Is PERL the best option to maintain plastic trim on a new vehicle

Brrr

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I’m wondering what my options are for protecting the plastic trim areas on my 350. It would be the running boards, step up to get in the bed, the trim around the bed, door handles, trim between the front door and passenger door and the plastic between the windshield and hood.
The trim already looks new, I just need a way to keep it looking new. I’m guessing Perl. Any other viable options? It sits outside 24/7 so I’ll need something with UV protectant.
 
While a dedicated trim product will work, it's a PITA. I prefer a spray wax that works well on trim. I used OCW for 4 years while I had a Wrangler. Trim looked brand new when I sold it.
 
I can't argue with yakky about OCW or even Opti-Seal, but I would probably use WETS (Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant). But if you are using a spray wax/sealant, again, it's hard to argue against just using that on the trim, also.

I have said before if I was starting out with detailing again, I think I would just a WOWA sealant on everything (paint, glass, trim, chrome) and forget about a shelf full of products.
 
Perl will work. You will just have to apply it very often as it does not last that long.

WETS (Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant) this is a good option.

If you are looking for a coating, Armour Detail Supply recently released their coating. I recently had a chance to apply it.

Bradley from ADS answered this question about reapplication down the line from the. Video on the rag company channel. I will mention that coatings and protectant products on the running boards do take a beating.
 

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Brrr said:
I’m wondering what my options are for protecting the plastic trim areas on my 350. It would be the running boards, step up to get in the bed, the trim around the bed, door handles, trim between the front door and passenger door and the plastic between the windshield and hood.
The trim already looks new, I just need a way to keep it looking new. I’m guessing Perl. Any other viable options? It sits outside 24/7 so I’ll need something with UV protectant.
Click to expand...

Like any water-based dressing, Perl will only last until the next wash or rain.

Considering you mentioned the trim already looks new, have a look at something like Carpro Reload.



I've been using Reload on trim for years for the following reasons -

1. It's super easy to apply, you don't have to worry about getting it on paint.

2. The finish is subtle, adding richness without looking glossy.

3. Longer lasting than a dressing, but without the possible adverse effects of a ceramic coating. A happy medium.

4. It won't leach down onto the surrounding paint like a dressing can.

5. Provides some UV protection.

I know Reload has a bad name, but the latest 2.0 is a great product overshadowed by the original. Perhaps look at ordering the small 100ml version and try it out.
 
Before buying the ADS trim coating, I would watch this video. At least in this case, it performed poorly.
 
I think Perl is a good choice for your new trim. I would use Megs Hyper Dressing, which is kind of similar in many ways. I’m not sure about Perl but Hyper Dressing does have some UV blocking properties to it.

I’d trust it’s UV protection on plastic trim over any spray sealant actually, based on the tests shown on Dmitrys Garage channel, iirc just about every spray sealant/wax/ceramic he’s ever tested has failed to show any UV protection whatsoever.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
I can't argue with yakky about OCW or even Opti-Seal, but I would probably use WETS (Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant). But if you are using a spray wax/sealant, again, it's hard to argue against just using that on the trim, also.

I have said before if I was starting out with detailing again, I think I would just a WOWA sealant on everything (paint, glass, trim, chrome) and forget about a shelf full of products.
Click to expand...

Totally agree on the WETS. Been using it on my wife’s 2018 Murano since day one and the trim still looks brand new.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Bri26 said:
Before buying the ADS trim coating, I would watch this video. At least in this case, it performed poorly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting my video. I would not say the coating performed poorly. On trim that is in good shape and well maintained it is not going to give that wow factor as it does not need any type of restoration from the black dye. DJ of ADS even commented stating the same thing. Coatings in general on good condition trim do a similar thing. Even DIY Detail's Restore and Protect does the same thing as ADS Trim+. What it will do is enhance the appearance with a slightly darker finish.

Here is one on neglected trim which gives that wow factor.

 
On my wife's 1.5 year old Mazda, I just used Cerakote Trim; NEVER AGAIN. I'm posting a separate thread on my thoughts and experience, as an amateur using it.
Last year I used WETS and it was great; consistent look/finish, durable, easy, and forgiving, to apply. Topped that with some old Duragloss Bumper dressing I had.
Stick with a dressing that requires levelling and buffing, for a consistent finish.
 
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