Protecting Your F150's Plastic: Tips And Tricks

how to protect outside plastic on f150

Owners of the Ford F-150 truck have reported issues with the exterior plastic parts of their vehicles, including oxidation, cracking, and fading. This could be due to the use of certain products, such as Armor All, or exposure to the sun. To protect the exterior plastic of their F-150s, owners have recommended various products, including 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant, Rust-Oleum Plastic Restore with Ceramic, Griots Exterior Plastic Conditioner and Protectant, and Mothers Back to Black. Some owners have also suggested using a dye or dressing, such as Showroom New Restorer or Black Wow, to restore discoloured plastic trim.

Characteristics Values
Products to protect plastic 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant, Rust oleum plastic restore with ceramic, Griots exterior plastic conditioner and protectant, Solution Finish, Mother's Back to Black, Turtle Wax Ice, Showroom New Restorer, Black Wow
Products to avoid Armor-All

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Avoid Armor-All

When it comes to protecting the exterior plastic on your F150, one product that is often mentioned is Armor-All. However, several users have expressed their dissatisfaction with Armor-All, stating that it makes the plastic look good for only about a week and then makes it look worse than before. One user suspects that their old F150's plastic oxidized and cracked due to the use of Armor-All.

Instead of Armor-All, there are alternative products and methods that can be used to effectively protect the exterior plastic on your F150. Here are some suggestions:

  • Mothers - Back to Black: Multiple users have recommended this product, claiming that it works like magic and can make black plastic look brand new again. It is also widely available.
  • 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant: This product has been suggested by a few users as an alternative to Armor-All. It is said to last longer, provide better restoration, and offer superior protection from UV damage. However, it does need to be applied every couple of weeks.
  • Rust-Oleum Plastic Restore with Ceramic: This product has received positive reviews from users, and there is a YouTube video by a user from Texas who does a one-year review of various products on the market.
  • Griots Exterior Plastic Conditioner and Protectant: This product has been described as excellent by a user.
  • Solution Finish: This product is recommended for restoring black faded trims, bumpers, grills, and pillars. However, it is important to clean the surface with an APC and agitate it with a brush before application.

By considering these alternative products and methods, you can avoid using Armor-All and effectively protect the exterior plastic on your F150, maintaining its appearance and longevity.

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Try 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant

If you're looking for a product to protect the exterior plastic on your F150, one option to consider is 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant. This product is designed to provide superior UV protection and help prevent fading, cracking, and yellowing of plastics. It also repels dust, dirt, and staining, and leaves a matte finish.

The 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant is part of a line of 303 Products that includes cleaners and protectants for a variety of surfaces, including rubber, vinyl, leather, fabric, plastic, and metal. These products are used in a range of industries, including automotive, marine, aviation, and household applications. 303 Products are known for their effective UV protection, which can help safeguard materials from degradation caused by UV rays and ozone exposure.

The 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant, in particular, has been specifically formulated for use in the aviation and aerospace sectors. It was created to address the issue of rubber and plastic components deteriorating rapidly due to powerful UV rays at high altitudes. By utilising barrier technology, this protectant helps to resist solar damage and prolong the lifespan of these materials.

When it comes to automotive applications, the 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant can be used on both exterior and interior plastic surfaces. It provides a protective layer that shields against UV damage, preventing issues such as fading, shrinking, and warping. One of the benefits of this product is that it offers protection without significantly altering the appearance of the treated surfaces. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and natural finish.

Some users have shared their experiences with using the 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant on online forums. While some appreciate the non-sticky, no-residue gloss it provides, others have expressed a preference for more noticeable results. It's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and the effectiveness of the product can depend on various factors, including the condition of the surfaces being treated.

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Use Rust oleum plastic restore with ceramic

To protect the exterior plastic of your F150, one option is to use the Rust-Oleum Wipe New Trim Restore Kit. This product is designed to renew, restore, and protect worn automotive trim and plastic. It works on any colour and protects surfaces from corrosion, fading, and weathering. The kit includes pre-saturated wipes, prep wipes, and nitrile gloves, making the application quick and easy.

Rust-Oleum's Trim Restore Kit provides long-lasting, ceramic protection against oxidation, fading, and UV damage. It is safe for use on plastic, rubber, vinyl, and acrylic surfaces. The product is also advertised as being compatible with most types of plastic, although one review suggests that it works better on smooth plastic than textured plastic.

Before applying the product, it is recommended to conduct a spot test to ensure desirable results. The manufacturer also provides instructions that should be followed for proper application, including avoiding overlapping during application.

There are mixed reviews of the product. Some customers have left positive reviews, stating that it leaves car trim looking new and shiny, with easy application and long-lasting results. However, one review describes it as the "worst car care product" they have ever used, citing streaking as an issue.

Overall, the Rust-Oleum Wipe New Trim Restore Kit can be a viable option for protecting the exterior plastic of your F150, but it is important to consider the varying experiences shared by customers.

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Mothers - Back to Black

Users have reported that the product works well, with one user saying it made the black plastic on their truck look brand new again. However, it is important to note that the product should not be applied too thickly, as it may cause streaking. If streaking occurs, isopropyl alcohol wiped with a microfiber towel can be used to remove it. It is also important to buff the product with a soft cotton terry towel and let it dry before exposing it to water.

One user reported that they experienced greasy, oily residue running down the sides of their truck after using Mothers - Back to Black. This occurred after washing their truck, and the residue reappeared even after numerous washes. The user suggested making sure the product is not applied too thickly and ensuring that it is buffed off properly.

Another user reported that the product worked well on the plastic under their wipers, but it only lasted for 3-4 months before fading badly. This user then painted the plastic with Krylon for plastic, which held up better.

In addition to Mothers - Back to Black, other products that can be used to protect exterior plastic on a Ford F150 include 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant, Rust-Oleum Plastic Restore with ceramic, Griots Exterior Plastic Conditioner and Protectant, and Turtle Wax Ice.

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Turtle Wax Ice

The Turtle Wax Ice product line offers a range of options, including the Ice Spray Wax, Ice Sealant, and Ice Paste Wax. The Ice Spray Wax and Ice Sealant are easy to apply and are praised for their ability to provide a shiny finish to the vehicle. The Ice Paste Wax, on the other hand, offers longer-lasting protection but requires slightly more effort to apply. It is important to note that the Ice Paste Wax is available as part of a Turtle Wax kit, which also includes other useful products such as the ICE Total Interior Care, ICE Spray Detailer, and ICE Liquid Clay Bar and Applicator.

Users have reported excellent results with Turtle Wax Ice products, particularly mentioning the shine and ease of use. The liquid clay bar and wax have been effective in removing scrapes, brush marks, and scratches from the paint. Additionally, the spray detailer has received positive reviews for its performance and ease of use.

When compared to other products, Turtle Wax Ice stands out for its effectiveness and ease of use. Some users have mentioned that they prefer it over alternatives like Seal and Shine, Liquid Glass, and Meguiars cleaner wax. While these alternatives may offer their own benefits, Turtle Wax Ice is a well-regarded option that has earned the loyalty of many vehicle owners.

In conclusion, Turtle Wax Ice is a highly recommended product for protecting the exterior plastic of Ford F150s. Its versatility, ease of application, and impressive results make it a popular choice among vehicle enthusiasts. With a range of products to choose from, Turtle Wax Ice offers effective solutions for maintaining the appearance and condition of your Ford F150.

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Frequently asked questions

You can use products like 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant, Rust-Oleum Plastic Restore with Ceramic, Griots Exterior Plastic Conditioner and Protectant, or Mothers Back to Black.

You can use Turtle Wax Ice, Showroom New Restorer, or Black Wow.

Try using a trim cleaner, like Megs or Mothers, with a stiff toothbrush.

Consider installing a Raptor Splash Guard or an undercarriage splash cover/dust cover.

Ensure regular maintenance and inspections, especially after services like oil changes where parts may be removed and not properly reattached.

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