Dressing exterior trim - when and how

[Gurge]

Washed my car the other day and decided to dress the exterior trim yesterday. I've done it a few times and no matter how careful I am, I always get some dressing on the adjacent paint or glass.

This got me wondering when and how to apply exterior dressing during a full detail.

Let's stick to 'how' first. I've been using a small MF applicator pad. I've considered foam paint sticks. I've also considered holding a towel under the trim as i apply with the MF applicator.

How do most of you apply exterior dressing without making a mess?
Or do you make a mess then go around the car with QD after?

Now for the 'when'. when doing a full detail typically you mask off the exterior trim. Would it be beneficial to dress the exterior prior to polishing? or prior to your LSP? Do you even need to mask the trim at that point if its protected?

Sorry for the long post but i've been really analyzing this. Trying to speed up the procedure so I can do this on some customers cars. Thanks...

[john m.]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

I will normally either just go back over the paint with a QD or usually I will dress the trim right before I wax and then when I buff the wax I can pic up anything else also.

[FinalTouchDetail]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

I dress the trim while the wax/sealant is drying so that when I do my final wipe-down with a quick detailer it cleans it all up.

[akimel]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

Thanks to the suggestion of Bri9801, I have been using makeup sponges to apply exterior trim. They work great and they're cheap. Pick up a bag at the drug store ... or perhaps ask your wife or girlfriend to do so for you

[FinalTouchDetail]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

That's a great idea.

I personally use a very small foam applicator, but when those get to worn I will be looking for sponges like you posted.

[BobbyG]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

I have some 3/4" and 1 1/2" foam brushes that work out well and are cheep money!

Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant is about the best I've tried lately.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

Thanks to the suggestion of Bri9801, I have been using makeup sponges to apply exterior trim. They work great and they're cheap. Pick up a bag at the drug store ... or perhaps ask your wife or girlfriend to do so for you

Ummm num num.... wait a minute, that's not cheese

Actually they look pretty cool I like the tapered design, do they come like that or did you cut it that way?

[Gurge]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

Using those little makeup sponges is a good idea. I may try that

John m applies dressing before wax and finaltouch applies after wax. What's everyone else doing? before or after LSP?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

Thanks to the suggestion of Bri9801, I have been using makeup sponges to apply exterior trim. They work great and they're cheap. Pick up a bag at the drug store ... or perhaps ask your wife or girlfriend to do so for you

Excellent tip, Al. Thanks a lot.

[gmitch23]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

Actually they look pretty cool I like the tapered design, do they come like that or did you cut it that way?

they come that way, my wife uses those. its in the makeup isle.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

they come that way, my wife uses those. its in the makeup isle.

Let see...

All Season Dressing is like water proof mascara
M07 is like skin conditioner
Claying is like exfoliating

Now I get it.

[bmrfan]

Re: Dressing exterior trim - when and how

Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks to the suggestion of Bri9801, I have been using makeup sponges to apply exterior trim. They work great and they're cheap. Pick up a bag at the drug store ... or perhaps ask your wife or girlfriend to do so for you