Keeping the exterior black plastic as 'new' or better?

[kmpowell]

Hi all,

With my previous cars I have never had any need to keep my bumpers/trim black as they have been 100% colour coded - but obviously with my brand new R56 MCS that I picked up 2 weeks ago this is about to change.

As you will see from THIS (56k warning, lots of pics!!!) thread I am a big fan of Swissvax and I like to keep my cars in as near perfect condition as possible without skimping - but as with most things in life it is the cheaper/unknown things that you can usually use for small jobs like this that produce the best results.

So after all my ramblings, my question is a simple one - what do you guys use on your black plastic to keep it looking A1?

TIA
Kevin

[Purple One Conv]

Hi, Have you looked at A world for detailers... lots of guys on there who can recomend what to use. I too use swisswax Oynx on my BEP R52 one and currently use meguiars trim detailer on the plastic (looks great but does not last) so am looking to use AG Rubber and trim care. I know people who swear by AG bumper care. hope this helps

[MINIAC]

Black Wow

[ScottyBoy]

^^^^^ I heard awesome things about this product MINIAC has there if you dont mind paying the right amount for a decent product then maybe try that, TBH im not sure on the price but ill most likely be trying it out soon.

Scott

[MINIAC]

I bought a bottle of Black Wow at the introductory price of $13.95. Although the bottle only contains 4 oz it will last years as you don't need to use much or use it that often.

[johnlondonw3]

Who sells it in the Uk ?

If you get polish/wax on the black trim ,and this goes white,rub some peanut butter on ......strange but true !!

[Purple One Conv]

I have heard good things about black wow elswhere. must give it a go

[Nebdingo]

Only one problem with Black wow...

Durability,

when first applied it DOES look awesome! lots better than autoglym bumper care. however, after a wash and rain it became streaky and less prominant than autoglym bumper care

In short... for one off details and to show your car, BLACK WOW is just the job. but if you use your car daily, Autoglym Bumper care wins.

[adrian.farmer]

Have had my cooper S for 4yrs and the plastic trim is as good as new, just go over it at wash time with a damp micro fibre cloth and nothing else.

[theminiv]

The wow stuff looks good, love to find it in the UK, anyhoo,

I got some meguiars stuff which is in a purple spray bottle, I cant remember what its called sadly, but halfords sell it. Its for the interior and is very oily, but it works wonders on the plastics outside. Buff if you need to but its nice just left. Do it before washing to get the matt look.

[PmP]

Quote: Originally Posted by adrian.farmer (original)

Have had my cooper S for 4yrs and the plastic trim is as good as new, just go over it at wash time with a damp micro fibre cloth and nothing else.

You speak the truth, my 04 S plastic trims look like new. Its once you dont regularly wash the car and start applying products to the trim that they begin to fade really quickly. I didnt apply any products to mine for well over three years.

Megs Endurance tyre gloss gives a good shine on trim but it doesnt last. Megs Plastic Care is useless on the Mini. And Tried Autoglym and wasnt impressed on the Mini's Plastics.

Best Ive tried to date is Mini's plastic care (Think its the right name). On a clean cotton cloth and wiped on.

Mates GP's arches where going brown on him and he had tried several things and was going to get them replaced under warranty. I let him try the Mini stuff at a Mini Show this summer. Brought them up like new, and it seems to last pretty well on mine.

No Idea on price as I got a bottle of it free with the GP, thought I might as well try it out.

[Hartge220]

Another product to add to the mix

I use Chemical Guy's new look tyre & trim gel for all the exterior trim (including wiper arms). Lasts for ages & brings the black trim up a treat. I use a sponge applicator & wipe over a second time with a microfibre cloth.

carwashnwax have a great range of detailing products & most of the Chemical Guy's stuff smells almost good enough to drink

[Darthbladerni]

wet and black is what i use. It can be used on wheels and black trim. I did mine about a week and a half ago with two washes in between alot of rain and muck(damn countryside) and it is still pretty nice looking

[Fin]

Quote: Originally Posted by PmP (original)

YoBest Ive tried to date is Mini's plastic care (Think its the right name). On a clean cotton cloth and wiped on.

Mates GP's arches where going brown on him and he had tried several things and was going to get them replaced under warranty. I let him try the Mini stuff at a Mini Show this summer. Brought them up like new, and it seems to last pretty well on mine.

I've found a similar thing on the arches of my GP. Not so much going brown, but there are areas where the black trim looks like when you've driven on roads that have been gritted, and you get a salt residue. Despite regular cleaning they still look the same. Does the MINI plastic care make them look shiny? Ideally I'd like a hard wearing matt black finish.

[caesar]

Try Megiars Trim Detailer does a marvelous job, use two coats !