*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

I would recommend Carpro D-Lux or GTechniq C4. Both will not wash off in the rain and will had some depth to the plastic.

 

I've used these 2 alternatives to ceramics.

1. Jay Leno's tire and trim care (attracts dust/dirt/greasy)
2. 303 Interior and Exterior protectant (doesn't attract dirt/dust, but washes away easy)

Pros and cons for each. Ceramic might be the way to go.

 

I appreciate the insight.

 

Just bought a ‘22 TRD Sport DC and do all my own detailing. However this truck came with toyoguard platinum. Ot says the truck was coated with a sealant? I can’t find any info on what it is or what can be applied to it. Anyone familiar with what this is? I want to ceramic my truck but need to figure what I even have on it before I take it off. Can it be waxed over if I can’t ceramic it? Any help would be appreciated.

 

It appears it is a paint sealant given what little info I found online. A polish will remove it. I bought something similar when we got our 2016 4runner only because it added warranty for the interior if a seat was ripped. I removed it with a polish, then ceramic coated the 4runner.

 

Yes there’s no info on this stuff at all. So did you a basic wash, clay , polish, ceramic or wax? That’s what I was planning on doing. Thanks for the info.

 

That is what I did. Wash, clay, polish, then coated. I didn’t want the exterior portion but had to get it for the interior. At the time our kiddo was 6 years old so ruined interior was my concern.

 

Placing an order at the rag company for some Gtechnic crystal serum light, C4 and a few other items. What's everyone's favorite applicator for ceramics?

Been looking at these, but I know this design tends to absorb a lot of product.

https://theragcompany.com/products/pearl-applicator-sponge?variant=40696449466551

 

One that I've used, though I'm sure others make the same thing is one called Autofiber applicator that have a liner under the microfiber that keeps it from soaking into the sponge.

More expensive than when I ordered them a couple years ago:

$30 Autofiber Thick [Saver Applicator Terry] Ceramic Coating Applicator Sponge | 12 Pack | with Plastic Barrier to Reduce Product Waste. (Blue/Gray)

https://www.amazon.com/Applicator-Microfiber-Sponge-Plastic-Barrier/dp/B07H4V8QL7?th=1

 

Im starting to see the matte black exterior plastic/rubber pieces of my truck fade and turn white, im not sure if its that I didnt completely wash off all the foam cannon soap (most likely) when I washed it or if its because in the area where I live my truck is outside on my front driveway under the sun 24/7 and I have 3 groups of landscapers that pass by every 1-2 weeks and blow a bunch of grass clippings + dirt + dust all over my truck every time they come.

Here are some pictures:



Does anyone know what I could use to possibly use to clean these things? and what should I use to protect them from UV damage, dirt, dust, etc?

 

To clean, I would just use a quick detailer. Every once in a while I will clean with a exterior detailing brush and something like the Nonsense All Purpose Cleaner from Chemical guys if I really want it clean.

Then for protection, I will use a plastic/rubber dressing (I use Natural Shine or VRP from Chemical Guys). Apply with applicator or a microfiber cloth and then wipe off the excess. The dressing will restore the color (temperarily) and add some UV protection.

I only use Chemical Guys products because they have multiple stores near where I live. Any brand is fine.

 

For the roof strips and for rubber trim around windows I would recommend Carpro Blackout. For the other plastics Carpro Dlux or GTechniq C4. Note all these products are coatings and will last longer than a dressing. Annual coating versus a weekly/bi-weekly dressing.

 

My new MGM Tacoma isn't 3 weeks old & I seem to have run over paint in the road

It's tiny specs of white paint, all along both sides & in the wheel wells. Any magic potion to get this off?

Half the internet says use acetone, the other half says use anything but acetone.

 

pictures would help

 

Should also mention that the dealer claimed to have put on some wonder ceramic coating that I refused to pay for.

I tried some acetone in the wheel well & it takes it off. A fingernail will flick it off too. Goo Gone, IPA does nothing.

I don't want to make things worse than it already is. My insurance is only $100 deductible... may let them handle it.

 

Some APC and a brush would work on the plastic inner fenders. Have you tried some soap and a clay bar on the paint? Household paint usually cleans up fairly easily.

 

I'm not a chemist by any means but the fact that Goof Off & IPA do nothing tells me it probably isn't household paint?

 

I wonder if it's road paint like for stripes? I would soap the truck up really well and use a clay bar and your fingernail as needed. Tedious work, but it should remove it. Otherwise, a light polish like Sonax Perfect Finish and random orbital polisher should take care of it. I would avoid having the truck repainted. The longer it sits and bakes onto the surface the more difficult it will be to remove.

 

Will an orbital polisher leave swirl marks?

Thanks.

 

No, it will remove them with the correct pad and polish combo. The clay bar will introduce some micro abrasions, which is why I recommended soaping the truck up really well before you use the clay bar to minimize the possibility of scratches.