CarPro DLux

My DLux came in and just curious about some things. Cleaning the trim with APC, is 303 an APC or can I use something else like Simple Green or another product I can get at Walmart or somewhere local?

After cleaning with APC, do I use diluted alcohol to wipe all the oils off?

Finally, there are some very narrow trim pieces between the fender and fender flares on our Tacoma's, how do you get these coated without getting it on the paint?

Any other tips are appreciated.

Thanks

 

303 is not an APC (although I think they might make an APC now, I'm not sure). But you probably are talking about the 303 protectant. Don't use that to clean with.

I'm not sure what type of APC they recommend for dLux. But yes, something like simple green or 409, both are APC's. If you really want to do the thin black trim piece above the fender flares, you could get some automotive masking tape to mask the paint. Often found by the bond-o/auto body repair supplies in auto part stores. Mayen you could apply the dLux with a cut piece of microfiber, wrapped around a pencil or something.

For final cleaning before application, what do the directions say? You can probably dilute isopropyl alcohol to like a 20% dilution and use that to clean with.

 

You may check Autozone or something like that. They seem to carry more than the Walmarts here. Harpolith is right 303 is not an APC.

 

It just says "clean surface well, free from all oils".

Also, when doing a complete paint correct and sealant, should the plastic/trim coating be done last?

 

I would. I usually tape off the trim to keep polish/ sealant off of it in case I get too close with the polishers.

 

You can use mineral spirits for the final cleaning to make all oils be gone.

I'd do paint work first, abutting plastics last, masked off.

 

How'd you like the dLux?

 

Haven't used it yet. Waiting for it to cool down and going to detail the wife's Rav4.

 

Another question, is masking tape too sticky to use for painters tape? I saw a picture over on auto geek forum and looked like they had used masking tape.

 

Go to autozone and pick up some autobody masking tape...not expensive. Don't want to use painters tape.

 

Just curious, what is wrong with regular masking tape

 

Depending on type it will leave residue that you have to clean off. I remember seeing something about the painters tape that has edge lock. Think it went back to residue.

 

I've coated the black grill and black mirrors on my truck and wife's Rav4 and also the rubber strips on my truck roof. What about the black metal part of doors where everyone grabs to close and also the black metal roof rack, I assume they can also be coated?

 

So, I picked up some Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant and some Ultima Tire and Trim Guard Plus. I've only used the Ultima so far. It worked great on the black bed rails and the textured plastic under the front bumper. But on harder plastics like the rear view mirrors it kinda made a mess. It got sticky and just a light touch with a finger will leave prints. Wipe with a towel and it smears. It's almost like semi-dried dish soap wiped on. Just odd. But the textured plastics it's great (like the wiper cowl).

Did you find the dLux to apply differently on different surfaces?

 

No I haven't. I've applied it to grill, wiper cowl, mirrors, and just yesterday to the bed rails and rear bumper. It is a breeze to apply. I don't see any point in wiping with a MF afterwards. Just make sure you have good lighting, I found later on that I applied it too thick in one spot on my grill.

 

With UTTG I apply it with a damp microfiber applicator. Seems to spread a lot easier. I've noticed similar behavior with my mirrors. I will give the mirrors a simple wipe with a microfiber cloth & the streaks/smudges will fade away especially when the sun is hitting them.

 

Ceramic is completely different than the Ultima. I found Ultima to be a pain to apply compared to a ceramic.