Best option for restoring black trim

[jeffers]

I'm not much of a detailer but any suggestions on what product to use to restore the plastic trim around the windows on my Z4C?

This is what its like at the moment...

Just looking to restore it to its original black colour, rather than the various shades of grey that it is now.

thanks
Jeff

 

[paulgs1000]

Someone will know the name of the products and be on soon. There's some fabulous stuff that leaves a microscopic covering - ends up looking like new and is quite expensive - effect lasts a long time. Then there's a Phlemn Stix (not sure about the name - about a fiver in cost) treats and coats the rubber trims, smells nice and lasts a couple of months.

 

[AlfaScozzesi]

Gtechniq is good. You clean with an alcohol wipe which restores the colour and removes grease etc and then use the Gtechniq and it seals it in. The liquid crystallises and it works well. Various formulas but C2 is good for plastics. I think it works better on hard plastics than the soft touch ones you are showing in your picture but still works well. As with everything proper action beforehand is the key.

 

[AlfaScozzesi]

Preparation not proper action! Sorry, spell checker :headbang:

 

[jeffers]

I've heard about Gtechniq but there seem to be quite a few different "flavours" (C1/2/4 etc) and I have no idea what the differences are or whats best to use on the trim pictured. C2 then?

 

[Rob_benton]

Dlux is easier to use than gtechniq and lasts just as long. Works well on window rubbers, just don't leave too much on to dry. Wipe off excess. I've not found anything to work well on the wipers scuttle panel yet.

 

[jeffers]

Dlux is easier to use than gtechniq and lasts just as long. Works well on window rubbers, just don't leave too much on to dry. Wipe off excess. I've not found anything to work well on the wipers scuttle panel yet.

Seems to be the same price for twice as much compared to the gtechniq stuff too. ~£25 for 30ml

How long does it last? Weeks or months?

 

[mr wilks]

I've not found anything to work well on the wipers scuttle panel yet.

Don't snigger but try Turtle Wax tyre /vinyl rejuvinator :wink: brush on or use small piece of sponge , allow to dry then buff with dry cloth , leaves a factory look & last months i find

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turtle-Wax-Platinum-Dressing-Brazilian/dp/B008LJX56I/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1443818966&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=turtlewax+platinum

I also now use this under the bonnet & on all rubbers & seals , find it better than the Gummi Phlege tbh

 

[Rob_benton]

Dlux is easier to use than gtechniq and lasts just as long. Works well on window rubbers, just don't leave too much on to dry. Wipe off excess. I've not found anything to work well on the wipers scuttle panel yet.

Seems to be the same price for twice as much compared to the gtechniq stuff too. ~£25 for 30ml

How long does it last? Weeks or months?

I put it on over a year ago and it's fine. You need to clean the plastic/ rubber before.
I use cquartz eraser, it's not too expensive and I use it to prep paintwork before sealing with cquartz.

 

[AlfaScozzesi]

Gtechniq c2 worked amazingly well on my wiper scuttle panel and is line new now. This was the hard plastic I mentioned earlier.

 

[zagamuffin]

Have been using peanut oil for years, great rejuvenator and e2 a bottle in telco,looks like a bottle of cooking oil.lasts years

 

[MrPT]

Gtechniq C4 is expensive, but probably the most magical thing I have ever seen.

 

[Anonymous]

Just to point out, the part in question is rubber, is it not? Thus Gtechniq C4 is not the correct product. For rubber, try Swissvax Seal Feed. Best in the business from 15 years detailing cars.

 

[TR4man]

I've not found anything to work well on the wipers scuttle panel yet.

Don't snigger but try Turtle Wax tyre /vinyl rejuvinator :wink: brush on or use small piece of sponge , allow to dry then buff with dry cloth , leaves a factory look & last months i find

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turtle-Wax-Platinum-Dressing-Brazilian/dp/B008LJX56I/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1443818966&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=turtlewax+platinum

I also now use this under the bonnet & on all rubbers & seals , find it better than the Gummi Phlege tbh

That's a nice engine bay. Nice and clean but not overdone.

 

[MrPT]

Just to point out, the part in question is rubber, is it not? Thus Gtechniq C4 is not the correct product. For rubber, try Swissvax Seal Feed. Best in the business from 15 years detailing cars.

Ah. You may have a point - I had assumed the OP was talking about the hard plastic trim and not the rubber seals.

 

[jeffers]

Nope, I did mean the hard plastic bit

 

[jakblade]

I've not found anything to work well on the wipers scuttle panel yet.

Don't snigger but try Turtle Wax tyre /vinyl rejuvinator :wink: brush on or use small piece of sponge , allow to dry then buff with dry cloth , leaves a factory look & last months i find

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turtle-Wax-Platinum-Dressing-Brazilian/dp/B008LJX56I/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1443818966&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=turtlewax+platinum

I also now use this under the bonnet & on all rubbers & seals , find it better than the Gummi Phlege tbh

+10 from me on this as well.....great stuff. Took Mr.Wilks advice and tried some, brilliant results on anything black plasticy or rubbery

 

[TR4man]

+10 from me on this as well.....great stuff. Took Mr.Wilks advice and tried some, brilliant results on anything black plasticy or rubbery

Think Mr Wilks's recommendation has depleted worldwide stocks as everywhere I've tried seems to have sold out!

 

[Anonymous]

Cheap one is Maguiars tyre restore pink/purple stuff
Rub on leave to dry off buff

 

[jakblade]

+10 from me on this as well.....great stuff. Took Mr.Wilks advice and tried some, brilliant results on anything black plasticy or rubbery

Think Mr Wilks's recommendation has depleted worldwide stocks as everywhere I've tried seems to have sold out!

Reckon I may have a "spare bottle" as last time I got some it was 3 for 2, sooooo. I'll have a look ???????