Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

[BlackRam]

I just got running boards (similiar to the below link) on my truck. Do I treat them like I do the paint? Is it necessary to clay them? Can I just wash them and protect with some M21? Also what about protecting the black step portion?
Thank you in advance.

http://trucks.about.com/od/2013-Ram-Trucks/ig/2013-Ram-1500-Pickup-Trucks/2013-Ram-Running-Boards.htm

[The Guz]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

You would need a trim dressing to maintain them. It's best to clean them with something like all purpose cleaner and then dress them. If you need something over the counter, look into ultimate black.

A couple other dressings that I have used are:

http://www.meguiars.com/en/professional/products/d16332-tire-and-trim-gel/

http://www.meguiars.com/en/professional/products/d4510-vinyl-and-plastic-coating/

[BlackRam]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

Do those products protect like wax?

[Scott's 62]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

Do those products protect like wax?

Yes these products would protect like a wax. running boards might be a little tricky because it might make them slippery like any dressing would.

[The Guz]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

Yeah they protect like wax. Durability is determined by the environment. Out here in southern california the tire and trim gel lasts about a month with 2 coats. The plastic & vinyl coating lasts about the same with 2 coats. Just be sure to do a light buff after letting either product sit for a few minutes to remove any excess product.

Best photo I have of D45 plastic & vinyl coating during a light sprinkle. You can see the beading effect it has.

[BlackRam]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

Cool thanks

[baranjil]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

You can use "Back to Black" 1 base coat and top up with Hyperdressing. This looks great and subsequent cleaning also easy. Please check out my clients freelander2 running board. Its a 1.5 years old suv and running boards are back to black.

[The Guz]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

This is the over the counter product I mentioned. It's available at most auto parts store and I believe at walmart.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g15812-ultimate-black/

[BlackRam]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

Nice thanks

[ShineOCD]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

Good info here. Don't mean to hijack your thread but what works best to clean and polish the Stainless Steal part of the running board??

[BlackRam]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

No worries shine. I want to know the same thing.

[The Guz]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

A metal polish should work in getting them to look good.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

While routine washing should be sufficient to keep these running boards looking good for years to come, it's always nice to put forth the extra effort to keep them looking their very best. We would recommend our Ultimate Black for the vinyl foot pads on these, but use it sparingly as a little goes a very long way. You want the surface to be clean and dry before application, then you want to work the product in very thoroughly and let it dry. It should be dry to the touch in just a couple of minutes, and if you have any excess to wipe off then you've applied too much. Our new Finishing Metal Polish will keep the chrome areas gleaming and should be extremely easy to use with just a microfiber towel. You'll want to be careful around the vinyl foot pads when using the metal polish as it will stain that material if allowed to dry on it. If you plan on addressing both surfaces at the same time we would recommend working on the chrome first, then going over the vinyl areas with an all purpose cleaner prior to applying Ultimate Black.

[BlackRam]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

Awesome info, thanks Mike

[ShineOCD]

Re: Cleaning and Protecting New Running Boards

While routine washing should be sufficient to keep these running boards looking good for years to come, it's always nice to put forth the extra effort to keep them looking their very best. We would recommend our Ultimate Black for the vinyl foot pads on these, but use it sparingly as a little goes a very long way. You want the surface to be clean and dry before application, then you want to work the product in very thoroughly and let it dry. It should be dry to the touch in just a couple of minutes, and if you have any excess to wipe off then you've applied too much. Our new Finishing Metal Polish will keep the chrome areas gleaming and should be extremely easy to use with just a microfiber towel. You'll want to be careful around the vinyl foot pads when using the metal polish as it will stain that material if allowed to dry on it. If you plan on addressing both surfaces at the same time we would recommend working on the chrome first, then going over the vinyl areas with an all purpose cleaner prior to applying Ultimate Black.

Michael thank you for the info. Mine are highly polished SS no chrome. Use the same method??