I'm not a big fan of Armorall at all. What are you using to keep the black plastic trim clean, shiny and protected against UV graying?

 

I use this fantastic product:




http://www.lexol.com/vinindex.html

Vinylex by Lexol. It is a water based vinyl cleaner/restorer/protectant with DH-60 UV to help protect your exterior black plastic trim against harmful UV rays. It won't "cover up" smudges and wax run ons like most other products do. It deeps cleans and revives the underlying plasticizers for a factory look It leaves a black matte, non-greasy look in your wheel arches (Or "Spats" as they are refer to in the UK). Excellent water resistance as well, in my experience.

Forget "Peanut Oil", this is the real deal!

Vinylex has never failed me and I use it in both of our MINIs with excellent results. Our cars live day in and day out under the brutal South Florida sun and so far the "spats" look factory fresh.

It is available at your nearest autoparts store for around $10 the spray bottle, but well worth it!

Aerospace 303 protectant is another high quality vinyl/rubber treatment product, also water based, but I have never used it.

Hope this helps.

 

that looks like great stuff. How often do you have to apply it?

 

I use Aerospace 303. Very happy with it. Use it once a month or so.

 

Well, if it rains frequently, may be once a week tops. Otherwise a monthly, single pass application is all needed.

After trying many different products, Vinylex is the only one that seems to really work well with the seemingly cheapo and hard to maintain textured plastic used for the wheel arches. Even if water touches it, it doesn't wash off, leaving the "worn out" surface underneath the dressing. Vinylex' difference lies on that it deep cleans the plastic surface and it is water based unlike products like Armor-All which are petroleum based, hence causing the all familiar fading and cracking of the plastic surface.

 

That is another great product, also water based like Vinylex. I have never used it, but have read from the NAM detailing experts that it doesn't withstand water as well as Vinylex does for exterior car trim.

 

Don't forget to use the Vinylex on your dash, doors, and tires.

 

Thanks, I need to go to Pep Boys anyway so I'll be looking for Vinylex.

 

Great product, although hard to find in my area

 

Actually, that's the place where I always get my Vinylex.

 

For little more than the cost of a little less 'butter in your snack-wich, I use the peanut butter, and than cleans like a champ! I'm in the South Florida sun too, and no fading once it does its magic. It truly cleans the wax off. Maybe PB and vinylex for protection? Yummy .

 

My tries with peanut oil gets the wax white streaks gone, but they come back fast if it rains alot.
Getting the bulk of the wax covered with any oil will work, and it looks good for a few days. The main thing seems to be keeping the oils on/in the plastic.

 

I'm using Mothers - "Back to Black" which does pretty good

 

I have heard that over time it tends to go grey.
I have no experience with it.
Anything that leaves an oil /protective cover would be best.
Just my guess.
I'm playing with stuff:smile:

 

Checkout this rubber treatment product info sheet on Black Beauty by Well-Worth Products at http://wellworthproducts.com/tech/2002t.pdf
This stuff looks like it would be a winner for MINIs. I'm going to get some and try it.
Any one familiar with this stuff or used it??

 

I use Forever Black on my plastic trim. It supposedly re-dyes the plastic. Whatever it does, it works great, and the best part is that it lasts through numerous car washes before you need to do it again.

 

First, I'll state that I'm a 303 user, and happy so far.

Now, here's a less-than-likely source for 303 you might have in your neighborhood -- REI. Yep, Recreational Equipment Incorporated.

They keep it in the kayak section, for treating said marine portage devices.
12(?) and 16-oz sizes, I believe.

Finally, a note about peanut butter -- it rocks! Just remember to clean thoroughly, and you won't get squirrel footprints on the cladding from little buggers trying for that last smidgen of buttery goodness you missed when you last washed your MINI.

Cheers,
matthew z

 

i use autoglym bumper care.. great matte finish, just a bit of shine to it but looks great after an application

every 2 wash though i'd need to reapply it... it also seems to attract A LOT of dust

 

The reps at the Meguiars shop I was at had no clue about peanut oil

 

Meguires Gold Class trim detailer it is a cream not liquid works great. Side note: Meguires nxt Tech protectant for tires.

 

Yup

 

what do people use for the textured plastic gutters and windshield moldings? and also the rubber weatherstripping of the doors and boot?

 

I also use Vinylex for the trim sections you describe. It is an excellent product for both interior/exterior applications.

 

Well I will have to try this stuff out sounds like it is well worth the purchase.

 

303 Protectant is great stuff. For the exterior plastic, BradB put me on to this stuff, which lasts longer on the exterior. I still use the Zaino plastic/rubber treatment or 303 on the interior.


Meguiar’s #40 Rubber cleaner/conditioner: BradB’s recommended engine rubber conditioner. I believe he also favors it for the wheel arches (exterior textured hard plastic) on his MINI’s arches. http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clin...meg-m-4016.html 30oz for $10