How do you protect rubber trim when using a sealant?

**MrOneEyedBoh** · 03-31-2021, 02:48 PM

My wifes car wears a sealant and gets treated twice to three times a year. The trim is also treated with WETS, because of that the tape doesnt stick well to it. When sealant does get on it, it typically comes off usually, but there are some spots that seem to to still stain... Any suggestions?

**2black1s** · 03-31-2021, 02:53 PM

Be more careful!

**MrOneEyedBoh** · 03-31-2021, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by 2black1s

Be more careful!

smh.

**FUNX650** · 03-31-2021, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by MrOneEyedBoh

My wifes car wears a sealant and gets
treated twice to three times a year. The
trim is also treated with WETS, because
of that the tape doesnt stick well to it.

When sealant does get on it, it
typically comes off usually, but
there are some spots that seem
to still stain...

Any suggestions?

It sounds like you need to “Re-W.E.T.S.”
those spots that seem to still stain.

Bob

**MrOneEyedBoh** · 03-31-2021, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by FUNX650

It sounds like you need to “Re-W.E.T.S.”
those spots that seem to still stain.

Bob

Is what you're saying, that I need to use trim sealant prior/before I apply a sealant? That would prevent staining?

**Desertnate** · 04-01-2021, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by 2black1s

Be more careful!

This would be my advice too, and it isn't meant to be mean-spirited .

Whether I'm polishing or applying an LSP of any sort, when I get to any rubber/plastic/vinyl trim, I really slow down and make sure I don't hit that area. I learned my lesson years ago with a carnauba wax getting into black textured trim on the car I owned at the time. That stuff would stain the trim white like crazy and was really hard to remove. After several instances of having to scrub the stuff out with a toothbrush I started being much more careful.

I'll still tape around the edge of a sun roof or lights, but otherwise I just take my time and be extra careful.

**Bruno Soares** · 04-01-2021, 07:49 AM

Here's what I would do. Before you apply sealant to the car, get Meguiar's #39 (Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner) and clean all the trim. It will remove the remaining WETS and the rubber will be clean. Tape should then stick and protect it like you wanted. Then after you seal the paint and remove the tape, protect trim again with WETS.

**forrest@mothers** · 04-01-2021, 01:38 PM

I'm a big believer in dressing the trim before applying products to the paint.

**FUNX650** · 04-01-2021, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by forrest@mothers

I'm a big believer in dressing the trim before
applying products to the paint.

^^^This.

Bob

**TTQ B4U** · 04-01-2021, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by forrest@mothers

I'm a big believer in dressing the trim before applying products to the paint.

^^ 100%.

I never tape and never have issues. Key is to coat or treat the trim first. Then if you happen to tap it with the polisher, a little $4 bottle of mineral oil does the trick. Just put a few drops on a rag and it will simply wipe away. No need wasting time and money on tape or fancy cleaners and wax removers.