what are you using on the black body trim to keep it nice? (2012)

[rickhow]

The 2012 EX has black bumpers, body trim around wheel openings and of course rocker panels. What do you find to be the best product to keeping it looking a deep clean black?

[Tuktanuk]

I use Vinylex on everything plastic, rubber, or Vinyl on my cars. Have for years. Works great on weatherstripping as well and keeps the doors from freezing shut. VERY slick stuff and it does not come off of skin easily. wear rubber gloves and use sparingly. I even use it in the engine compartment for all of the wires and hoses.

[drebit]

I have had good luck with 303 Protectant on all the plastic, rubber and vinyl parts through the years.

[Mach1]

I use MOTHERS Back-to-Black Bumper & Trim Care. Have been happy with the finish it leaves: back looking like showroom new. I believe the last bottle I bought was $4.99 Good Luck!

[akimel]

I enthusiastically recommend Ultima Tire and Trim Guard Plus for the plastic trim and cladding of our CR-Vs. The stuff is super expensive, but given how little stuff one needs to use, the 12 oz bottle will last forever.

I recommend it so highly because it provides real, durable protection. Think of it as a sealant for trim. It dries clear. It also darkens the trim a bit and makes it look better; but it's not like most of the other trim products whose purpose is temporary (very temporary) restoration.

You can also use it on your tires. I've never used it as a tire dressing, so cannot attest to how it looks. I understand that you need to apply two coats initially so that it really soaks in.

If you don't want to spend the money on this trim product, I recommend this alternative: get a bottle of Ultima Paint Guard Plus. This is a wipe-on/walk-away synthetic sealant and you can apply it to paint, trim, cladding, metal, even glass. It's simply the easiest to apply sealant on the market (well, it and Optimum Opti-Seal [a similar product]). Given the size of our CR-Vs, this is my go-to sealant. I won't say that it provides the most durable sealant protection (though it will surely last you a couple of months), but given how easy it is to apply, I don't consider this a problem. I apply a fresh coat every two months, whether it needs it or not. And most importantly, you can use it on everything. It dries clear. It will not stain trim.

[Celeryhater]

I'm also a long time fan of 303 Aero Protectant. I was pumped when I saw the rocker panels were plastic on this vehicle, it will be a great long term test! Road grim, sun exposure, rain, all of the elements, I'm looking forward to seeing just how good 303 will come to the rescue.

Check out Detailed Image for this stuff, they often run sales on it.

I'm not into show car finishing, but I do strongly believe in protecting an investment a little money spent on protectants and sealers is money well spent!

[rocks]

I enthusiastically recommend Ultima Tire and Trim Guard Plus for the plastic trim and cladding of our CR-Vs. The stuff is super expensive, but given how little stuff one needs to use, the 12 oz bottle will last forever.

I recommend it so highly because it provides real, durable protection. Think of it as a sealant for trim. It dries clear. It also darkens the trim a bit and makes it look better; but it's not like most of the other trim products whose purpose is temporary (very temporary) restoration.

You can also use it on your tires. I've never used it as a tire dressing, so cannot attest to how it looks. I understand that you need to apply two coats initially so that it really soaks in.
.

I use the same stuff on the black cladding.
I like it!

303 is a great product but for use in the interior.That's where I use 303..

[akimel]

I wouldn't expect much durability from 303. I'm sure it will make the cladding look temporarily better, but 303 is a water-based product. It just ain't going to hold up very long under the rain. I've used it on my convertible top and it streaked on me after a shower. But by all means give it a try and please report back to the group.

Another product to consider is Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant. I haven't tried it myself, though--only read about it.

[Celeryhater]

I had just assumed it would work... I may have to think about a more long lasting protectant.

Does anyone have experience with Tuf Shine? I know it's most commonly used on tires, but from what I'm told it would protect exterior plastic/trim.

[akimel]

Another product to take a look at is Adam's VRT Tire and Trim Dressing.