Removing wax from black trim

[Fastclient]

How does one remove the wax that inadvertently got on the flat black factory trim that is around side windows, windsheilds or whatever. It doesnt rub off, can't take it off with the alcohol solution suggested in other threads... I am at a loss. I don't want to get too aggressive with it in case it damages the black. Thanks

[Snowman]

I just tend to use the Meguiar's Natural Shine product and it has always worked for me on getting wax residue off as well as shining up the black pieces but then again I have never had problems with just rubbing the wax off when that happens. But all of us do come across different situations.

[RockCrushin150]

Try a pencil eraser, worked great for me when it came to removing wax.

- Chris

[KTruck]

Hi:

This can be tough to deal with.

The best I have found is M39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner.

It may take more than I application, depends on the trim.

Regards,

KTruck

[showtime]

This sounds weird but it works for me- Wheel Brightener.

[Jeff Smith]

I find using the Gold Class Trim Detailer works OK but several apps are needed. Sometimes 2-3 days in a row.

Something I have found that helps me when waxing is to go over my black plastic with a coat of Gold Class Trim Detailer before waxing. Don't put to heavy a coat on but put enough product on it to coat it. Then wax. I find this coating having been applied prior to waxing makes any wax on the platic wipe right off.

[Electric Shepherd]

Originally posted by RockCrushin150
Try a pencil eraser, worked great for me when it came to removing wax.

- Chris

That sounds like a good tip, I'll have to try that if I get some wax on my trim

[Teak]

Originally posted by KTruck
Hi:

This can be tough to deal with.

The best I have found is M39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner.

It may take more than I application, depends on the trim.

Regards,

KTruck

I agree #39 is the best choice. If the trim is textured, try using a soft bristle brush.

Eric

[inthedetails]

Ancient Secret passed on from one detailer to another:

Blue masking tape the trim before. A little time saves a lot of cleanup.

[Fastclient]

Thanks inthedetails but isn't that alot like closing the barn door after the horse has run away???

[RLdetail]

APC seems to work pretty good for me.

Those Mr Clean sponges work too but beware that it may dull the surface! Ask me how I know!

[ViperArry]

Some kind of mild degreaser should help.... cleaning the wax from the trims.

When you degrease the trim parts before applying the Trim Detailer, the detailer should last longer.

The same goes with the tire gel.

[Pete-FWA]

Many of the trade-ins we took through reconditioning had what I termed the "Old Man's Wax Job"; that is, wax left on portions of the finish, on the turn signal lenses, windshield, virtually every edge of trim or molding.

During prep was for detailing, we would put a cleaner on those areas (where it was safe) and blast with the pressure washer. Sometimes hand agitation with a stiff bristle brush was helpful or the only alternative.

Some plastic trim is more porous than others. Saabs were notoriously terrible about not letting go of stray compound, polish, and wax. Usually the prep was would help a bit, but then we resorted to lacquer thinner with fast flash and a nylon brush. Usually, by this point, it was to minimize damage done by someone else because the plastic was discolored permanently.

Once the vehicle was completely detailed, we would then apply some #40 to those trim pieces. If it was still very noticeable, we'd put on Tire Gel. Of course the customers were made aware of what we tried to do, mainly as a warning that some of the wax "mistakes" would show through.

Incidentally, Meguiar's products were the most forgiving I used in regards to splatter and staning of black trim.