What to use on running boards Steps?

While I like the look of SF I've had very poor durability with it. Basic it lasts 1 wash only. Now the plastic I have been using it on isn't "faded", I'm mainly using it as a dressing. I've applied it to several pieces and it washes off.

I've gone as far as to remove the pieces from the car, scrub them with APC, then rinse off with water, and then clean with alcohol. It looks great when applied, but goes back to looking like it did before I put anything on it after a wash.

I've also used it on a rubber strip on a roof rack rails. There it seems to stick well and last, but looks smeary. So I see 4 possibilities:

1. I bought my SF on BOGO, it was old stock and is defective

2. SF only sticks to certain plastics

3. SF sticks only to faded plastics

4. SF is a rip off at @ $30 an ounce for a dressing that will easily wash off.

Honestly, I'm not sure which one it is.

That is so weird. I have had very good luck with SF and I got it on BoGo too. Not sure if it's from the same batch or whatever. I agree the price is a little steep but from my experience (restoring extremely faded black plastic trim) it works very well and doesn't wash off.

Maybe it only works on faded trim??? :dunno:
 
Has anyone tried 303 on it?

Yes! :)
Did my wife's Denali last weekend, (hood & front fenders, there is a thread I did, MF system vs. type2 water spots, 101 etc.).

I did the cowling, grill, around the mirrors, typical trim wipe, and of course the running boards. Now I had NOT cleaned them nowhere near like they needed to be and only did the 303 as a 'test'. So far, so good. ;)

Dont try 303!


Why? Was it too slippery to you guys? Is a durability, coverage, blotchy or something issue?

My wife will tell me in an instant if she doesn't like what I've done her trim with. It didn't feel slick to me when I did it, and actually checked it the next day (it was raining) and it wasn't slick then either.

I asked her just now if she's had any problems with "the stuff" I put on her running boards last weekend. Her reply was "You haven't heard me complaining have you?" (Uh and she will normally stop on the way backing out of the garage if she doesn't like whatever I've used.) To me.... that is a two thumbs up WIN! :dblthumb2:

FWIW Another product I've used lately is Griot's Vinyl & Rubber Dressing. It's not particularly glossy, more of a satin, certainly a different look and feel than most. (Even when applying it.) :rolleyes: Not really sure how I like it yet, and it lays down a bit grabby. Also finishes very different on the various surfaces as you move around the vehicle.
One thing it isn't.... is slippery! :dunno:

Later,
Cardaddy
 
Yes! :)
Did my wife's Denali last weekend, (hood & front fenders, there is a thread I did, MF system vs. type2 water spots, 101 etc.).

I did the cowling, grill, around the mirrors, typical trim wipe, and of course the running boards. Now I had NOT cleaned them nowhere near like they needed to be and only did the 303 as a 'test'. So far, so good. ;)





Why? Was it too slippery to you guys? Is a durability, coverage, blotchy or something issue?

My wife will tell me in an instant if she doesn't like what I've done her trim with. It didn't feel slick to me when I did it, and actually checked it the next day (it was raining) and it wasn't slick then either.

I asked her just now if she's had any problems with "the stuff" I put on her running boards last weekend. Her reply was "You haven't heard me complaining have you?" (Uh and she will normally stop on the way backing out of the garage if she doesn't like whatever I've used.) To me.... that is a two thumbs up WIN! :dblthumb2:

FWIW Another product I've used lately is Griot's Vinyl & Rubber Dressing. It's not particularly glossy, more of a satin, certainly a different look and feel than most. (Even when applying it.) :rolleyes: Not really sure how I like it yet, and it lays down a bit grabby. Also finishes very different on the various surfaces as you move around the vehicle.
One thing it isn't.... is slippery! :dunno:

Later,
Cardaddy
It is dangerously slippery on Expedition running boards and all rubber mats I tried it on. I have no issues with 303 otherwise but I prefer DG 531 . The Denalli running boards must be different composition than Ford..
 
I have used both 303 and UTTG. Both worked well, UTTG lasted a bit longer.
 
Yes! :)
Did my wife's Denali last weekend, (hood & front fenders, there is a thread I did, MF system vs. type2 water spots, 101 etc.).

I did the cowling, grill, around the mirrors, typical trim wipe, and of course the running boards. Now I had NOT cleaned them nowhere near like they needed to be and only did the 303 as a 'test'. So far, so good. ;)





Why? Was it too slippery to you guys? Is a durability, coverage, blotchy or something issue?

My wife will tell me in an instant if she doesn't like what I've done her trim with. It didn't feel slick to me when I did it, and actually checked it the next day (it was raining) and it wasn't slick then either.

I asked her just now if she's had any problems with "the stuff" I put on her running boards last weekend. Her reply was "You haven't heard me complaining have you?" (Uh and she will normally stop on the way backing out of the garage if she doesn't like whatever I've used.) To me.... that is a two thumbs up WIN! :dblthumb2:

FWIW Another product I've used lately is Griot's Vinyl & Rubber Dressing. It's not particularly glossy, more of a satin, certainly a different look and feel than most. (Even when applying it.) :rolleyes: Not really sure how I like it yet, and it lays down a bit grabby. Also finishes very different on the various surfaces as you move around the vehicle.
One thing it isn't.... is slippery! :dunno:

Later,
Cardaddy

She sounds like a real peach!
 
She sounds like a real peach!

Well, considering we've been together 38 years, (married 35) and... being Georgia born and raised.... a Georgia Peach she is! :D

But seriously, she 'climbs' on her running boards to get in and out and I've put stuff on there in the past that I just loved the way it looked, (and I prefer not to touch the running boards climbing in and out) but looks ain't everything! ;)
 
If they're not expensive, maybe you could switch them out for a new set.

Or have them powder coated.

I know that may sounded odd, but when I had my rear calipers coated at a reputable shop, the owner showed me around the facility and all sorts of materials they've coated, which included; plastic lawn furniture, computer towers, tools, etc.

This set is the OEM Toyota ones that just seem to fit perfectly (not too nerfy, if that makes sense). So I really don't want to replace them. I'll prolly try a few of the options listed and go from there. Thanks for the suggestion. //bluegoose//
 
Dont try 303!

Thank you for letting me know that. We've recently had a cold snap here in Virginia so I haven't tried anything yet. Thanks for your other suggestions too. //bluegoose//
 
Dont try 303!

Yes! :)
Did my wife's Denali last weekend, (hood & front fenders, there is a thread I did, MF system vs. type2 water spots, 101 etc.).

I did the cowling, grill, around the mirrors, typical trim wipe, and of course the running boards. Now I had NOT cleaned them nowhere near like they needed to be and only did the 303 as a 'test'. So far, so good. ;)





Why? Was it too slippery to you guys? Is a durability, coverage, blotchy or something issue?

My wife will tell me in an instant if she doesn't like what I've done her trim with. It didn't feel slick to me when I did it, and actually checked it the next day (it was raining) and it wasn't slick then either.

I asked her just now if she's had any problems with "the stuff" I put on her running boards last weekend. Her reply was "You haven't heard me complaining have you?" (Uh and she will normally stop on the way backing out of the garage if she doesn't like whatever I've used.) To me.... that is a two thumbs up WIN! :dblthumb2:

FWIW Another product I've used lately is Griot's Vinyl & Rubber Dressing. It's not particularly glossy, more of a satin, certainly a different look and feel than most. (Even when applying it.) :rolleyes: Not really sure how I like it yet, and it lays down a bit grabby. Also finishes very different on the various surfaces as you move around the vehicle.
One thing it isn't.... is slippery! :dunno:

Later,
Cardaddy

Ruh roh. Seems like I still may have to at least try it. I have the OEM Toyota running boards that only have the plastic on the step pads and the rest is chrome. I may just try applying on one of the back steps as I rarely have anyone in the back seat. I'll let you know my results once it warms up. Thanks. //bluegoose//
 
As an experiment on my Tahoe's Black running boards, I had some Turtle wax "Black Box" leftover and tried it. (I cleaned with APC first)It wasn't slippery and the Black pigment actually held up for 3-4 months, I touch up with some Meg's Pink Detail spray to revive it if I'm too busy to reapply.
 
I can't believe no one has recommended Wipe New as seen on tv
 
I use this stuff, not only on the running boards, but on the black of the mirrors, wiper cowel, tonaue cover etc. and i can get it locally, but they do have a website to order from.....................Rick's Best Exterior Trim Treatment Dressing Gel

Des Moines Iowa Dressings & Protectants
 
I use this stuff, not only on the running boards, but on the black of the mirrors, wiper cowel, tonaue cover etc. and i can get it locally, but they do have a website to order from.....................Rick's Best Exterior Trim Treatment Dressing Gel

Des Moines Iowa Dressings & Protectants

:rulez::ban:
 
i've used UTTG on my plastic steps, and i had to hold onto the steering wheel when getting in and out of my truck, for about a week, until the slippery-ness went away... The UTTG does hold up very nice, but i think for now, i'll just lay a coat of DG Aqua Wax on them once a month, when i hit the rest of the truck.
 
DG 271...works wonderful on all plastics. Buff it to a nice sheen after it dries though.
 
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