How is everyone keeping the black plastic "black". I have tried several different products but will not stay black very long. Help!!!

 

I haven't gotten my Mini yet, but have heard that 303 Aerospace Protectant works very well. Also has a UV protection. I ordered a bottle to have on hand for immediate application to my Mini when it arrives in 2-3 weeks.
I ordered it from:

Autogeek.net

I am very impressed with their service. I ordered it on Thursday 1-2, and it was already at UPS that evening. they are having a sale right now as well.

JB

 

Easy solution.... take it to a body shop and have 'em paint 'em body color or black.

 

My first attempt at keeping the black plastic "black" is using Zymol waxes. They contain many different oils that keep the plastic "moisturized" and BLACK! I found out this trick when accidentally rubbing some Zymol Carbon on the black trim of my 3-series, and after buffing it out, it looked Great! Other product to use is Wizards Products Vinyl Shine. It's a low gloss protectant, no silicone, non-toxic.

Wizards Products
Zymol

I'm not affiliated, just satisfied

 

>>Easy solution.... take it to a body shop and have 'em paint 'em body color or black.

I'd love to do that for Gidget - Pepper White/pepper white top Cooper ... has this gone down in price at all?? LOL I need to save all my change up and then maybe I an afford it by summer.

 

I used McGuires Trim and rubber protectant. It really works well and is not as costly as some of the others mentioned.

 

I use the armor all wipes. Makes the black shine and stays black for a long time.

 

>>I used McGuires Trim and rubber protectant. It really works well and is not as costly as some of the others mentioned.

Sorry Nobull60, I never said my detailing methods were cheap

 

TrimShine, best stuff in the world

Click here for the website

 

>>TrimShine, best stuff in the world

Two questions: (1) It says "just spray on, no wiping needed." In the interest of keeping this product off of the painted surfaces, I assume you can spray it onto a cloth and wipe it on? (2) Is it available at auto supply places? I don't like the sound of their $19.95 website deal with the multiple cans and the applicator brushes or whatever that other BS there is.

Thanks!

 

so who has had their wheel arches painted?
i want to find out average price for this in the USA.
i also have seen people who have had this done, and it looks like those
reflectors that are in the arches have either been removed or painted over?
anyone know about that too?

 

I love Stoner's Invisible Glass, but really loathe their Trim Shine. It only works correctly (and a bit on the Armour All greasy side) if you spray it directly to the plastic trim. If you apply to a rag and then use the rag to apply it hazes over almost instantly and provides virtually no shine.

R

 

>>so who has had their wheel arches painted?
>>i want to find out average price for this in the USA.
>>i also have seen people who have had this done, and it looks like those
>>reflectors that are in the arches have either been removed or painted over?
>>anyone know about that too?

MINIs bound for North America get the reflectors in the wheel arches. European MINIs do not. That is likely why you have seen both.

R

 

Oh. And I guess I should share my favorites here as well. D'oh!

I like to use 303 once a month. That keeps it UV protected and conditioned. I then give a generous wipe down of the trim after washing with Mothers Back to Black. This product is very easy. You just wipe it on with a rag. Any extra that gets on the paint can be VERY easily buffed off with a clean cloth. Under 10 minutes to completely make a statement with those arches shinning.

R

 

>>I like to use 303 once a month. That keeps it UV protected and conditioned. I then give a generous wipe down of the trim after washing with Mothers Back to Black. This product is very easy. You just wipe it on with a rag. Any extra that gets on the paint can be VERY easily buffed off with a clean cloth. Under 10 minutes to completely make a statement with those arches shinning.


I agree. 303 Aerospace Protectant is great. I use a small sponge, and going around the entire trim is a breeze. I also use 303 for the interior as well.

 

>>so who has had their wheel arches painted?
>>i want to find out average price for this in the USA.
>>i also have seen people who have had this done, and it looks like those
>>reflectors that are in the arches have either been removed or painted over?
>>anyone know about that too?


I would like to know what it costs to get them painted as wheel. However not just the arches all of the black plastic cladding.

 

Could you please let me know where to get that product and what the complete name is. Thanks and best regards Dave

 

Hey bxmini...are you talking about the 303 Aerospace Protectant? I had to call around to local car stores to find it.



Here is an online vendor that carries this product. It's about twice as expensive as I buy it for over the counter at the local gear head shop.

Premium Auto Care

R

 

I've heard lots of good stuff about 303, I'll have to pick some up and check it out.

I'm thinking of having my exterior black plastic painted body color (the fenders and front/rear lips). Anybody else have this done?

 

303 sounds similar to Plexus, something I found at a motorcycle shop. I've used it on my Triumph Daytona with a lot of success. It's a little expensive but looks really nice. I will probably try it on my MINI once it stops raining/snowing and we get a nice day for me to wash my MINI. It's a cleaner/polisher and works REALLY well on the little plastic windscreens on motorcycles. (also works well on all that other plastic I have to clean) Real quick too... not all of us have the time to clean our bikes like those Harley riders cleaning all that chrome
-Chris
p.s. I am in no way affiliated with Plexus, I'm sure there are other products (like 303 which I've never used) that do just as good a job. Just wanted to throw out an alternative

 

I use some stuff from Mothers. I think it's called Back to Black (think of the AC/DC song Back In Black). I got it at Discount Auto Parts so I'm sure you can find it at most any parts store. It's mainly designed for older cars to help restore the black plastic but seems to work pretty good as a protectant too, it also does a decent job of removing wax that you've accidentally gotten on the black stuff.