How To Clean a Black Fender Trim......
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 154
Likes: 27
I detail cars and I use lacquer thinner to strip everything off the black trim of cars including my MINI. After it dries I wipe it down with Gyeon Prep and apply a ceramic coating call Gyeon Trim. You can search Google and find it and it’s available on Amazon.
Gyeon trim will last for years not weeks or months and will repel water and even bird drippings. You do not want to apply ANYTHING silicone based as it will not last.
As a cheap alternative you can follow the same process as above but coat you trim with Penetrol. Penetrol is oil based and available at Home Depot or Lowe’s in the paint Department. It is a liquid clear paint smoothing chemical that you use straight. You dab a little on a cloth that you will toss out when done and just wipe it on your trim and let it dry.
Both of the products above will not attract dust and pollen and will be completely dry. You will not have to re apply after the rain or after 10 or 20 car washes. Penetrol is an old fix that has been used by Jeep guys for years and it works. Just think of all the black plastic trim those things have and how hard they would be to keep clean after a day of mudding.
Gyeon trim will last for years not weeks or months and will repel water and even bird drippings. You do not want to apply ANYTHING silicone based as it will not last.
As a cheap alternative you can follow the same process as above but coat you trim with Penetrol. Penetrol is oil based and available at Home Depot or Lowe’s in the paint Department. It is a liquid clear paint smoothing chemical that you use straight. You dab a little on a cloth that you will toss out when done and just wipe it on your trim and let it dry.
Both of the products above will not attract dust and pollen and will be completely dry. You will not have to re apply after the rain or after 10 or 20 car washes. Penetrol is an old fix that has been used by Jeep guys for years and it works. Just think of all the black plastic trim those things have and how hard they would be to keep clean after a day of mudding.
Ara
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 259
Likes: 33
Yeah, let us know how you like it. I've come close several times to buying some penetrol but never pulled the trigger.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 154
Likes: 27
I detail cars and I use lacquer thinner to strip everything off the black trim of cars including my MINI. After it dries I wipe it down with Gyeon Prep and apply a ceramic coating call Gyeon Trim. You can search Google and find it and it’s available on Amazon.
Gyeon trim will last for years not weeks or months and will repel water and even bird drippings. You do not want to apply ANYTHING silicone based as it will not last.
As a cheap alternative you can follow the same process as above but coat you trim with Penetrol. Penetrol is oil based and available at Home Depot or Lowe’s in the paint Department. It is a liquid clear paint smoothing chemical that you use straight. You dab a little on a cloth that you will toss out when done and just wipe it on your trim and let it dry.
Both of the products above will not attract dust and pollen and will be completely dry. You will not have to re apply after the rain or after 10 or 20 car washes. Penetrol is an old fix that has been used by Jeep guys for years and it works. Just think of all the black plastic trim those things have and how hard they would be to keep clean after a day of mudding.
Gyeon trim will last for years not weeks or months and will repel water and even bird drippings. You do not want to apply ANYTHING silicone based as it will not last.
As a cheap alternative you can follow the same process as above but coat you trim with Penetrol. Penetrol is oil based and available at Home Depot or Lowe’s in the paint Department. It is a liquid clear paint smoothing chemical that you use straight. You dab a little on a cloth that you will toss out when done and just wipe it on your trim and let it dry.
Both of the products above will not attract dust and pollen and will be completely dry. You will not have to re apply after the rain or after 10 or 20 car washes. Penetrol is an old fix that has been used by Jeep guys for years and it works. Just think of all the black plastic trim those things have and how hard they would be to keep clean after a day of mudding.
Thanks....
Last edited by Beemerchef; Oct 8, 2019 at 02:13 PM. Reason: Forgot something
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 861
Likes: 100
From: Houston, TX
My car is pretty new, but I just bought this stuff for cleaning the fenders...
https://amzn.to/324XD3L
And this stuff to renew/protect the black finish...
https://amzn.to/30Zw8Y1
This is after I FINALLY found something that takes that waxy cosmoline stuff off the fenders...
https://amzn.to/2M18aYf
It's strong stuff so go easy and put some elbow grease into it. But it works, and it will remove everything... giving the area you clean a whitish tone to it.
Now you can use the first two products to finish cleaning the rest of the fender and then bring the black back.
https://amzn.to/324XD3L
And this stuff to renew/protect the black finish...
https://amzn.to/30Zw8Y1
This is after I FINALLY found something that takes that waxy cosmoline stuff off the fenders...
https://amzn.to/2M18aYf
It's strong stuff so go easy and put some elbow grease into it. But it works, and it will remove everything... giving the area you clean a whitish tone to it.
Now you can use the first two products to finish cleaning the rest of the fender and then bring the black back.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 154
Likes: 27
Originally Posted by Dave.O 
I detail cars and I use lacquer thinner to strip everything off the black trim of cars including my MINI. After it dries I wipe it down with Gyeon Prep and apply a ceramic coating call Gyeon Trim. You can search Google and find it and it’s available on Amazon.
Gyeon trim will last for years not weeks or months and will repel water and even bird drippings. You do not want to apply ANYTHING silicone based as it will not last.
As a cheap alternative you can follow the same process as above but coat you trim with Penetrol. Penetrol is oil based and available at Home Depot or Lowe’s in the paint Department. It is a liquid clear paint smoothing chemical that you use straight. You dab a little on a cloth that you will toss out when done and just wipe it on your trim and let it dry.
Thank You Dave.O
Well, progress report on the Penetrol.
One month now and still just as new. I have realized that actually it is NOT a liquid which penetrates the plastic but if compared is like a hard "clear coat" which I put on and wiped to make it even. It looks very even, very smooth with no streaks whatsoever.
I am happy with it, including the one too many grills on the JCW [2018]. After washing the car I use a 180mph blower as it has a few layers of Menzerna and Wolfgang sealant/wax and whatever! So I am really never touching [just about!] the surface of the car.
I use a "touch-less" car wash...
Of course, my guessing for the future is...
Is it going to start "peeling off" some day? or just fade away? I hope it just fades away...
Has anyone had any experience over time with Penetrol?
I detail cars and I use lacquer thinner to strip everything off the black trim of cars including my MINI. After it dries I wipe it down with Gyeon Prep and apply a ceramic coating call Gyeon Trim. You can search Google and find it and it’s available on Amazon.
Gyeon trim will last for years not weeks or months and will repel water and even bird drippings. You do not want to apply ANYTHING silicone based as it will not last.
As a cheap alternative you can follow the same process as above but coat you trim with Penetrol. Penetrol is oil based and available at Home Depot or Lowe’s in the paint Department. It is a liquid clear paint smoothing chemical that you use straight. You dab a little on a cloth that you will toss out when done and just wipe it on your trim and let it dry.
Thank You Dave.O
Well, progress report on the Penetrol.
One month now and still just as new. I have realized that actually it is NOT a liquid which penetrates the plastic but if compared is like a hard "clear coat" which I put on and wiped to make it even. It looks very even, very smooth with no streaks whatsoever.
I am happy with it, including the one too many grills on the JCW [2018]. After washing the car I use a 180mph blower as it has a few layers of Menzerna and Wolfgang sealant/wax and whatever! So I am really never touching [just about!] the surface of the car.
I use a "touch-less" car wash...
Of course, my guessing for the future is...
Is it going to start "peeling off" some day? or just fade away? I hope it just fades away...
Has anyone had any experience over time with Penetrol?
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 795
Likes: 122
From: SoCal
All this "stuff" everyone's using...no one has commented whether these things leave a gloss surface, a medium dull or a full flat, no shine surface finish.
Me, I don't like shiny rubber or bare plastic.
Mike
Me, I don't like shiny rubber or bare plastic.
Mike
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 154
Likes: 27
Good question Mike... I don't like shiny plastic either!
I happen to test the Penetrol also on my Jeep rear bumper and happen to take it to the car wash about an hour ago [touch less!] and took a photo for you! The Penetrol has been on for 5 [five] weeks now. I think it is going to work pretty well. Being transparent it is taking the color of the plastic which on the Jeep is lighter color than the Mini. I will let you be the judge. Would you say "semi gloss"? No editing on the photo by the way... It is what it is...
Obviously the car wash only does a good job on the "Penetrol" area which is slick and the dirt washes right off. Lets see how long it will last. I have the feeling quite a while as even with my nails I could not scratch it.
It has to go one and then wiped with a different towel for "no steaks". Wipe off the paint immediately if...
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 795
Likes: 122
From: SoCal
Thanks Beemerchef -
A little hard to tell, but it looks a little too glossy for my taste.
Did you "rub" on it at all when you applied it ? You know, gave it a good hard force full application, or just wipe it on ? Sometimes a good rubbing will dull the surface a little.
Like tire dressing. I tried a tire dressing/cleaner a while back. It was too shiny when used per the instructions. While it was doing it's cleaning and drying, I gave the tires a good hard rubbing with a towel. That dulled the surface to a nice medium flat surface, plenty acceptable.
Thanks for the info.
Mike
A little hard to tell, but it looks a little too glossy for my taste.
Did you "rub" on it at all when you applied it ? You know, gave it a good hard force full application, or just wipe it on ? Sometimes a good rubbing will dull the surface a little.
Like tire dressing. I tried a tire dressing/cleaner a while back. It was too shiny when used per the instructions. While it was doing it's cleaning and drying, I gave the tires a good hard rubbing with a towel. That dulled the surface to a nice medium flat surface, plenty acceptable.
Thanks for the info.
Mike
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 154
Likes: 27
Thanks Beemerchef -
A little hard to tell, but it looks a little too glossy for my taste.
Did you "rub" on it at all when you applied it ? You know, gave it a good hard force full application, or just wipe it on ? Sometimes a good rubbing will dull the surface a little.
Like tire dressing. I tried a tire dressing/cleaner a while back. It was too shiny when used per the instructions. While it was doing it's cleaning and drying, I gave the tires a good hard rubbing with a towel. That dulled the surface to a nice medium flat surface, plenty acceptable.
Thanks for the info.
Mike
A little hard to tell, but it looks a little too glossy for my taste.
Did you "rub" on it at all when you applied it ? You know, gave it a good hard force full application, or just wipe it on ? Sometimes a good rubbing will dull the surface a little.
Like tire dressing. I tried a tire dressing/cleaner a while back. It was too shiny when used per the instructions. While it was doing it's cleaning and drying, I gave the tires a good hard rubbing with a towel. That dulled the surface to a nice medium flat surface, plenty acceptable.
Thanks for the info.
Mike
Keep in mind that gloss is the sun shining on it while mid morning and the rear of the car facing East. I actually finished doing 3/4 of the Jeep and really like how it is turning out. Not that I care too much on that vehicle!!!
I can take a photo on the Mini tomorrow which is a darker plastic.
Or for $9 at Lowes you could also buy a can [which I think would last a Lifetime!!!] and try a small hidden spot.
I don't rub it much, goes on with a sponge while wearing vinyl gloves and a towel to smooth it out in the other hand also to wipe it off the paint when some gets on there...
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 154
Likes: 27
Found the thread and thought I would let you know. This $9 can will probably outlast me [I am 74!!!].
Get it ready with alcohol which is what I did, better if you use vinyl and some sort gloves and a sponge you are going to throw away is it solidify... Hope this helps.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 124
Likes: 15
From: Middle of US, Kansas
I found this thread a couple of days ago and was shock no one used Simple Solution. I have had great luck with it and it does not leave the fenders shiny. I do the whole car before I start to remove it. then take the rag I used to wipe it all off and start cleaning the plastic under the hood, keeps it looking pretty new for a 8 year old car. Rubber gloves are a good thing. If I remember right, 2 years ago when I bought mine it came in black or grey.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 576
From: earth PNW
How long does the "brand new" look remain? Sounds like a winner if it holds up for some time.
Alliance Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 229
From: York, Pennsylvania
I’ve been pretty impressed with Mr Clean
Magic Eraser for all kinds of stuff around
the house. AFAIK, the sponge doesn’t
leave behind any residue.
Next time I re-apply Gyeon Trim, I will use
a Magic Eraser sponge plus Gyeon Prep
before application.
Now that the weather is improving, I’m
itching to do it soon.
Magic Eraser for all kinds of stuff around
the house. AFAIK, the sponge doesn’t
leave behind any residue.
Next time I re-apply Gyeon Trim, I will use
a Magic Eraser sponge plus Gyeon Prep
before application.
Now that the weather is improving, I’m
itching to do it soon.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 492
Likes: 105
That melamine sponge material is surprisingly abrasive. I looked it up and found that they are equivalent to 3000 grit.
Alliance Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 229
From: York, Pennsylvania
(unpainted) black plastic or rubber.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 18
Likes: 4
Well I tried the peanut butter trick. Cleaned the fenders with alcohol first, and they did look better.
But a week later, they got a white haze. More alcohol and a good scrub with dishwashing liquid got most of the haze, but they look worse than what I started with. Thanks for nothin’, smooth all natural JIF.
got some 303 coming in, will try to clean em again with some paint thinner first.
But a week later, they got a white haze. More alcohol and a good scrub with dishwashing liquid got most of the haze, but they look worse than what I started with. Thanks for nothin’, smooth all natural JIF.
got some 303 coming in, will try to clean em again with some paint thinner first.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
for the record .....
those parts are not BLACK to begin with ........
they are a dark gray ...... if you want BLACK you are coating 'em . . .
I use Zymol vinyl conditioner (one of the two products recommended by Mazda for use on Miata tops in the beginning)
$$ but a little goes a long way ....and it WORKS . .
those parts are not BLACK to begin with ........
they are a dark gray ...... if you want BLACK you are coating 'em . . .
I use Zymol vinyl conditioner (one of the two products recommended by Mazda for use on Miata tops in the beginning)
$$ but a little goes a long way ....and it WORKS . .
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
spyked
F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+)
14
Oct 24, 2023 07:34 AM
danielo
Detailing 101
58
Jul 6, 2008 10:51 AM
acitydweller
Detailing 101
68
Dec 5, 2006 08:05 AM
KPiglet
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
5
Sep 4, 2002 09:17 PM