29/12/2013
Tip of the day:
Proper Care of Trimmings & Molding
Wash.
Wash the trim and moldings each time you wash your vehicle. A brush will allow you to pull contaminants out of the pores of the material. These contaminants may be contributing to the discoloration of the rubber or plastic. Avoid using stiff bristle brushes on smooth black plastic; it will scratch. If you already have a dressing on the trim and molding, clean it off periodically.
Undress.
If you already have a dressing on the trim and molding, clean it off periodically. Layering dressings will eventually result in discoloration because the outermost layers are not curing to the rubber; they are just sitting on top of old layers. Take a moment to clean off old dressings at least every two months. Spray your microfiber towel with a multi-purpose cleaner, and wipe down the trim pieces to avoid overspray.
Protect.
Once your vehicle is clean and dried, you need to protect the trim pieces with a quality rubber, vinyl, and plastic protectant. This will help prevent future UV degradation, which is the primary cause of fading. Use a microfiber applicator pad to spread the protectant over the surface. It will provide an even coat without dripping or running. Applying protectant to vehicles once a month is preferred, but once every two months is probably sufficient in most climates.
When applying protectant, don’t skip the wiper cowl (the plastic piece at the bottom of the windshield), the mirrors (if applicable), and window and door moldings. Use a detailing swab to apply protectant in tight spaces. Open your doors and apply protectant to the rubber gaskets, too. If they become dry or brittle, they will not effectively keep out air and road noise.