Ultimate Protectant Spray, disappointing results :(

[FX4619]

I applied this to all my exterior trim, and then woke up the next morning to this.....






I have more pics but you get the drift. What could I have done wrong here? Is there a certain time the product needs to bond to the trim before getting wet? I live in Texas and it's humid all day and night, I don't want this to happen every time. I used a microfiber cloth and applied a generous amount to the area, I rubbed it in really good and then wiped off the excess amount. Is there another method to doing this? I am hesitant to use this on the plastic in the interior, maybe I'll buy the interior supreme shine.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Ultimate Protectant Spray, disappointing results

Having previously owned an F-150 with that exact same trim I can say that I never found a product that could really bond to it. That said, I eventually learned to use a very minimal amount of product (not generous) and spread it incredibly thin. Then take at least one fully dry microfiber and try to get as much of it off as possible. Any product sitting on top of that plastic will simply run off when wet.

Judging by how far down the side it ran, you had waaay more than you need. Try using significantly less product and spend even more time removing the excess. This is unfortunately a limit of the plastic more than the product - I have tried several.

[FX4619]

Having previously owned an F-150 with that exact same trim I can say that I never found a product that could really bond to it. That said, I eventually learned to use a very minimal amount of product (not generous) and spread it incredibly thin. Then take at least one fully dry microfiber and try to get as much of it off as possible. Any product sitting on top of that plastic will simply run off when wet.

Judging by how far down the side it ran, you had waaay more than you need. Try using significantly less product and spend even more time removing the excess. This is unfortunately a limit of the plastic more than the product - I have tried several.

I am thinking about ordering new PTM trim, maintaining this trim is a pita! Especially because it's textured. Thanks for the recommendations. I'll try and apply less. It's just hard to see results when it's spread thin.

[1994Gen1L]

Re: Ultimate Protectant Spray, disappointing results

Aerospace 303 works a little better as long as it is a thin layer. Go over it a few hours later to wipe off any excess. I used 303 on my 2011 F150's trim and tonneau last week. The heavy dew left some 4-6" streaks below the mirrors and no where else the following morning.

[ChevyNick]

I use Adams Super VRT on all of the plastic on my Avalanche. I apply it with a microfiber pad and man does a little go a long way. I had streaking problems with Meguiars Ultimate Protectant like you described. I tried it several times and I just couldn't get it to stop streaking completely. The Adams has worked great and I cannot say I have ever had any streaming issue.

[FX4619]

I thought about the Adams VRT. I was drawn to meguiars protectant because it's readily available and their products are usually good.

[FX4619]

Two days later and it's still running!

[ChevyNick]

Try Super VRT!

[FX4619]

Try Super VRT!

That stuff is really expensive!

[umi000]

Re: Ultimate Protectant Spray, disappointing results

How well did you clean the surface prior to application of the protectant? If I remember correctly, Ultimate Protectant requires a clean surface (no remnants of other trim dressings) in order to bond properly.

[FX4619]

How well did you clean the surface prior to application of the protectant? If I remember correctly, Ultimate Protectant requires a clean surface (no remnants of other trim dressings) in order to bond properly.

All I did was wipe it down with a dry MF towel. You think I should use some APC first?

[ajb39oh]

Re: Ultimate Protectant Spray, disappointing results

I had an Explorer with trim issues. Ultimate Protectant did okay. Poorboys Trim Restorer probably did the best for mine. It was hard to keep the plastic trim nice on it.

[Poki]

Re: Ultimate Protectant Spray, disappointing results

Had you applied any other product to that trim any time befor applying the Meg's? If you did, you MUST get it all off first. Cleaning with window cleaner or Dawn Dish Soap works well but ya gotta get anything previously used off first.

[umi000]

Re: Ultimate Protectant Spray, disappointing results

All I did was wipe it down with a dry MF towel. You think I should use some APC first?

I'm thinking that would result in better performance from the product. Here's a quote from Michael Stoops on cleaning the surface prior to application of Ultimate Protectant (this is for the gel, but I'm guessing that the it would also apply to the spray):

When cleaning a surface prior to applying UP it is important to not only clean off any previous dressing that may have been on there (this is especially important with any sort of polymer enhanced dressing, or if you've gotten something like UQD or UQW on the surface) but also to let your cleaner fully dry before applying UP. M39 or APC are both excellent choices, and we've even seen window cleaner work in a pinch. While a window cleaner may not be recommended for repeated, routine cleaning of these surfaces, a quality automotive product shouldn't hurt anything if used on the rare occasion.

It's taken from this thread - the thread is a good guide on how to apply the product - basically use less rather than more product, and work it in for best results.

[FX4619]

Hey thanks for the info. I'll definitely pay more attention to the surface before applying this product. It actually rained pretty hard yesterday and the UP resisted the water better than I thought it would. Its a good product if applied correctly. Thanks!