I just got my Zaino order today. In it I got the Z-14 Plastic magic Cleaner and polish. It says on the bottle to not use it on porous surfaces. Is the plastic molding around the MINI considered porous?

Mikey

 

Anyone??

 

Yes. Plastic is porous.

 

No I mean is the plastic on our MINIs porous? Should I use it on it?

 

yes, thw arches are pourus

 

So, typically, plastic is non-porous but vinyl and thermal plastics are porous. Porous materials tend to be softer and more pliable (because of the pores). On the MINI, based on that, I would guess that the black trim on the exterior is porous (and that is why it also holds carnuba wax stains so nicely ), that the bumper and clear headlight cover plastics are non-porous. I would also suspect that all the interior plastics are non-porous.

 

so should i apply it or no?

 

Don't use it on the wheel arches or any of the plastic trim around the bottom edges of the car. OK to use on the A-pillars (they are non porous plexiglass).

 

what should I use to take it off?? I put it on out of curiosity?

Mikey

 

I've heard that peanut butter oil works.

 

If you put it on the porous plastic you likely now or will soon have a noticeable amount of white hazing. As mentioned, peanut butter or peanut oil reportedly will work. I've used Vinylex on small spots which seems to work pretty well. Another thing to try is Autoglym Bumper Care which is supposed to do an excellent job.

 

Something tells me that the peanut butter trick isn't going to work as it is for lipid-based hydrophobic stains from waxes like carnubas. I don't think that the Zaino plastic polish works this way. It's worth a shot, though.

In the same threads as the peanut butter remedy, there was a suggestion to use an alcohol (rubbing, isopropyl, I'm not sure) and a very light scrubbing with a soft toothbrush to remove the wax stains. I'd be willing to bet that this would be a more successful approach.

In the future, think of it this way
porus = matte finish and slightly nubbly feeling with your thumbnail
non-porus = shiny finish and very smooth

Plastic polish is made for things like headlight and tail light lenses... hard, smooth and shiny.

 

After geting the haze off, if there is any, be sure to use a good protectant on the outside rubber... especially the part you just cleaned.

I like Meguiars #40 on the outside as it lasts long and has a nice shine. The Zaino rubber/plastic protectant (not the polish) is also very nice, as is 303 Protectant, but they don't last as long as the #40 on the exterior of the car. I've heard good things about Vinlyex. Don't use a dye product (back to black) unless you need the dye... just use a good conditioner with a UV blocker.

 

Here's a very simple answer to your question:

If the "plastic" is smooth, use it. DON'T use it if it's textured!

The plastic cleaner's application is kind of like putting on wax. You put it on wet, wait for it to haze and then wipe it off. If your textured/porous surfaces (like the door panels or your tire trim) hold wax, then they'll hold this stuff.

That being said, it's the bee's knees as far as how it works on your dash, the clear plastic on your gages and anything chrome looking on the MINI (inside or out...since that's basically chrome painted plastic anyway).

 

The peanut butter/oil works. But then you have to clean it off, or stuff sticks to it. It does nothing to protect the plastic.

I now use Meguiars Trim detailer, and the exterior plastics look great.
I now put it on before I wax, and find it fends off the wax. Works good on the rubber door gaskets. My windows glide up and down.

 

so...does that mean you can use Zaino on the car's headlights?? has anyone done this?? and on the reart taillights??

 

Yes... You can Zaino headlights and tail lights! It's good UV protection for those plastic lenses.

Also, do your windshield with Z2 after using a glass polish for a rain-x like effect that won't make your wipers chatter! Very cool! Bugs also come off much easier and the glass just SHINES when fresh and clean.

 

trouble is, I already, unfortunately, have RainX ( not rainX polish) on the windshield and heard it is difficult to remove....any ideas?

 

A quick Google results in this:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1). How do you remove Rain-X® Glass Treatment from exterior glass?
Rain-X® Glass Treatment can be removed from exterior glass by using either Rain-X® Glass Polish or Bon-Ami Cleaning Powder or Soft Scrub cleaner. (Bon-Ami Cleaning Powder is sold at True Value Hardware Stores and Ace Hardware Stores. If you cannot find this product, Bon-Ami Cleanser - a different product - can be used, only if you add enough water to make it a "soapy" solution).

 

Ditto!

The Rain-X polish is also very cool stuff... It removes the m-shaped wiper patterns on the windshield and all of the oils that create wiper chatter.

 

I'm pretty satisfied with Stoners new spray product...what is it called again (the can's in the car).. its for exterior plastic and rubber (not the "more shine with less time" product for interiors). It definitely out does Back to Black - which I always thought was the best (but still is for softer plastics and rubber!)

 

I'm trying the rain-x summer windsheild fluid. Will let you know how it works. The winter rain-x is the best I have ever used