Plastic Trim... I need help

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Malabris

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I recently purchased a used truck that is overall in excellent condition. The trim, however, has been severely neglected. There isn't any build up, but it is pretty faded. I want to restore it, but am a little confused with the different products and overlapping performance and whatnot. From what I understand, I need a good cleaner, a restorer, and a sealer. I already have some mother's Back to Black cleaner. I'm looking for suggestions on a restorer, and have heard good things about UTTG to seal. Am I going in the right direction here? What restorer do you guys think works best?

Thanks
 
Malabris said:
I recently purchased a used truck that is overall in excellent condition. The trim, however, has been severely neglected. There isn't any build up, but it is pretty faded. I want to restore it, but am a little confused with the different products and overlapping performance and whatnot. From what I understand, I need a good cleaner, a restorer, and a sealer. I already have some mother's Back to Black cleaner. I'm looking for suggestions on a restorer, and have heard good things about UTTG to seal. Am I going in the right direction here? What restorer do you guys think works best?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Do a final clean with IPA, apply Solution Finish (dye, so wear gloves), apply UTTG or Car Pro Dlux as a topper.
 
What kind of truck is it? Is it smooth or textured trim?
 
Textured trim. Its a 2011 Ranger. The truck is black, so the faded trim looks out of place.
 
UTTG, and McKees Plastic Trim Restorer have been working pretty well for me. I haven't tried my Solution Finish yet.

I started a little comparison test back at the end of March. The UTTG and McKees are still noticeably there.

I'm not sure if it was the type of plastic, but WETS didn't really do well on it from the start.

I love WETS, but it may be more suited for trim in good condition.

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Malabris said:
Textured trim. Its a 2011 Ranger. The truck is black, so the faded trim looks out of place.
Click to expand...

The Mothers Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner should work out great for your prep.

These are the typical results I get from it. There's no need for an IPA wipedown after using it. Go straight to applying whatever you're going to use for protection.

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I had fantastic results with DLux in my testured faded cowl trim and side skirts. Not so good results on my smooth plastic trim.

I picked a 3-4 day window of clear weather since you're required to avoid water. But just the condensation that formed overnight caused waterspots? to form on the newly coated smooth plastic trim that won't wash away. I've read on here that DLux can be removed with APC, a MF towel and some scrubbing, so I'm going to try that soon.

But man, was the DLux nerve-racking to use. I'd never used a coating before, and so I didn't want to mess up the application or get in on surrounding paint/glass/etc. So I masked everything off, but you still have to move quickly to get overlapping passes without the coating starting to setup and get tacky.

Also doing the cowl was very difficult. I'll have to go back and touch it up. Particularly the corners at each side of the car, the grille/holes that are over the HVAC intake, and the area under the wiper arms. My advice: use detailing stick, maybe cotton swabs, for the grille, turn the wipers on momentarily then stop them to move them out of the way and coat the cowl under them, and just do your best in the corners. Again, the detailing sticks will help with that.

I also like that DLux is versatile since it's both a trim AND wheel coating. I used very little of my bottle doing the trim, so I'll coat my rims with it next spring too.
 
derass said:
Also doing the cowl was very difficult. I'll have to go back and touch it up. Particularly the corners at each side of the car, the grille/holes that are over the HVAC intake, and the area under the wiper arms. My advice: use detailing stick, maybe cotton swabs, for the grille, turn the wipers on momentarily then stop them to move them out of the way and coat the cowl under them, and just do your best in the corners. Again, the detailing sticks will help with that.
Click to expand...

Use these.

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if there isn't any foam/dressing applicator that doesn't work well for you, try looking in the shoe section at walmart where they sell the accessories...

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Kind of hard to get a good pic with all the rain, but here it is 4 months later

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@Mantilgh. Is the Mckee's similar to Meguiars Ultimate Black as far as the way it lays on the surface once it's been applied? Or is it totally different?
 
Eldorado2k said:
@Mantilgh. Is the Mckee's similar to Meguiars Ultimate Black as far as the way it lays on the surface once it's been applied? Or is it totally different?
Click to expand...

Based on those photos I'm going to say it's different. No way ultimate black lasts that long. At least the lotion version.

According to Nick it penetrates into the plastic instead of sitting on top.
 
I'm also looking for a long lasting, slightly darkening product. Kinda between UTTG and WETS. Any thoughts?
 
The Guz said:
Based on those photos I'm going to say it's different. No way ultimate black lasts that long. At least the lotion version.

According to Nick it penetrates into the plastic instead of sitting on top.
Click to expand...

Ultimate Black's lasting power hasn't ever really disappointed me... It's the way it attracts dirt that's the problem. I'm wondering if it's similar since from what I understand they're both lotions.
 
Eldorado2k said:
Ultimate Black's lasting power hasn't ever really disappointed me... It's the way it attracts dirt that's the problem. I'm wondering if it's similar since from what I understand they're both lotions.
Click to expand...

Mckee's is a clear liquid that is thin in consistency. Not a lotion like UB.

I used some on my uncles Tahoe but I forgot to look at it the last time I saw him.
 
McKee's Trim Restorer is easy to apply, looks good and lasts!


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Bobby B. said:
Prep the plastic trim with APC or IPA. Apply Solution Finish to restore the plastic trim. Autogeek offers plenty of products for protecting the plastic trim. I like to use the Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant.

Solution Finish Black Plastic & Vinyl Restorer, trim restorer, black plastic restorer

Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant, rubber trim sealant, rubber protectant, exterior trim products, metal sealer
Click to expand...

I used this exact recipe on my tundra's plastic and it looks better than new and it feels silky smooth. Also used WETS (Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant) on my boats vinyl seats and its holding up great and seats a silky smooth and holding the rich color much better than anything else I have tried. Next think I will try it on is tires its expensive for that but i like dark but not wet looking tires and I think WETS will be perfect if it can handle the butt whopping tires get.

Edit also I got the 12 oz solution finish thinking I would need a lot dye to restore the trim, boy was I wrong that stuff goes a very long ways. It may last me the rest my life. small bottle should last you a few years on personal cars.
 
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