Black Exterior Plastic

[LynneB]

Okay guys I am gearing up for my first full detail on my brand new Mini and I need some advice. I have read all of the threads and have learned a bunch from OCDetailers!! I get a headache every time I think about the Zaino process so I am going to try the Meguairs NXT products. Having said that I am hyper about getting wax on all the black exterior plastic (and there is a bunch). Does anyone have any recommendations about not getting it on there (safe ways to tape it off) or getting it off once it gets on and turns white. While I am at it has anyone heard of a product called AstroShield?? It is a glaze (No wax) that I have used on my plane for years and bugs don't even stick to the surface. Was wondering about using it on the Mini??
Thanks for all the advice and good tips.
Lynne

[Yucca Patrol]

After watching an infomercial for the new Turtle Wax Ice, I think I am going to get that stuff next. It leaves no residue on plastic parts whatsoever (or so they claim).

I too cannot handle the Zaino process. I want to wash my car, wax it, and have that be good enough. This probably disqualifies me from posting in the detailing forum. . .

[acitydweller]

use low tact masking tap on your black and chrome trim. If this is not possible, i recommend waxing around the area and steering clear of the edges for each panel.

[OCDGarage]

Another option is dress your plastic ahead of time. If you apply a good coat of water based dressing to any porous plastic and you accidentally get some wax on the trim it will not be able to soak in and bond. A damp rag will be all you need to remove any contamination.

Brett @ OCD

[Crashton]

Originally Posted by OCDGarage

Another option is dress your plastic ahead of time. If you apply a good coat of water based dressing to any porous plastic and you accidentally get some wax on the trim it will not be able to soak in and bond. A damp rag will be all you need to remove any contamination.

Brett @ OCD

Very good tip! Thanks Brett.

[myzamboni]

on a related note, the NXT Cockpit shine actually works great on the exterior plastic bits to give them that 'showroom new' look. Just don't use it on the tires or the steering wheel.

[LynneB]

Thanks for all the good ideas - I will dress the plastic in advance and be VERY careful. I just hate the white marks. I will also try to overcome my fear of the Zaino process!
Lynne

[OctaneGuy]

Meguiar's M26 Hi Tech Carnuba wax which can be found through your local Autozone won't make the plastic white.

Meguiar's M21 won't either but it's not available locally--only through mail order.

I purchased some of that ICE from my local AutoZone yesterday to run some of my tests. From professionals who've tried it, I haven't heard too many positive things---different from what consumers are saying though which still appears to be a mixed bag.

There are a number of polishing products I use before the wax step that can make my trim white, so I tape off the trim. It's rather time consuming and not for people who want to work quickly.

[agranger]

Just paint your arches and you won't have to worry about it!

Before I did that modification, I used a 10" plastic drywall knife as a shield when applying wax or sealant near the plastic bits.

[skitelluride531]

Sorry if someone already mentioned this but...peanut butter works wonders on removing that residue if you accidently get some on there. I tried it a few days ago, and besides a few odd looks from people walking by, it worked perfectly .

[berky]

LynneB, I have used the NXT. It is a great product but it does not last as long as the Zaino. I have three coats of zaino on my car and i love it. it is not that much extra effort. I bought the plastic cleaner made by Mini to remove the wax that gets on the black plastic. It is not easily removed. i would recommend that you are careful when applying the wax and avoid getting it on the plastic.

Good luck and post some pics of your new ride.

[OCDGarage]

2 more remedies are isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a product called Wax Blaster. These will usually rectify previous mistakes. In the rare case that they don't work, Forever Black makes a vinyl/rubber dye kit that applies like shoes polish and is permanent. If it gets ob the paint it won't stain either.

Brett @ OCD

[OctaneGuy]

My all time favorite product for removing wax is Meguiar's #39 Heavy Duty vinyl cleaner. Just spritz some on a red shop rag, and after a couple of rubs, the rag will show all the wax and gunk that was on the trim. Takes much less effort than rubbing alcohol which is what I used to recommend, although it works too, just requires more effort.


Berky
With 3 coats of Zaino, how many coats of NXT did you use to come to the conclusion that Zaino lasted longer???

[MSFITOY]

A friend of mine has been using the ICE and he says that he waxes over everything...I mean EVERYTHING! I had asked him how he keeps his trim nicely black and then he lent me his bottle...going to try it out next time...

I've been using TrimShine but that requires frequent re-application...

[SHRTSTAK]

Sonus Tire and Bumper Dressing Gel is great stuff. Goes on real easily and if you got some wax on your trim it covers it up (doesn't remove it however). I usually mask off all my trim with painter's before I polish and wax though

[sequence]

I use a very flexible piece of thin cardboard that I wrap around the black trim, then apply the wax (Meguiars Gold). this works well esp. on the wheel wells, and keeps most of it off anyway.

I use Vinylex on my black trim, mostly for the shine that lasts a little longer than other brands, plus the UV protection. I also use it around the little roof strip just above the windows.

and count me in as someone who has wholeheartedly rejected Zaino. My MCS is a daily driver, not a freaking show car, and the last thing I wish to do is compile a spreadsheet that calculates what Zaino #'s how often and where and obsess about whether I have enough of 2 or 4 or 6. I have a life, and Meguiars fits this lifestyle--apply (admittedly a little more often) buff and motor. I also use Meguiar's ScratchX and QD.

Oh and for the Meguiar heads out there: if U have questions or concerns, the toll free customer service line is awesome!!

[PrplPplEtr]

don't dress your black trim if you ever plan on having it painted.

and honestly i don't see what is scary or difficult at all about the zaino process. goes on easy, comes off easy, lasts a dang long time.

maybe you are reading too much into it?

[tpetro33]

Try the Turtle Wax Ice!!!

I just did mine Sunday, no masking....just go right over the black trim....

It came out very nice!!!

[ImagoX]

I use Ice and I can vouch for it on the trim- it goes on perfectly and leaves no marks. I've been using it since I bought my car on the paint and the trim both, and so far so good. It does NOT leave the trim looking really black or shiny, though, so... plus, I'm not sure if it would get wax OFF the trim if you're planning on detailing and waxing as well.

Octaneguy (one of the resident detailing Jedi) had this to say when I asked him about this:

"I like Meguiar's Hyperdressing because it's diluted with water, yet can be used on tires, engine bay (high flash point), plastic trim, and decals, and it lasts!

Aerospace 303 is a popular one as well." < -- I assume he means the VINYL treatment by that, not the stuff they sell for cloth, which WILL NOT play well with plastic or rubber! I plan to pick up the Meguire's the next time I go to a decent autoparts store.

[jayski]

I too used the Ice recently. Yesterday on my 03 VR Cooper.
Outstanding results!
Dressed the black rubber trim very well, no residue, made the black look good.
Did my 93 BMW black wagon also, it too looks great! It wasn't looking too good, but now it glistens.

jayski
03 VR/VR Cooper