Chloe Zhang
Car exterior plastic is constantly exposed to damaging elements such as rain, road salt, UV light, bird droppings, and tree sap. Over time, these plastics can start to fade, dry out, and crack, leading to costly repairs. To prevent this, it is essential to regularly clean and protect your car's exterior plastic. This can be done through various methods, including using specialized cleaning products, applying trim dressings, and utilizing protectants such as wax, ceramic coatings, or automotive protectants. A well-maintained trim not only enhances the appearance of your vehicle but also helps preserve its value.
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What You'll Learn
Use a trim dressing product, like Revive or Dressle All-Purpose Dressing
Exterior plastic trim is the most at-risk part of a car's exterior. It is exposed to damaging elements such as rain, road sand, grime, bird droppings, salt, and tree sap, all on a daily basis. Over time, these plastics can start to fade, dry out, and crack, which will then let in dust and grime particles. Therefore, prevention is key.
One way to protect your car's exterior plastic is to use a trim dressing product, like Revive or Dressle All-Purpose Dressing. These products are designed to restore and protect exterior plastic trim, bringing new life to your car's exterior plastics while also offering resistance to water and UV radiation.
Revive Trim Dressing is a silicone-based product that comes in a bottle. To apply, shake the bottle to activate the ingredients, then apply a small coin-sized amount to a foam or microfiber applicator. Work the product into the plastic trim with moderate pressure, ensuring it is spread evenly. Allow it to cure for 5-10 minutes, then buff off any excess with a clean microfiber towel. Revive is safe to use on rubber surfaces and will protect against future fading.
Dressle All-Purpose Dressing is a versatile, all-purpose car trim dressing that can be used on both the exterior and interior of your car. It is a liquid, dry-touch, water-based dressing that contains silicone-polymers to help protect against UV radiation. Dressle can be sprayed directly onto the surface or applied via an applicator or cloth, depending on the area of the vehicle and your preference. For exterior trim, you can spray it directly onto the surface or apply 2-3 spritzes to a microfiber cloth or applicator and work it into the surface. Then, leave it to cure for 4-6 hours before wiping away any excess. Dressle is also great for dressing hard-to-reach areas like wheel wells and engine bays, as you can simply spray and walk away.
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Clean plastic trims with an all-purpose cleaner
To protect your car's exterior plastic, it is important to first clean the plastic trims. This can be done using an all-purpose cleaner.
First, wash your car and then clean all the plastic trims using an all-purpose cleaner. Dilute the all-purpose cleaner according to the instructions on the product. For example, Verso All-purpose Cleaner is diluted at a ratio of 1:5. Apply the diluted cleaner to a detailing brush and scrub the plastic trims to remove all the dirt. Rinse the cleaner off before it dries.
For more intense cleaning, you can use a stronger mixture of all-purpose cleaner and a more aggressive brush, such as an old toothbrush. Be careful not to let the mixture dry and always rinse it off promptly.
If you are using a product like Dressle All-Purpose Trim Dressing, you can either spray it directly onto the exterior trim or spray 2-3 spritz onto a microfibre cloth and work it into the surface. Allow it to cure for 4-6 hours and then wipe up any excess. If you notice any patching, simply add an additional coat.
If you are using a product like Solution Finish, first use IPA 70-90% (Isopropyl Alcohol) to remove any cleaners, oils, or silicones from the plastic. Then, shake the bottle well and apply a small amount to a microfibre sponge or applicator pad. Spread a thin coat over the area in an even motion, covering the area completely. Allow the solution to penetrate for 3-4 minutes, and then use a clean microfibre towel to buff off any excess. Do not wash the treated area for 4-6 hours.
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Wax your car for a protective sheen
Waxing your car gives it a beautiful glossy sheen and an extra layer of protection against debris and the elements. Wax provides UV protection to safeguard your car’s paint job from sun bleaching, while also acting as a barrier against grit and grime.
Before waxing, ensure your car is clean and free of any debris. Bird droppings, tree sap, and road salt can eat away at your car's clear coat, eventually exposing its paint to further damage. Use a waterless car washing spray or a quick detailer solution, along with a microfiber cloth, to remove grime from the affected area.
When applying wax, be sure to avoid getting it on your car's rubber trim or plastic cladding, as wax can leave unsightly whitish splotches on these surfaces. Keep an auto wax remover on hand to remove any unwanted blotches. If the wax settles into a crevice or textured surface, a soft-bristled brush may help to clean it out.
A ceramic coating is another option to consider. While more expensive and durable than wax, it provides superior protection against UV rays, scratches, and damaging debris. If you drive a valuable vehicle and want to safeguard its value, a ceramic coating may be worth the investment.
By regularly waxing your car and taking precautions to protect its exterior, you can maintain its pristine condition and preserve its value for years to come.
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Park in the shade to protect from UV radiation
The sun's UV rays can bleach the colour from your car and cause damage to its exterior. To protect your car's exterior plastic, it is important to park in the shade whenever possible. This could be under a carport, in a garage, or simply in the shade of a building or tree.
If you are unable to find a shady spot, you can buy a car cover to protect your vehicle from the sun. This will prevent UV radiation from bleaching your car's paint job and causing damage to its exterior plastic.
In addition to parking in the shade, there are other measures you can take to protect your car's exterior plastic. For example, you can use a trim re-conditioning product to restore faded black bumpers and trims to a like-new condition. You can also apply a plastic and rubber dressing to keep the trim protected and maintain the appearance of your car.
It is also important to regularly clean your car's exterior plastic trims. These are exposed to damaging elements such as rain, road sand, grime, bird droppings, salt, and tree sap on a daily basis. By regularly cleaning your car, you can prevent these substances from causing long-term damage.
Furthermore, you can apply a protective coating to your car's exterior plastic. Products such as 303 Automotive Protectant, Cerakote, and ceramic coating can provide long-lasting protection against UV rays, scratches, and debris. However, it is important to note that some of these products may leave smudges on painted surfaces, so be sure to wipe down any excess after application.
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Use a ceramic coating for added protection
A ceramic coating can be a great way to protect your car's exterior plastic. It is a liquid polymer that is usually applied by hand to a vehicle's exterior. The coating then chemically bonds with the paint, creating an additional protective layer over the clear coat.
Ceramic coatings provide a higher level of protection against environmental hazards such as water spots, bird droppings, UV rays, scratches, and chemical stains. They also offer a high-gloss finish, which makes cleaning easier. It is important to note that nearly all ceramic coatings should work on matte or satin finishes, but it is recommended to apply a small patch to an inconspicuous section of the vehicle first to ensure the desired outcome.
Ceramic coatings are composed primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO2), which creates a hydrophobic surface that repels water and other liquids. This hydrophobic property not only makes cleaning easier but also provides long-term protection against environmental elements. Additionally, some ceramic coatings may include additives such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) to enhance protective qualities and increase durability.
While ceramic coatings offer excellent protection, they are not suitable for all car surfaces. They are typically recommended for painted surfaces, and may not adhere properly or provide the same benefits when applied to plastic trim, rubber seals, or glass. Therefore, it is essential to consult a professional or read the product instructions to ensure proper application.
Ceramic coatings can be applied by car owners themselves if they possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment. However, due to the need for thorough polishing before application, it is often preferable to have the coating professionally applied to ensure a long-lasting and effective result.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to protect your car's exterior plastic. Firstly, it is important to regularly clean the exterior plastic trims using an all-purpose cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, bird droppings, or salt. After cleaning, you can apply a trim dressing product, such as Revive Trim Dressing or Dressle All-Purpose Dressing, to restore and protect the plastic. Additionally, consider using a protectant product like 303 Automotive Protectant or a ceramic coating for added protection against UV rays, scratches, and debris.
It is recommended to clean your car's exterior plastic regularly, ideally every 1-2 weeks, to prevent the build-up of harmful substances. The frequency of protection application may vary depending on the product used and the condition of the plastic. For example, some trim dressing products may require reapplication every few months or as needed.
There are a variety of products available specifically for protecting car exterior plastic. Popular options include Revive Trim Dressing, Dressle All-Purpose Dressing, 303 Automotive Protectant, and ceramic coatings. It is important to choose a product that suits your preferences and the specific needs of your vehicle.
To apply trim dressing, start by shaking the bottle to activate the ingredients. Apply a small coin-sized amount to a foam or microfiber applicator. Work the product into the plastic trim with moderate pressure, ensuring even coverage. Allow it to cure for 5-10 minutes, then buff off any excess with a clean microfiber towel. For interior plastic surfaces, spritz the product directly onto the plastic and spread it evenly with a microfiber cloth.
