Cleaning black plastic trim

[sphell]

Hi everyone, I've been reading up on a few past threads about restoring black plastic trim with UTTG/303 etc.

I would just like to know what's the best product to use to actually clean the trim before restoring it? For example, car wash and a brush or is there a specific product I should use?

The car in question is a 2003 Toyota Echo.

Also, I have seen some stuff about plastic sealers. What are these and are they applied after cleaning and before restoring? Is there any benefit to using them and what brands should I look for?

I want to do a top notch job as its my partners car and since she'll be hanging onto it for a few more years I want the results to last.

[spiralout462]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ore+black+trim

[spiralout462]

Welcome to AGO!!!!

[Dr_Pain]

I use a varied degree of APC, depending on how dirty. I also use a stiff brush and then let it sit a bit. I think AG sells a pretty potent exterior APC for that purpose.

UTTG is great product. Also use Carpro DLUX... Would recommend both

[swanicyouth]

To clean is use Sonus All In 1 or IPA. AIO is good because its designed to remove waxes from surfaces and not harm paint. For wheel wells I use Grime Reaper.

[sphell]

Thanks for the helpful advice, I did see that post by Mike Phillips I just couldn't see anywhere that mentioned what he used to clean the trims initially. It was very informative.

I will see if I can pick up some APC on the weekend and give that a go. I found some Aerospace 303 in a local shop so I will use that as opposed to mail ordering the UTTG.

[POPPAJ]

Thanks for the helpful advice, I did see that post by Mike Phillips I just couldn't see anywhere that mentioned what he used to clean the trims initially. It was very informative.

I will see if I can pick up some APC on the weekend and give that a go. I found some Aerospace 303 in a local shop so I will use that as opposed to mail ordering the UTTG.

You may want to re-think that decision. UTTG is a vastly superior product!!!

[MPBGT]

I've tried many protectants/dressings on my classic cars and boats and I've always like 303 for it's uv screening and versatility.

[sphell]

Well I cleaned up the plastic yesterday, it came up really nice with the 303. The car is 10 years old and it may have seen a bit of Armor All back in the day but it's been a long time since anything was ever put on the plastic bits.

Here's a few pics.

Trims removed and cleaned with a stiff brush, then dried.





303 applied, let sit for a while then wiped off.





I also cleaned up the headlights while I was at it. Here is the headlight before cleaning.....it's faded and yellow



Then I rubbed them back with 400, 600, 800, 1500 and finally 2000 grade wet and dry. Rubbing in the same direction all the time. Then used some 3M 06085 Perfect-it Rubbing Compound with a wool pad on the buffer to get the shine back then finished it off with some Meguiar's Paint Cleaner on a black foam pad. (I didn't have any swirl remover and the Meguiar's says don't use on plastic but it did a great job in the end)!

Finially I gave them a wipe with 303.

[davidc]

I have found that using 303 with a wool pad and a rotary greatly extended the durabilty. That would work for headlights. Not practical for some delicate plastic parts tho.

Dave