Exterior plastic

H

H. Whelply

Maybe a dumb question, but here goes.....In applying the first coat of wax
to my new Forester yesterday, it became clear there's a fair amount of
plastic trim, e.g., the C-post; at the bottom of the rear window (with
"SUBARU" lettering); the exterior mirrors. What, if any, solutions should be
applied to these parts? One possible reaction might be, "Just wax'em." But I
haven't ordinarily put car wax on my taillights, which would seem like
approximately the same material, so why wax these plastic pieces? Well,
then, what about an Armorall-like product (one of better quality)? Somehow
that doesn't seem right. Or, maybe do nothing? What's your practice on
maintaining and preserving these areas of your car? Thanks.
 
This is a great question. I have wondered the same thing - PLUS - in
what ORDER should different materials be applied to the car? If I use
some kinda silicone stuff on rubber, tires or black plastic will it
strip or spot the polish?(I use NuFinish - great stuff) If I use the
other stuff first, will it interfere with application of the
polish?(silicones are notoriously difficult to 'strip' or cover with
another substance). I'm not really looking for show room surfaces, but
if s imple change in procedure will yield beter results I'd like to know.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan
 
Maybe a dumb question, but here goes.....In applying the first coat of wax
to my new Forester yesterday, it became clear there's a fair amount of
plastic trim, e.g., the C-post; at the bottom of the rear window (with
"SUBARU" lettering); the exterior mirrors. What, if any, solutions should be
applied to these parts? One possible reaction might be, "Just wax'em." But I
haven't ordinarily put car wax on my taillights, which would seem like
approximately the same material, so why wax these plastic pieces? Well,
then, what about an Armorall-like product (one of better quality)? Somehow
that doesn't seem right. Or, maybe do nothing? What's your practice on
maintaining and preserving these areas of your car? Thanks.

There is a product named "Protect-All" that is sold through RV places, that
is good for practically all types of surfaces. WalMart also carries it. I
have used it exclusively on my motorcycles (Ducatis) for years, and it's an
excellent way to keep plastic in good shape and looking good.

Hope this helps!

....Ron
 
Wax works just fine on hard plastic like tail lights - as long as you keep
it off the softer stuff (black plastic trim, etc.) which it will stain
white, you will be fine. For the black plastic (like the unpainted side
spoilers on a WRX) I have found that Restore (made by 3M) works well, lasts
about a month, and will remove white wax marks. Also works well on tires -
gives a nice, dark finish without the cheesy super-shiny wet silicone look
which is popular nowadays.
 
On my Outback the lower moulding is painted and clearcoated like the body
panels and is waxed. If it's painted you can wax it.
Don't wax black plastic bumpers or vinyl colored plastic. I wax my
tailights and my headlights to keep them nice and shiny.
 
I asked Meguiars this question a while ago. Here is the answer I got.

"If the cladding on your vehicle is painted, you will use the same products
as you used on the paint. If it is not painted, you will use a product
called Trim Detailer. Trim Detailer was designed specifically for the black
and gray rubber and plastic on the outside of your vehicle."

I have followed this advise with good results.

Tony
 
I use Buffalo Milke instant spray wax on everything. Wax my Forester in
less than 30 minutes.
 

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