I need to be brought up to date on exterior trim protectants/restorers. I've been using 303, Duragloss 531, Poorboy's Trim Restorer as well as some OTC products that almost immediately went into the discard box. While 303 and 531 have their uses I'm still looking for that magic bullet that lasts at least 90 days, is easy to apply and works on both hard plastics and the more malleable vinyl/rubber stuff. Extra points for also working on engine compartment plastics. I hear good things about both G|techniq C4 and Wolf's Trim Coat but I also understand that they require extremely exacting surface prep to bond properly. I'm hoping for something a little more forgiving when it comes to application. I guess I'm fishing for reports on AF Revive, Ultima Trim & Tire Guard, Sonus Trim & Motor Kote, Black Wow, Solution Finish ($!) and anything else out there that seems like an advance on older products. I don't run into too much in the way of extremely weathered trim so I'm not trying to bring pale gray back to black.
Crap! It looks like you can't edit thread titles/headers or delete posts. That should read "Advice needed..." That will teach me to post at 6:30AM.
I too am interested in Wolfs and C4. Form what I have seen Wolfs works for hard plastics and rubber/vinyl. Does C4 work for rubber/vinyl?
Since you are looking for something more forgiving i would throw C4 and SF out of the equation as they require an extremely clean surface but will last the longest! Sonus is very nice and I have seen around 2 months durability. Darkens really nice. Apply and buff off about 5 or so mins after application to avoid product streaking. Buff off very well. Very affordable. Has hydrophobic properties UTTG is very durable but will not darken all that much. I have seen 6 months of protection out of this product. Not the best choice if you need to actually restore your trim tho. Has very strong hydrophobic properties AF Revive is sitting on the to try shelf but some reports look very promising. The Wolf's Nano trim product is basically a in between of Sonus and UTTG IMO. Darkens somewhat and last about 3 months but it is a bit pricy for the amount of product you use. Has hydrophobic properties So maybe not the exact info you are looking for but hopefully helpful to you.
Not sure if I can link another forum's thread here, but.... http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-de...ng-trim-adams-optimum-collinite-blackwow.html I may put together a comprehensive thread for DB anyways without the inbetween posts and menial updates.
UTTG is all you'll need if you don't want to deal with the cost & prep involved with the nano coatings. Opticoat is another longterm solution, but that does not seem to 'restore' the plastic like C4 does so probaly only use that on new trim. I have been disappointed with the Wolf's trim coating. I don't feel it measures up to the Body Wrap, Rim Seal and Glass Seal products. I expected better beading and longer durability. It is hard to tell there is anything on the trim after a month. The darkening 'restored' look hasn't lasted for me. I love all the other Wolf's products I've tried so far.
Thanks, guys. UTTG sounds like the right answer for my uses but since none of the shops I regularly deal with carry it I think I may hold off for a bit. I'm hoping Jim will open that bottle of AF Revive and update his comments in a few months. It seems sort of likely that someone else out there in this group of incorrigible detailing supplies consumers will be tempted by Revive in the near future as well. Rumour has it that CarPro has a new trim product coming out and perhaps Dodo Juice Supernatural Satin Trim Sealant will also show up on the North American market before too long. Barring new products or updated comments I'll probably pop for UTTG as part of a Memorial Day or 4th of July sale, it just kills me to pay full boat for a single item and get stung for freight.
I'm using Adam's APC followed up with Super VRT and in places I can't reach the In&Out spray. So far so good for me, if you want to try the super VRT pm me, I have the 1 gal size so I can spare a little. For rubber seals around the windows and such I've been using the Adams APC and Einszett 1z Gummi pflege.
I have tried Megs ASD, 303, DG 531, SVRT and UTTG. I have put Megs ASD up against SVRT on the same car at the same time on opposite sides (trim and tires). Megs darkened more than SVRT and lasted about the same length of time, but Megs is much cheaper. As stated, UTTG didn't darken much but last a long time. DG 531 I use for seals and 303 is on the shelf. I have a question, while removing tree sap from a car, I accidentally got 3M Adhesive remover on a textured plastic mirror and it turned a small section white. I applied both SVRT and ASD and it seemed to go away but then reappeared. Will Megs APC+ followed by a reapplication of SVRT or ASD? Or do I need a trim restorer?
