Wax on plastic trim

Washed and waxed the truck a couple weeks ago and only recently began noticing wax residue on the handles and some of the plastic trim, all black.

What’s the best way to clean the wax off the handles? Is there a product to restore them as well? Maybe it’s just the wax leaving them looking dry.

Also what’s the best way to prevent this in the future?

 

You will need to use a wax remover for plastic. Protectant will only cover it and come back when protectant wears off. I use 303 protectant . Best way to avoid it is be real careful or put automotive painters tape over those areas before waxing. I use it when I use a DA buffer

 

Thanks! I would have never known there was such a thing as a wax remover for plastic. Any brand you recommend?

I use 303 on my boat’s vinyl seats, works great. How do you apply it so it’s not all over the paint? Wipe it on with a cloth?

 

Yea just spray it on a cloth and wipe on. Lots if companies make cas remover for plastic but here's one.
McKee's 37 MK37-530 Wax Remover for Plastic, 8 fl. oz

$24 McKee's 37 Wax Remover for Plastic, 8 oz

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LF3FU9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_g2RmCbJGRG2BR

 

The one star reviews on that one are telling...

 

There are others out there just pulled that one up to show they do make it for plastic. You can also just try some dawn dish detergent in water and a toothbrush if it's not bad.

 

Melamine foam pads like the Magic Eraser's do a good job of removing things from plastic. Use one without cleaners added and do a test spot.

 

I was looking for a brand that maybe a member has tried and it worked for them...I'll try that dawn idea though. I've also heard a citric degreaser will work.

 

I'll try that too thanks!

 

Use Mother's Back to Black to keep all of your matte plastic looking like brand new. Lower valence, grille, side mirrors, door handles, bumper trim, mud flaps, etc. A bottle is less than $10 and will last a long time. Get the squirt kind, not the spray. Apply with a microfiber cloth.

 

They make wax removers but did you use a wax or a synthetic wax, which is not a wax but a sealant?

Wax can be more easily removed than a sealer. I’d try hot water and simple green solution and a toothbrush.

If its a sealer... you may be SOL until it starts to fade away in a year or so.

You do not put waxes, sealers, and ceramic coatings on plastic. If you have a hard time avoiding application by hand then buy some automotive tape and tape off the plastics (I do this).

 

Is this a product to remove the wax, or to restore the original finish?

 

You are more than likely applying your products incorrectly.

When using products you spray or apply them directly to an applicator whether that be a pad, q-tip, brush, or microfibers towel.
A good example of this common mostake is glass cleaner. Most people spray it on the window. This leads to excessive product use which very frequently leads to residue left over after cleaning.
Spray your microfiber cloth then wipe the window. You’ll find the amount of sprays you use to clean one window will clean the whole truck. And you aren’t spraying glass cleaner on your interior.


I would not use 303. It will wash off in the first rain and make lovely streak marks down your truck

I use Chemical Guys trim gel that I like a lot.

However a trim coating isn’t going to help get rid of the staining you are having.

 

Well great. I used Meguiar's NXT 2.0 which is synthetic.

Yeah I certainly didn't intend to apply to the handles, it's the only spot where I screwed up. Just a bit on the fronts. I'd probably benefit from tape next time.

Anyone else have ideas for removing this synthetic wax?

 

I just watched a video where a guy used a rubber pencil eraser to do the trick for both wax and sealant...

 

When I was new to detailing I got sealant on my black plastic valance on the front of my truck.
I used hot water, Dawn, Simple Green, a sealant stripper, and isopropyl alcohol. It still took two years to fade out. (Why I use tape now lol)

I would see where you can get with a few of those options then just give it time. I would just use caution about getting too aggressive with products just so you don’t dehydrate the plastic.

This is one of those mistakes I think everyone makes.
Unfortunately there was a guy who intentionally coated all his plastics not realizing the product was not meant for that.
Poor guy I think he was to the point where he will have to paint those parts black again.

 

Cleans & restores. My method:

1. Wet & wash plastic.
2. Dry.
3. Apply Back to Black
4. Inspect... if you're still seeing mud stains or wax residue, repeat process.

I had some really bad silty mud stains and white wax swirls on my lower valence and it looks brand new now.

 

I'm always very carefull when waxing or sealing but these things happen and I'm not into all the prep work of taping etc. I've had great luck with this in the past. Just make sure to put a protectant on the plastic afterwards.

 

Thanks! I'll check it out. Had good experiences with other Mother's products.

 

I use Duragloss Wax Eraser then apply a little of 303 to add UV protection.