Three types of trim to dress/clean

[perry]

I have at least three different types of trim on my car that I'd like to make look better.

The smaller vertical strip is kinda textured -- this type is at the edges of the roof panel. The larger vertical strip is smooth -- at the edge of the front windshield. The horizontal strip is smooth and kinda glossy looking - at the top of the front windshield and around the rest of the windows. Not sure if that is polish/wax on the larger strip or if it's weathered.

I applied Mother's Back to Black about a week and a half ago (have used it before too), but it didn't look too good for very long. Tons of rain recently probably doesn't help matters. There's another type of trim around the cowl and the mirrors that the Back to Black seems to have done a decent job on.

What other product(s) should I try? Would 39 do the trick?

Looks like I need to do a better job cleaning the paint right up next to the trim

[Mike Phillips]

Hi perry,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Meguiar's offers a number of different products for cleaning, conditioning and maintaining rubber, vinyl and plastic trim.

Such as,

NXT Generation Tech Protectant

Gold Class Trim Detailer

Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant


All of the above products work excellent for conditioning and protecting vinyl and rubber trim. Of those three products, for exterior trim Meguiar's would recommend either the NXT Tech Protectant or the Gold Class Trim Detailer.


M-3916 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner is a dedicated cleaner for rubber and vinyl and as such would need to be followed with a conditioner and protectant.



Hope this helps...

Mike

[perry]

Thanks for the recommendations.

Looking at those pictures, would it be a good idea to go with a two step process -- 39 followed by either the NXT or Gold Class product? Or are they in decent enough condition that just one product would do?

[2000]

if your willing to spend the time, it's always benifital to do a good cleaning first, might even help the finish product work and last better. it's just not always necessarry.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Just to add,

Meguiar's has an excellent product in the Professional series called:

Meguiar's #38 Tire & Trim Dressing Gel (M-3832)

I have had excellent results with this product on all kinds of trim pieces. I have found that it works best when applied with a foam applicator, given a few minutes to set up, and then remove excess with a MF towel. I really wipe the trim piece really well as I prefer the satin sheen look.

Tim

[6318]

I like #40 (Meg's Rubber/Vinyl cleaner/conditioner) for this...
...another thing I've noticed (others feel free to disagree and flame me) is that the pillar noted in the right of your photo is sometimes metal, or painted plastic that doesn't really respond well to the #40 (ends up streaky); for this I use ColorX with good success.

[perry]

Such a plethora of products to try out I guess I'll see what I can find locally, should be able to find at least one of em!

Interesting bit about the possibility of paint. I suppose I'll try the trim products before ColorX, but thanks for the heads up.

[scrub]

Originally posted by 6318
I like #40 (Meg's Rubber/Vinyl cleaner/conditioner) for this...
...another thing I've noticed (others feel free to disagree and flame me) is that the pillar noted in the right of your photo is sometimes metal, or painted plastic that doesn't really respond well to the #40 (ends up streaky); for this I use ColorX with good success.

I noticed the same thing.. Looks great at first then wears of real fast. Like minutes!! No flame here.

I've tried most of the mentioned products. Now I'm back to #40. Great all around finish and minimal dust attraction on the dash. As for exterior I don't think to much will withstand rain.

There is a product by Dupli color that is for plastics. The product doesn't merely coat plastic it bonds with the plastic. Have heard good things when used on ATV plastic.

Good luck! Shout out to Indy!!