I don't know exactly what kind of material these are - some kind of plastic/vinyl I presume. When the car was new they had a bit of a matte finish, not shiny like it seems most vinyl care products are designed for.

My question is whether there is a product that you can use to clean/protect these parts without getting the "shiny" look? Obviously a damp cloth with clean them - which is all I've been using, but what about protection (UV)?

Thanks for the input.

 

I am a big fan of Meguire's Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant--the best on the market IMO. The more you apply the shinier it will look. I generally apply one coat to clean and leave a like new satin finish. It does not have that greasy Armor All look and feel. I highly recommend it!

Most importantly, It is NOT silicon based. Silicon based products will dry out and eventually crack vinyl and rubber.

 

A light coat of 303 rubbed into the finish will result in a protected, but not glossy finish. Just don't spray it on directly. Lightly wet a rag then mist gingerly with 303. Rub into surface, then rub again with clean, dry cloth.

R

 

Hmmm... The Meguire's - is that a milky white stuff in a red bottle? I might already have some of that around. I'll have to look.

This 303 stuff seems to be like gold - a commodity. Is it silicone based? If I already have the Meguire's, I'll use it - but if not I think I'll try this 303 stuff.

What type of cloth do you guys recommend? Seems that terry leaves too many fuzzies. A diaper-type cloth? That doesn't seem to get into the crannies as well. Any suggestions here?

 

I use a sponge. I spray the product onto the sponge then wipe the panels. This does the best job IMO and doesn't get stuff where you don't want it. I.E. windows. It also seems to extend the life of your product because you can "soak up" spots where you have too much and you can re-apply where you need it.

 

The sponge is a GREAT idea! It is one of those that, after you hear it, you think to yourself - why didn't I think of that?!

Thanks much to all! Molly is in the shop (has been for 2 weeks now and I don't expect her to be finished for at least another 10-12 days) so I'm planning a nice "welcome home" detailing for her!

 

Ryan's preferred products:
303 Aerospace protectant is the ticket!
Wizards Vinyl-Shine is also amazing (and not shiny like its' name )


no-no's:
Armor-All <--- all time enemy of plastics everywhere
Formula 2001 <--- petroleum based, very messy!

Cheers,
Ryan

 

>>no-no's:
>>Armor-All <--- all time enemy of plastics everywhere
>>Formula 2001 <--- petroleum based, very messy!

Ryan,

What happens to the plastic if Armor-All is applied? So far Armor-All is the best product I've found for the black trim pieces around the bottom of the car. I tried Mother's Back-To-Black, but it seemed to turn the plastic into a dust magnet. Here in PHX there's lots of dust. The very next day after cleaning with BTB, they were covered in dust. So I tried washing and still it attracted dust. So then I tried cleaning with Armor-All and have only put one coat on and the dust doesn't accumulate nearly as fast and it's easy to clean.

 

dominic: I'm generalizing, but Armol-All seems to dry out plastics over time, making them brittle and crack easily. Aesthetically, A-A is too shiny for a satin trim piece, and has no "shine-control" per se.

A good recommendation for the MINI's exterior black plastic are Zymol waxes (like Carbon or Detail), Wizards Vinyl-Shine, and 303 Aerospace. All of these products will create an excellent, controllable lustre, real protection against the elements and UV, and no long term negative effects.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

My only problem with that Meguiar's product (yes, it's the one in the red bottle) is that I find it very, very hard to apply evenly. and it's obvious when it's not even. I like the sponge idea, though - I'll have to try that out!

 

chrisnl Now that you mention it, I think that was why mine found its way to the back of the cupboard originally. I'm also anxious to see how the sponge idea works!

 

OK, I am officially rescinding my above comments on the Meguiar's Natural Shine product! My problem was that I was using a paper towel to apply it, even long after reading (and forgetting about) this thread. Tonight I just did the seats, dash, and doors (I'll get to the back tomorrow), and I used an old cotton sock with a hole in the heel. The stuff went on beautifully, and it was very easy to spread it around until it was even. My doors in particular were starting to get a few scuffs and scrapes, but after using the Meguiar's, they truly look brand new. It looks a bit shiny when you apply it, but that goes away within the first day or two. I'm hooked!