Need the best way to remove old wax from trim

[foxhound58]

I have a car to detail, and they did not cover the trim before it was compounded with a machine. I had one like this before, and #40 with a tooth brush, and alot of passion worked ok. Just wondering if #39 or GC trim dressing would be a better bet. It always looks like it is removed, but after you wash it will haze over.
Thanks

[zr123]

I've used #39 with a toothbrush followed by GC Trim Detailer and it works wonders. The #39 will require a lot of passion, patience and elbow grease

[Murr1525]

#40 is a cleaner/conditioner, and #39 is a cleaner. Usualy single-purpose products will work better. Everyone seems to use #39, though I havent needed to get it yet.

I dont think the Gold Class Trim detailer is much of a cleaner... though it looks really nice when applied.

[MandarinaRacing]

I had some wax stains on the textured trim of my car, and about a month ago I started using GC Trim Detailer, and wouldn't you believe that the stains are almost gone. I really have to look for them to notice.
But beware, once you start using Trim Detailer, you won't stop, trim looks dull and ugly without it.

Alex

[kellyinkc]

Give creamy peanut butter a try. I just did. It worked!

[zr123]

Sorry, did you say Peanut Butter?

[kellyinkc]

Originally posted by zr123
Sorry, did you say Peanut Butter?

Yep. Took it right off! The oils break down the wax.

[foxhound58]

heard of people using peanut butter to take gum out of hair, but wax off a car's trim. If I would use that, How do you keep it from getting into all the cracks & places that you can't get it back out of? Now # 40 works great for me on the rubber, but vinal different story. You know up around the hood with all the little vent ribs, next to the wiper blades. Will peanut butter wash out of their with soap & water? May be a good way to do fender flares though. Need to pick me up some GC dressing. Too many good things said about it in this forum. Didn't realize it was such good stuff. Just always used #40.
Thanks, Fox

[kellyinkc]

I had that issue last night. I washed the car and used high pressure to take out the remaining PB. Next time before I wax I'll tape it off so it stays clean from the polishes and wax.
I was not sure myself about it. Use a liitle and rub it in. I was surprised. The trick I guess is to keep it out in the first place.

[acsuppa]

I tried using #39 this past weekend on my door handles. I worked it in pretty good with a soft cotton rag (t-shirt) and it didn't do much to it. I'll try a tooth brush next time. I already wased and dried my truck so I didn't want to get any #39 on the paint. #40 looks real good but the white wax residue comes back after it wears off. Maybe I'll try peanut butter.

[Setec Astronomy]

Hold on, guys. All of the peanut butter and dressings are just soaking into the wax residue and hiding it. That's why it comes back later. You need to dissolve the wax with a cleaner, either a solvent or detergent. As far as solvents, there is a product called Wax Blaster that is made specifically for this purpose. I have never used that, though. I have used an OTC detergent based wheel and tire cleaner and scrubbed it with an old toothbrush, and that seemed to work fairly well, but my latest was to use the Meguiar's Detailer Line APC, full strength on some rubber trim on my car. I soaked the corner of an MF with it and scrubbed the rubber (door) trim, and then wiped with a wet terry towel (I was in the garage). Be careful as this will take the wax off the car, as well, and you might want to dilute the APC as full strength is not the recommended way to use it.

#39, which is a vinyl cleaner, should also be effective since it is a similar product (similar as in being a detergent product).

[foxhound58]

Have never tried wheel cleaner before. Kind of nervous that something too harsh could damage the finish on trim, such as fade it, or discolor it. I planned on giving #39 a try after this thread, after all it is made for trim, plus it's a heavy duty cleaner. It seems to work for some of you. Detail supply shop only carries the #40 & some other brands that wouldn't cut it either. Just making sure before I ordered on line. If need be I'll use the APC or wheel cleaner if #39 won't cut it.
Becuse this car has so much on it, was going to start on the trim & get wax off first (it will be messy) then when I tape it off, will tape stay stuck down, or will I need to wash again?

[Setec Astronomy]

IMPORTANT --when I mentioned the use of wheel cleaner, I was referring specifically to a popular alkaline OTC product. I got this tip from a member on another board. I was NOT recommending acid wheel cleaners. However, one of the neutral cleaners like the Mirror Glaze wheel cleaner (can't remember the number right now) should be fine. If you have any doubt as to the makeup of the wheel cleaner you are contemplating--DON'T USE IT. Also keep in mind that as far as paint safety, most alloy wheels are painted, so wheel cleaners are safe for paint if they say they are safe for painted wheels and used as directed .

Whatever you use, try it on a small spot first, to make sure you are happy with the results.

[foxhound58]

Hey thanks for the warning on the acid wheel cleaner. That stuff will be a last resort for me. I have never bought any with acid wheel cleaner anyway, not even for wheels. I use the For All Wheels stuff.
Fox

[DogParkGuy]

Remove old wax from trim

If you can, park the car in the sun so the trim gets hot. Then apply any cleaner. This helped me get wax out of trim on my wife's Volvo.