What's the recommendation on cleaning and care for black plastic exterior parts?

[barrys]

I'm curious about what products people recommend for cleaning and care for black plastic exterior parts.

I've had some really bad experiences with ArmorAll over the years -- once I started using it I had to keep on using it or my plastic would look much worse than if I never used it -- like seeing the pusherman...

Right now I use soap and water and try really hard never to get car polish on the plastic.

Someone at the car wash yesterday recommended leather conditioner. I thought that was interesting. They didn't use any on my car. It also made at least a bit of sense since leather conditioner is often used on vinyl and is supposed to handle direct sun.

Another car freak I know likes to use WD-40 on his plastic and rubber.
It sounds scary but his car looks fantastic and it's over 30 years old.

So, besides ArmorAll, what do you like?

 

[Jay FX4]

I know exactly what you mean. I use Stoner's Trim Shine on my flares and valance. I love the stuff, it makes everything look brand new, but I have the same problem. Now that I've used it, I can't really stop using it. Depending on whether or not it rains, it can last up to a couple weeks, but like you say, when it wears off, everything looks worse than before I ever started using it!
I'm curious to hear what people suggest. Anytime I tell people about what I use for my plastic, I'm obligated to tell them about the drawbacks of it, too.

 

[barrys]

Nice ride Jay.

 

[kcm1582]

I've heard of the WD-40 before never got around to trying it though. I've also heard Turtle Wax Ice is supposed to do a nice job on trim.

 

[daniel3507]

As far as protection goes, 303 Aerospace Protectant is the sunscreen of the automotive world. Ive heard some good things about Black WOW when it comes to faded trim. last awhile too from what ive heard. never actually used it though since it costs 25 bucks a bottle and my trim isnt too bad

 

[nitrofan1]

Mother's Back To Black. Mac daddy stuff. I use it on the rubber blow the side windows. It will last about a month and the best part is is doesn't run when wet.

 

[Jay FX4]

I think I will try this "mac daddy stuff"!

 

[HndMeDnBroncoII]

mothers back is to black is excellent But just so everyone knows there is a body shop brand SEM part #39143 spray can trim paint this is the stuff the used car dealers use to make all the flat black parts look clean and new again this stuff works so good.

 

[barrys]

That molding below the window is my nemesis when it comes to cleaning and detailing.
It never ceases to ooze black gook every time I wash the car.

 

[ronclark]

I have had good luck with two of Meguiars products

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.asp?T1=MEG+G10810

and my favorite of all the rubber is Hot Shine High Gloss Tire Gel. a little goes along ways.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.asp?T1=MEG+G12416

 

[Jay FX4]

I use that tire gel. Works great.

 

[daniel3507]

anyone used tuff stuff tire cleaner? im thinking about ordering it. supposed to be some of the longest lasting stuff out there.

 

[barrys]

> anyone used tuff stuff tire cleaner? im thinking about ordering it. supposed to be some of the longest lasting stuff out there.

For tires or for plastic trim?

For tires and wheels, I was blown away by Eagle One A2Z. It's just a cleaner, not a tire black. But, as a cleaner, my response was: "I didn't know my wheels had paint there."
For the tires, you can see it pulling up the oil and other residue as it browns while it bubbles up.

With all that, I'm still at a loss on what to use on the trim unless I want to use it every week. So, for now I might just stick with soap and water which at least won't hurt anything. I might try a little test spot with the leather conditioner or start poking around some detailing sites/forums.

 

[Crane]

I actually use foaming tire shine for my trim, like the valance, handles, parts of the grill, etc. It is easy to use, and actually looks pretty good. I'm finishing a can of black magic brand right now, but most of it would probably work.

 

[barrys]

> actually use foaming tire shine for my trim
At least the A2Z one I use on my wheels is an extremely strong detergent as I understand. Have you been using that for a while without any bad side effects?
When reading the can, it seems to be OK on paint as long as it's factory applied paint -- I guess that means baked on or ionized powder coated. The explicitly recommend against using it on DIY paint applications. I'll give that a whirl since I have some.