Exterior Trim Detailing

by Jeremy Goodspeed

Rubber and plastic fade and oxidize just like the paint of your vehicle. Heat, UV exposure and use all take their toll, especially when left untreated. Dressings will renew many rubber and plastic surfaces, where restoration can revitalize plastic that has been left to the elements.

CONDITIONING RUBBER: Window trim or any flexible trim will oxidize when left untreated. Window rubber will look dry and faded. To restore, use a body solvent to wipe oxidized material away from the surface. The towel will turn black, so turn the towel often and wipe the surface thoroughly. This wiping process will expose clean bare rubber. To replenish moisture to rubber and add protection, an oil-based rubber-nourishing product must be used. Several coats will add depth, contrast and years to the life of the rubber.

CONDITIONING PLASTIC: Bumpers, fender trim and many other items make up the plastic surfaces of a vehicle. These items need care just like the rubber surfaces. Build-up of dirt, exhaust and silicone based products take their toll. For heavy cleaning, see WASHING section. For a light cleaning, use a vinyl or a convertible top cleaner. To protect, use a vinyl dressing. Apply a liquid vinyl dressing with a towel or applicator, and allow dwelling on the surface for 5 minutes before wiping excess. This allows penetration into the surface. Apply aerosol dressings by spraying onto bristles of a soft paintbrush. Apply by brushing onto trim. Do not spray directly onto trim. Excess spray will leave residue on paint and other surfaces.

VINYL DRESSINGS: Vinyl dressings come in two varieties, silicone and non-silicone based. Silicone based products also come in two varieties. PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) water based and dimethal, which is silicon oil, based.

Non-silicone based products are best for surfaces that only receive occasional treatments or for a body shop environment where silicone can damage painted surfaces.

Of the silicone-based products offered, the PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) water based products are also excellent for those who want a natural look and without the silicone buildup. These products do however, rinse away when washed. Dimethal-based dressings can damage the plasticizers in vinyl and plastic surfaces. If they are used inconsistently, the dimethal-based product may lead to UV amplification and premature fading, and cracking. Some dimethal-based products also attract dust. The use of a dimethal-based product will require periodic trim cleaning to remove silicone build-up. It is also not recommended within a body shop environment.