Explorer Smooth Plastic Molding and What to Use?

[BJClarke001]

Hey all,

A couple of weeks ago, I detailed my Explorer. Between the front and rear door windows, there is a shiny Black Trim molding running vertical from the top of the window to the bottom. At first I thought this was painted metal, but when I tap on it, it sounds like plastic. Therefore, how do I treat this trim. I am not sure if it is painted plastic or just buffed smooth plastic. Don't really know what I am to do with it. Anyone else know what the heck I am talking about, LOL?

[Mike Phillips]

If it's plastic, then use this,

Gold Class Trim Detailer



Get yourself an old terry cloth towel and keep this around for cutting into pieces. Cut out a piece about 1" square and apply the dressing to this and then rub this against the surface working the product in well. Allow the product to penetrate and soak in for a few minutes, and the give the area a cover-pass wipe to remove any excess off the trim and the surround areas.

Do this often, and the plastic will always look new.

[Chris Nemlich]

Having an Explorer in my own family, I know exactly what you are talking about. I recently detailed an Expedition which has the same trim. On both cars I have left it untouched as I am not sure what it is. You could try Gold Class Trim Detailer, but I have a feeling that it would just sit on the surface and rub off by touch. My guess is that this trim is a thin layer of clear plastic with something black underneath.

Try out the Gold Class Trim Detailer and see how that works. It that doesn't do too much, I would try using PlastX on a small test spot as this is meant for clear plastics.

Is the trim shown between the windows in this image what you are talking about?

[Mike Phillips]

My mistake on trim type... sorry... (Good call Chris!)


If the below trim is what you're working on,



Then you wax them like you would paint, NXT Tech Waxworks well on this material believe it or not, or you can use a pure plastic polish like this product,

Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Polish



The M10 Plastic Polish will be primarily topical. PlastX would probably be to aggressive for this product as it contains a diminishing abrasive in it and from experience, this type of plastic is very delicate.

[BJClarke001]

Chris,

YES ! ! That's what I am talking about exactlly.

My fear with this tim is putting small scatches in it.

I will most likely treat it with Gold Class Trim Detailer as you and Mike just suggested. Your other Idea (PlastX) may be the next step if it starts to go down hill with fading and scratches. But of course, do a test spot first


Thanks Chris and Mike, this site is the coolest.

[Chris Nemlich]

Thanks for the info Mike! PlastX has always just been a guess of mine that I have yet to try out. I actually have an untouched bottle of #10 lying around since PlastX came out just after I bought the #10. I will definitely have to give this a shot!

[BJClarke001]

Mike,

Your just to darn fast at firing these posts off (or is is I am just slow at typing?). Anyways;

Cool on the Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Polish. Even the name tells me this is what I need. THANX.

PS: I ordered (5 weeks ago) the product catalog from Meguiar's and would I probably would know this if I had it to look at (still waiting for it).. I ask my wife EVERYDAY if it came in the mail. She thinks I am insane, but hell, our vehicles look good. Small price to pay I guess.

[Ezmoney95]

What about the rubberish type of black molding that runs along the top edge of the door. I have a 2000 Expedition and have never know what product to use on that piece. Seems to be not really rubber, not really plastic.

[Chris Nemlich]

I would suggest the Gold Class Trim Detailer on that area. Do a small section first to test it out.

[Ezmoney95]

Thanks. I will give it a try.