Omar Khalid
Maintaining the exterior plastic of your car is important to keep it looking newer for longer. Exterior plastic can be found all over a car, from the trim and moulding to the bumpers and wiper blade brackets. Over time, the plastic will build up dirt, dust, debris, and residue from the road, food, and beverages. To clean exterior plastic, wash your car and then apply a degreaser. You can also use a mild car wash soap and scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush. To remove residue, isopropyl alcohol is safe and effective. To finish, apply a protectant to shield the plastic from UV rays and keep the trim looking new. There are many products available, such as 303 Automotive Protectant, Back to Black, and Trim Renew.
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What You'll Learn
Use a protectant to maintain colour and quality
Using a protectant is an effective way to maintain the colour and quality of your car's exterior plastic. Over time, plastic trims can fade, crack and become brittle due to constant exposure to UV radiation, rain, road grime, and other environmental factors.
There are various protectant products available, such as 3D Trim Care, 303 Automotive Protectant, and Wolfgang exterior trim sealant. These products are designed to restore and preserve the original colour of your plastic trims, while also providing protection from the elements. They can help your trims stay darker, cleaner, and newer for longer, preventing discolouration and cracking caused by heat and exposure.
When using a protectant, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided with the product. However, a general process involves applying the protectant directly to a clean foam, microfiber applicator pad, or cloth, and then spreading it evenly over the surface of the plastic trim. Allow the product to penetrate for a short period, and then use a clean microfiber towel to remove any excess and buff the surface to a shine.
It is recommended to treat your plastic trims with a protectant regularly, especially after washing your car, to maintain their visual appearance and physical structure. By using a protectant, you can help prevent fading, maintain the colour, and keep your car's exterior plastic looking like new.
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Wash and dry before detailing
Before detailing your car, it is important to wash and dry it thoroughly. This process can be done in several ways, depending on the tools available and the level of cleanliness desired.
One method is to use snow foam, a detergent that helps remove grease and grime from your car. Apply the snow foam all over your car using a lance, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off from top to bottom using a pressure washer. This will remove most of the dirt and grime, but there may be some stubborn spots that require additional cleaning.
For these areas, you will need two buckets, one filled with water and the other with a car shampoo, and a cleaning mitt. Work in small sections, just like when you're washing your car. Apply a small amount of shampoo to a cleaning mitt and scrub the area until it is clean. Then, rinse the area with water using a hose or a pressure washer.
If you are using a hose, start from the top of the vehicle and work your way down, ensuring that you are moving left to right to effectively remove soap and dirt. Be sure to dispense free-flowing water prior to starting and avoid using the same water on the bodywork that you used to clean the wheels, as they are too dirty and full of metallic particles.
Once the vehicle is spotless and thoroughly cleaned, it's time to dry it. Using a microfiber drying towel is recommended, as it will help decrease the chances of swirl marks and scratches. Start by drying the windows, bodywork, shuts, and then the wheels with a separate towel. This leaves the potentially dirtiest areas for last, helping to avoid water spots, especially if it is a warm day and things are drying quickly.
Finally, use a quick detailing spray to spot-clean any missed bits, remove any leftover residue from the cleaning products, and water spots. This finishing touch will give your car a professional look and should be done every 2-3 times a year to maintain a pristine appearance.
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Use UV protection products
Over time, UV rays can cause the colour of your car's exterior plastic to fade and discolour. To prevent this, you should use a UV protection product.
There are a variety of products on the market that offer UV protection for car exterior plastics. These include sprays, wipes, and sealants. Some popular products include:
- 303 Products Automotive Protectant Spray: This product offers superior UV protection and helps prevent fading and cracking. It is suitable for both interior and exterior plastics and can be used on vinyl, rubber, synthetic and natural rubber, gel coat, and more. It dries to a smooth, matte finish with no greasy residue.
- Gyeon Preserve: This product has been praised for its effectiveness and longevity, and can be used on all plastics, inside and out.
- Turtle Wax Ice: This clear spray-on wax is slightly oily and provides UV protection.
- Adam's Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant: This product offers ceramic-infused UV protection and is suitable for leather, vinyl, plastics, glass, and more.
- GLOZ High-Gloss Ceramic-Hybrid Protectant: This product offers weatherproof UV block protection and is suitable for plastic, rubber, and vinyl.
- MaxPro Plastic Coating: This nano-ceramic coating provides superior resistance to UV rays and corrosion, lasting up to 2 years.
When using UV protection products, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some products may require reapplication every few weeks or months to maintain maximum UV protection. Additionally, it is important to note that some products are not suitable for certain materials, such as unfinished leather, fabrics, or clear plastic, so be sure to check the product specifications before use.
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Apply a restoring product
To treat car exterior plastic, you can apply a restoring product, which will provide a deep clean and restore some of the colour. These products will remove stains and improve the colour of the plastic.
There are many products available on the market that are designed for this purpose, such as Poorboy's Trim Restorer, TUF SHINE Black Restore Kit, Black WOW, Mother's Back-to-Black cream, and Trim Renew. These products are designed to remove stains, restore colour, and protect the plastic from UV rays. When applying these products, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and to test them on a small area first to ensure they do not cause any discolouration or damage to the plastic.
It is recommended to apply a couple of nickel-sized drops of the solution to a soft towel and rub it into the plastic areas using medium pressure. Work in small sections, just like when washing your car, and use a back-and-forth motion to ensure even coverage. You can also use a plastic-bristled brush or toothbrush to work the product into the plastic and remove any stubborn dirt or stains.
After applying the restoring product, it is important to follow up with a protectant to shield the plastic from the sun's rays and keep it looking like new. Protectants are available with UV inhibitors and can be sprayed onto a clean, soft towel and wiped onto the car. These protectants can also be used on multiple surfaces, such as vinyl and rubber, and are an important step in maintaining the colour and quality of your car's exterior plastic.
In addition to using restoring products and protectants, it is important to regularly clean your car's exterior plastic. This can be done by washing the car with a mild car wash soap and water, and then applying a degreaser to remove any built-up grease or grime. It is recommended to clean your car's exterior twice a month and more frequently if you live in an area with salty roads, high pollen, or tree sap.
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Degrease before applying protectant
Before applying a protectant to your car's exterior plastic, it is important to degrease and clean the surface thoroughly. Over time, plastic car components can accumulate dirt, dust, oil from the road, debris, food residue, and other contaminants. These substances can cause discolouration and fading, making the plastic appear cloudy or white. Therefore, it is essential to clean and degrease the exterior plastic to prepare it for the application of a protectant.
To degrease the exterior plastic, you can use a dedicated engine degreaser or an all-purpose cleaner. Carfidant Ultimate Cleaner is a popular option that can effectively degrease engines and remove bugs from windshields. Apply the degreaser to a brush or cloth and work it into the plastic, paying close attention to areas with built-up grime. For textured plastics, a small, plastic-bristled brush or toothbrush can help work the degreaser into the crevices.
After degreasing, rinse the exterior plastic with water to remove any remaining residue. Ensure that you avoid windows and plastic windows on convertible tops, as they can scratch easily. Once the area is thoroughly rinsed, dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Some protectant products may have specific instructions for surface preparation, so it is important to refer to the product's label. For example, CarPro PERL, a water-based protectant, recommends diluting the product with water and applying it to a cool and dry surface. Following the degreasing step with a thorough cleaning using a mild car wash soap and a soft bristle brush can further enhance the results.
By properly degreasing and cleaning your car's exterior plastic before applying a protectant, you will ensure that the product adheres effectively and provides long-lasting protection. This process will help maintain the appearance and condition of your car's exterior plastic trim, bumpers, and other components.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash your car and then apply a degreaser. You can use a mild car wash soap or a mild soap like laundry detergent. You can also use a plastic-safe cleaner, applying it in small sections with a small brush or toothbrush. Then, wipe the area dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Finally, finish with a protectant to shield your car from UV rays and keep the trim looking new.
It is recommended to clean the exterior of your car twice a month. However, you may need to clean it more often if you live near the coast, have salted roads in the winter, or live in a wooded area with tree sap.
You can use products such as Poorboy’s Trim Restorer, TUF SHINE Black Restore Kit, Black WOW, Mother’s Back-to-Black cream, 303 Automotive Protectant, or Wolfgang exterior trim sealant. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to remove residue.
Over time, sunlight and heat can damage the exterior plastic of your car, causing discolouration and a permanent haze. By cleaning and treating the exterior plastic, you can maintain its colour and quality, and keep your car looking newer for longer, which is great for resale value.
