What do you guys use to clean and shine the bed rails and plastic on the top side of the rear bumper? I was thinking about just using Armor All on them but I wanted to check to make sure. Also I want to do my door handles and the side mirrors. So what should I use?

 

Adam's VRT.

 

Adams VRT is an excellent exterior trim treatment.

 

I used the mothers back to black product for the plastic. It worked great, but apply it thin and you may wipe it again after the initial application.

For my bed rails, I just wiped them down really well after I washed them and then used some of my NXT Tech Wax. My rails are black powder coated, so the wax really helped. For chrome or stainless, I wouldn't have a clue.

 

A good water-based protectant is the way to go. VRT, Aerospace 303, Meguiar's #40, or Vinylex are the only 4 I'd consider.

While Armor All has come a long way over the years, it's still considered to be a 'lack luster' product by the detailing community. In general, it's not horrible and isn't straight silicone any longer but, it will run quite bad down your paint creating a 'streak' or shadow effect plus it doesn't wash well and will zap all of the suds in your bucket once you've washed that part and then go back to your bucket (hence, silicone).

Adam's VRT is pretty much an 'order only' product. Vinylex, Meguiar's #40 and 303 are a little more readily available. Meg's #40 may be found at your local paint and body shop supply house or maybe even at a place like Pep Boys or Auto Zone. Advanced can order it as well. Pep Boys carries Vinylex... and Vinylex has a great product that I use regularly that is in a 'wipe' form.

 

Mine are just bare natural, scrubbed with the carwash formula I use on the body though. Next year I am going to apply the works on them though.

 

I just bought the Meguiars Exterior Trim Detailer and it works GREAT!

 

Let us know if it dries out white like Back to Black does. Give it about a week to 10 days, see if it leaves a white residue in the grain. I hope not, I need something and can not find 301.

 

Its been since Thursday and no problems, I'll keep you updated.

 

Let me know about runs down the paint post-rain. I haven't heard too many good things about this product honestly...

 

I've washed since the application, no runs. I could see how the product could run if you flooded the area with the product but a little really goes a long way with this stuff. Maybe the Florida sun also allows it to dry and soak into the plastic easier and faster, Im not sure.

 

How did you apply?

Spray to applicator and then apply or spray directly on the area? If spray direct, how did you avoid overspray on to paint and such?

 

I spray onto the applicator.

 

I usually spray simple green on them scrub the surface clean w/ an old tooth brush (really get the the grim out), then brush on Vynlex

 

My rails are pretty washed out. P{robably from the garbage they use at the car wash that I USED to go to.

Will any of the procducts mentioned here work to restore the black effect?