What should I be using to protect the black rubber window trim and make it look nice? The truck is new but I can get this looking like I want. Thanks

 

There just isn't much that can be done with rubber. You could try a vinyl cleaner, but that's about as good as you'll get.

 

I've been using Turtle Wax F21 Super Protectant and spraying it onto a small synthetic foam sponge and rubbing onto plastic, vinyl, and tires. IMO it works better than Maguires Hyper Dressing (which slings off tires even after letting sit and dry overnight and the Turtle Wax stuff doesn't sling even if I drive right away after applying!)

Yea I know, Turtle wax to a auto detailer is like Bose speakers to a Audiophile.... it's sacrilege. But Turtle wax does have a couple products I really like to use and will continue using them.... Like their F21 tire foam....when sprayed onto a freshly cleaned motor bay while still wet, it will dry and look just as good as Hyper Dressing (even the most hard core detailer will be hard pressed to tell of any difference) and will not attract dust and is readily available where Hyper Dressing you have to order online. (One thing I do like about Hyper Dressing is the grape smell, hehe )

 

From my experience the best way to keep rubber trim looking it's best for the longest time is to make sure you are starting with a clean not stripped surface. Most new plastics and rubber come from the factory with a protective coating that should last at least a couple of years. From my observations, many accelerate the deterioration of plastic and rubber coatings by unknowingly using harsh or improper ratios of soap to water, solvents and or cleaners like dish soap or seemingly innocent auto car washes. If a carwash claims to be Touchless, they are using strong soap.

If it strips wax it will strip the manufactured coating.

Most protectants are some what similar in theory but vary by durability and longevity and personal taste. If you want to take the easy route use some sort of synthetic wash or wax that claims to be safe for plastic and rubber trim or use some sort of polymer protectant that will be durable and will last a while.

 

How about 303 with UV protectant? I had good luck with this on my last boat.

 

 

Silicon spray lube work good to keep the rubber clean and flexible. Just spray some on a rag and wipe it on.

 

Is this for the inside door seals or the exterior rubber trim around the doors and back glass?? Thanks

 

Silicon spray lube is for the inside seals. 303 or similar is for the exterior trim.

 

Just as an update the 303 is working very well for the black plastic and the rubber window trim.

 

Im not familiar with 303. Without using some sort of detailing glossary could someone tell me what this is and where to get it ?

 

Here's one place that sells it.
303 Aerospace Protectant

 

Glossary?

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ca...ictionary.html

 

I have issues with my F150 rubber window trims (windshield and door).

Everytime I wash the truck, there is a strong black residue coming off from the rubber trims - and it is extremly hard to get it out from paint (and my truck having white paint - it is not so good looking). Also, when it's raining, doors are having ugly black streaks on them...

I suspect that previous owner of my truck might have used some bad solution on trims causing them to "lose color" when in contact with water.

Is there any product which can be applied to the rubber trims to stop this or should I replace the trims all together ($$$)?

 

303 is great stuff.