How to protect plastic trim?

[Ruben12]

I'm looking for a product to protect my plastic trim. Anyone have any suggestions on how to prep the trim and what product would be good to seal it? Thanks!

[MarkD51]

There's many products to protect. One of the best IMO would be Carpro CQuartz DLX.

Initially it seems pricey, and one will think this even more so when they see such a small bottle.

But for the protection it provides and how long the product will protect, it is actually very cost effective.

Probably some others will share that a small 30ml bottle should be sufficient for virtually all regular cars. That only larger vehicles, or vehicles that are grossly clad with plastic such as some of the Jeeps and SUVs, an additional bottle might be required.

Once you see how well such a product works, you will want to coat every plastic piece that might be subjected to weather extremes, such as Cowls, Wiper Arms, Roof Racks, and because of its high heat tolerance can be used also on wheels, and on under hood parts.

As for prep, a product like DLX will require perfectly clean parts prior to applying. Generally a good safe APC will work, and personally I'd stay away from any harsh chemicals such as alcohols, or petrol based products.

With DLX, you will be able to know and be assured that it is there protecting for a long time, unlike many lesser products.

[LSNAutoDetailing]

DLux for sure.

[MarkD51]

The other benefits will be time and labor, that there will be a drastic reduction of a need of re-application.

That "if" you wish to use a follow up maintenance product to even further lengthen the life of Cquartz DLX, some might be Carpro's own Reload, or another suitable product would be perhaps GTechniq C2V3. I'm sure there's others that would be also ideal that would not harm and could compliment DLX's properties.

After such a coating would be applied, there will then be no need of having to use any harsh cleaners afterwards, that a regular run of the mill car shampoo with a regular wash will be all that is needed

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

What are you looking for in your trim protection?

[Desertnate]

An alternative to the DLX product already mentioned is BLACKFIRE Total Trim & Tire Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-trim-sealant-trim-restorer.html)

I've used it for several years and really like the durability it offers. The bottles are small, but those 4oz go a very long way unless you have a vehicle with a large amount of trim/plastic cladding.

There are also less durable protectants, like 303 Aerospace, but I've yet to use one that lasts more than a couple weeks and doesn't run all over the paint when it gets wet.

[choijw2]

Im really happy with 303 aerospace protectant as exterior trim
AND all interior parts. amazing stuff for the money.

My other option is gtechniq c4.
its expensive, but little goes long way and last long. I did test spot on section of my car about 5 months ago and its still going strong.
C4 is also good for headlight protection after restoration

[asalesagent912]

why would you stay away from alcohol? Dont you have to remove any oils from the plastic ?

[MarkD51]

why would you stay away from alcohol? Dont you have to remove any oils from the plastic ?

I've personally had some ugly things happen with use of Alcohol on Plastic Trim Pieces, and maybe it was because I was ignorant, and chose to use 70%, or 91% IPA straight from the bottle.

Seen things go "white", and whitish, and things did not look good at all after. The words I spoke after were "uh oh"! :-(

Perhaps a dilution of Alcohols like I mention above, or a product such as Carpro Eraser might be fine.

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

I third or fourth CarPro Dlux for long term protection. Eraser wipe down trim, coat, and forget about it. Regular washes and good to go. Its an absolute amazing product.

[Ruben12]

I'm looking for something that isn't over the top expensive since it's just for my car. I just want something decent enough to keep my trim from fading. I know you get what you pay for but I just want something that's in the middle performance wise! Thanks for all the input guys! Keep shooting suggestions! :D

[Ruben12]

Edit: I have heard of Blackfire trim sealant but the 4oz makes me cringe for the price. I am keeping it in mind though! I am still searching around and getting feedback from you guys!

[FUNX650]

I'm looking for something that isn't
over the top expensive

I just want something decent enough
to keep my trim from fading.

I know you get what you pay for
but I just want something that's in
the middle performance wise!

Keep shooting suggestions!
IMO:
One, or more, of the below products will
meet, or exceed, your above criteria:

Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant, rubber protectant, metal protectant, exterior trim protectant, exterior trim sealer (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-exterior-trim-sealant.html)
8oz @$29.99; 16oz @$49.99

Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus, tire & trim protectant, tire dressing, rubber protectant (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-tire-trim-guard.html)
12oz @$26.97

Meguiars #40<br>Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner protects rubber, plastic & vinyl interior surfaces. Meguiars # 40 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner and (http://www.autogeek.net/meg40vinrubc.html)
16oz @$12.99

Mothers Protectant for Rubber, Vinyl & Plastic: Protect your vehicle's exterior and interior rubber, vinyl and plastic with Mothers durable (http://www.autogeek.net/mo5324.html)
24oz @$10.99

KLASSE VINYL, LEATHER, RUBBER & PLASTIC-CLEANER/PROTECTANT (http://www.autogeek.net/klasvinleatr.html)
250ml (8.45oz) @$9.99

Finish Kare Top Kote Anti-Static Protectant, tire dressing, vinyl and rubber protectant, dash dressing, rubber dressing, leather protectant (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-top-kote-protectant.html)
31oz @$15.99



Bob

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Keep shooting suggestions!

I JUST finished demonstrating this product on a friends Honda Element that has pretty neglected blue plastic trim. Some areas of the trim has faded to a very light blue color over time. In the small area treated it brought the color back in the trim.
SONAX Plastic Restorer Gel, plastic trim restorer (http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-plastic-restorer-gel.html)

[Desertnate]

Edit: I have heard of Blackfire trim sealant but the 4oz makes me cringe for the price. I am keeping it in mind though! I am still searching around and getting feedback from you guys!

I wouldn't let that discourage you from buying it. I've had a 4oz bottle of the stuff for three years now and have at least half a bottle left. I use it for trim only on 2 ~3 cars a year, at least two times a year. A little of the stuff goes a VERY long way. I don't use anywhere near the amount shown on the store's product page.