All In 1 or IPA. AIO is good because its designed to remove waxes from surfaces and not harm paint. For wheel wells I use Grime Reaper.
 
Thanks for the helpful advice, I did see that post by Mike Phillips I just couldn't see anywhere that mentioned what he used to clean the trims initially. It was very informative.

I will see if I can pick up some APC on the weekend and give that a go. I found some Aerospace 303 in a local shop so I will use that as opposed to mail ordering the UTTG.
 
sphell said:
Thanks for the helpful advice, I did see that post by Mike Phillips I just couldn't see anywhere that mentioned what he used to clean the trims initially. It was very informative.

I will see if I can pick up some APC on the weekend and give that a go. I found some Aerospace 303 in a local shop so I will use that as opposed to mail ordering the UTTG.
Click to expand...

You may want to re-think that decision. UTTG is a vastly superior product!!!
 
I've tried many protectants/dressings on my classic cars and boats and I've always like 303 for it's uv screening and versatility.
 
Well I cleaned up the plastic yesterday, it came up really nice with the 303. The car is 10 years old and it may have seen a bit of Armor All back in the day but it's been a long time since anything was ever put on the plastic bits.

Here's a few pics.

Trims removed and cleaned with a stiff brush, then dried.





303 applied, let sit for a while then wiped off.





I also cleaned up the headlights while I was at it. Here is the headlight before cleaning.....it's faded and yellow :(



Then I rubbed them back with 400, 600, 800, 1500 and finally 2000 grade wet and dry. Rubbing in the same direction all the time. Then used some 3M 06085 Perfect-it Rubbing Compound with a wool pad on the buffer to get the shine back then finished it off with some Meguiar's Paint Cleaner on a black foam pad. (I didn't have any swirl remover and the Meguiar's says don't use on plastic but it did a great job in the end)!

Finially I gave them a wipe with 303.





 
I have found that using 303 with a wool pad and a rotary greatly extended the durabilty. That would work for headlights. Not practical for some delicate plastic parts tho.

Dave
 
davidc said:
I have found that using 303 with a wool pad and a rotary greatly extended the durabilty. That would work for headlights. Not practical for some delicate plastic parts tho.

Dave
Click to expand...

I'll have to try that sometime.decals on trailers don't last in AZ, as I'm sure you know. What RPM do you run on the rotary?


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Dr_Pain said:
I use a varied degree of APC, depending on how dirty. I also use a stiff brush and then let it sit a bit. I think AG sells a pretty potent exterior APC for that purpose.

UTTG is great product. Also use Carpro DLUX... Would recommend both
Click to expand...
IME CarPro Tar-X is the best prep for either of these great products!
 
Jomax said:
I'll have to try that sometime.decals on trailers don't last in AZ, as I'm sure you know. What RPM do you run on the rotary?


Sent from my iPhone using AG Online
Click to expand...

My rotary is air driven so I vary the speed with the trigger. The idea basically is to burnish the 303 into the surface with some heat, if I had to guess the rpm I would say 500. this is from 303's site.

Wash the surface to remove surface dirt & grit. Then use a variable speed power buffer (set not to exceed 1800 rpm) with a synthetic wool pad(or equivalent). Spray 303 on the surface, spread with the buffer on low, then increase the Rpm's & buff in until dry. Professionals utilizing this method achieve a labor savings of at least 80% compared to standard buffing & waxing, while producing a more lustrous and beautiful, longer lasting finish. Note: In some cases, pre-buffing may be required. Be sure to use a buffing compound which leaves no wax or polymer finish.
303 Aerospace Protectant - Restoring Gelcoat Fiberglass


Dave
 
Exterior trim and I have long-standing agreement: Either I'm going to do it in or it's going to do me in.

This is my process:

1. P21S Total Auto Wash diluted 4:1 and high quality medium stiff paint brush. Rinse and repeat until trim is clean. And trust me it will be clean.

2. Forever Black. Apply liberally. Let it sit and sink in. Repeat until the trim is uniformly black. It will not stick to paint, but no reason to take chances.

3. Poorboy's Trim Restorer. Apply liberally. On larger surfaces use a paint brush as above. Let sit. Wipe off excess. Repeat until trim will not absorb any more product.
 
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