Looking for a good trim product

[mk9750]

I just used McKee's Trim Restorer for the first time this weekend. It's obviously too early to judge longevity yet, but it sure did a great job.

I've read a lot about the Solution product, and it sure sounds terrific as well. I opted for the McKee's based on 1) cost, and 2) the fact that every McKee's product I've tried so far has done what I've asked it to do, so McKee's is my baseline. But as some point, I'll probably spring for Solution.

Good luck on your project.

Mark

[Coach Steve]

I have Solution Finish on hand, have used it once. It does contain a Dye.

In Mike Phillips'review of the product, he includes a post by creator and owner of Solution Finish, Chris West in which he States,

"First of all, Solution Finish is not an ink, dye, or stain – it is solvent-based modified black carbon..."
That post is located here:
Review: Solution Finish Plastic & Vinyl Restorer

[PA DETAILER]

Mc Kess has served me well. Lasts and no streaks.

[Belo]

i've liked the results from wolfgang's trim sealent. it's not a restorer but did a good job on some light fading i had on my explorer and is holding up well and beading well. it's a little messy/slick though.

That solution's stuff looks impressive and I'll keep it in mind as I don't need a product with a dye in it just yet.

[Desertnate]

Third vote for the McKee's.

I've used other products and the McKee's works better on a wider range of plastics, lasts longer, and is easier to apply and clean up than the others. I've also found a little goes a VERY long way, so the bottle should last a DIY'er a very long time.

[MarkD51]

In Mike Phillips'review of the product, he includes a post by creator and owner of Solution Finish, Chris West in which he States,

"First of all, Solution Finish is not an ink, dye, or stain – it is solvent-based modified black carbon..."
That post is located here:
Review: Solution Finish Plastic & Vinyl Restorer

Yeah, I recall reading that article as well. Not technically called a Dye, something I seem to recall about nano this or that, ancient something or other combined with modern technology.

It is black, and after I coated some vinyl trim with it, and letting it dry overnight, I did notice some nasty black oily feeling transfer onto my hands. Don't know why, perhaps there was the presence of other products still remaining on the trim?

With that said, I'm not so sure I'd want to use it for door handles

[mc2hill]

I really like Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus for dressing/restoring trim. I used some yesterday on the wiper arms and roof trim on my son's Accord. The wiper arms took 2 coats, but they look nice. This stuff is thin (old version), lasts a long time, and you use only a very small amount.

[mk9750]

Carbon black is used as a pigment. I suspect that it is the base material that would determine if the product is an ink, a dye, or a paint. At least that is the case within my industry.

[Dr Oldz]

I really like Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus for dressing/restoring trim. I used some yesterday on the wiper arms and roof trim on my son's Accord. The wiper arms took 2 coats, but they look nice. This stuff is thin (old version), lasts a long time, and you use only a very small amount.

I like Ultimate also. The new version darkens better. Both last very long. On severely faded trim, I will restore with Solution Finish(after cleaning with Mother’s heavy duty trim cleaner) then top off with UTGP when the SF totally dries!

[Mantilgh]

Of the ones listed so far I prefer to use McKees Trim Restorer.

It’s easy to use, darkens, and beads water.

Wolfgang is similar with a little less of a darkening effect.

Ultima is a little odd to use but is good.

Solution Finish darkens the most, but is also a little odd to use.