MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

**rwwilsonjr** · #1 06-25-2009, 03:03 PM

At the risk of being banned from this forum I want to offer a recommendation for detailing the Mini's dash. It's Armor All Protectant Gel. I know this will generate groans from some but this stuff is the best I've tried on the Mini's highly textured vinyl dash (and door trim) material. It leaves a nice non-greasy finish with a very low sheen (just enough sheen for my tastes).

I don't know how it will do for less textured or smooth materials so this recommendation only extends to the Mini dash and trim. And it unimpressive on tires...giving an almost flat finish.

kenchan · #2 06-25-2009, 03:25 PM

yah, when i hear Armorall i think of shiny staining mess.

but is the gel you mentioned water based or silicon?
if silicon (which i believe it is) it might get a little
shiny in the sun.

**rwwilsonjr** · #3 06-25-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

yah, when i hear Armorall i think of shiny staining mess.

but is the gel you mentioned water based or silicon?
if silicon (which i believe it is) it might get a little
shiny in the sun.

No no no....not greasy! I suspect it is water based but I could be wrong. No mention of silicon on the label..just says Do Not Freeze.

For me, it gives just the right amount of sheen (i.e. low) and I notice no change once the sheen is set...rain or shine. Lots of UV protection too.

kenchan · #4 06-25-2009, 06:00 PM

huh, interesting. will have to take a look next time.

ngweibing · #5 06-25-2009, 06:02 PM

thxs and will try it out...

MLPearson79 · #6 06-26-2009, 08:26 AM

I only worry because I've seen cracked vinyl due to Armor All stuff

But if it's working for you, then cool!

**rwwilsonjr** · #7 06-26-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLPearson79

I only worry because I've seen cracked vinyl due to Armor All stuff

As I said, this recommendation was somewhat risky. Armor All products are generally not PC in detailing circles. And this concern/worry is legitimate...if true. A product specifically designed to protect vinyl in actuality has the opposite effect. Weird science.

We've all seen the charges/evidence that the first generation of petroleum based protectorants could cause deterioration of tires. But this product doesn't fall into that category.

I certainly wouldn't want to recommend a product which will actually cause damage. I think it's great for the Mini dash and stand by my recommendation...but use at your own risk.

bee1000n · #8 06-27-2009, 09:43 AM

According to this link from Australia: It's between 5 and 10% silicone and >80% water.

As long as we're making recommendations, I like Adam's VRT.

ColdFyre · #9 06-27-2009, 09:15 PM

I've been enjoying Nero since the 1st day I tried it.

kenchan · #10 06-27-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwwilsonjr

As I said, this recommendation was somewhat risky. Armor All products are generally not PC in detailing circles. And this concern/worry is legitimate...if true. A product specifically designed to protect vinyl in actuality has the opposite effect. Weird science.

We've all seen the charges/evidence that the first generation of petroleum based protectorants could cause deterioration of tires. But this product doesn't fall into that category.

I certainly wouldn't want to recommend a product which will actually cause damage. I think it's great for the Mini dash and stand by my recommendation...but use at your own risk.

yah, we'll just wait to see if yours cracks or not before making any
decisions.

there is Prima Nero and Aero303 that are KNOWN
sound products so no real reason for us to go out and risk anything.
we'll just wait to see how yours turn out.

**rwwilsonjr** · #11 06-27-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bee1000n

According to this link from Australia: It's between 5 and 10% silicone and >80% water.

As long as we're making recommendations, I like Adam's VRT.

Thanks...it's good to know for sure that the AA stuff is water based.

kenchan · #12 06-27-2009, 10:09 PM

you can use Griot's Interior Cleaner and wipe it all off if you're worried.

**rwwilsonjr** · #13 06-28-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

you can use Griot's Interior Cleaner and wipe it all off if you're worried.

All of these new generation products contain Silicone and H2O...don't you think? The differences being the sunscreens and other minor ingredients. The main thing that the manufactures did to improve these types of products was to remove petroleum as the base.

There are numerous great products I haven't tried (Nero, Adams, Optimum, Griots etc.) but I have used most of the commercially available protectorants in my search for one I liked...(303 my favorite). The point of this post was just to offer an alternative...the AA gel is a little less glossy than 303 and makes the Mini dash look great.

bee1000n · #14 06-29-2009, 06:47 PM

I really should have plugged 303 instead of Adam's. I do like Adam's, but I've been using 303 on my interior for 4 years and 11 months now and it looks just like new - and my car lives outside.

The only drawback is that the interior smells a little funky for a couple days after applying 303. Adam's VRT doesn't smell, but I use it on the outside trim almost exclusively.