waxing plastics

[krusty]

Advice needed:
----------------

When waxing, should one wax the painted PLASTIC body parts (like the front and rear bumpers and the side skirts) ... or only wax the painted-METAL surfaces.

I used to use the official BMW wax product -- but it is difficult to apply and only so-so. Am now using Meguiars Tech 2 which is much easier to apply. Both products say not to use on PLASTICS ... but do they mean painted plastics or just plastic?

[l4zy]

only wax painted surfaces. if you wax bare plastic it will turn a nasty faded white.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by krusty

Advice needed:
----------------

When waxing, should one wax the painted PLASTIC body parts (like the front and rear bumpers and the side skirts) ... or only wax the painted-METAL surfaces.

I used to use the official BMW wax product -- but it is difficult to apply and only so-so. Am now using Meguiars Tech 2 which is much easier to apply. Both products say not to use on PLASTICS ... but do they mean painted plastics or just plastic?

Painted plastic parts (like the bumpers and side skirts) have paint and a clear coat on them, wax them just like the rest of the painted and clear coated car. Keep wax of "unpainted" plastic surfaces.

John

[GeorgeT]

Originally Posted by antennahead

Painted plastic parts (like the bumpers and side skirts) have paint and a clear coat on them, wax them just like the rest of the painted and clear coated car. Keep wax of "unpainted" plastic surfaces.

John

Agree. I have been waxing plastic body parts for years and have never had a problem. However, if you get wax on tail light or head light lenses, it will be ugly.

[ShakyDog]

I hear peanut butter takes wax off of unwanted areas...

Steve

[krusty]

Kinkeh

[Pheonix]

Wax could be applied to any surface which cover with base coat and clearcoat. BTW, any car care product with "Official BMW" label is pretty much junk and an excuse to charge you an arm and a leg

[Finnegan]

I know it's obvious to most folks, but green or blue painter's tape is a great aid in keeping wax and etc. off unpainted areas and rubber. And for the love of all that is car holy do not use duct tape! (Seriously, I saw where a a guy with a new 'Vette had taped up his bumper with duct tape at the track , ouch! I stopped another guy from starting to do the same thing: "here, use this blue painter's tape, I have a spare roll" .)

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by ShakyDog

I hear peanut butter takes wax off of unwanted areas...

Steve

[pb] Just hides it. The best way is to use 1z einszett's plastic deep cleaner, then treat with Black Wow or Adam's Trim restorer. That deep cleaner cleans the shit out of plastic, safely, especially on vert rear windows, even takes the smoke smell out of dashboards and all the crappy interior BMW plastics.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

[pb] Just hides it. The best way is to use 1z einszett's plastic deep cleaner, then treat with Black Wow or Adam's Trim restorer. That deep cleaner cleans the shit out of plastic, safely, especially on vert rear windows, even takes the smoke smell out of dashboards and all the crappy interior BMW plastics.

Good to know!

[ShakyDog]

Yes, very good to know.

Steve

[RichardTS]

Originally Posted by GeorgeT

Agree. I have been waxing plastic body parts for years and have never had a problem. However, if you get wax on tail light or head light lenses, it will be ugly.

I have been waxing tail light lens for at least 25 years and it makes them look great! But then again I have been using carnauba wax only without any abrasive forever. Could be the difference.

[Kgolf31]

I wax my headlights and taillights all the time with Dodo Juice. Helps repel water in rain for visibility.

Anyways, any painted surface you can (and should) wax. They mean exposed plastic, like trim. You'll know if you waxed something you shouldn't of.

[Toneloc111]

Hi, new to the site, where did you get your front spoiler??? I'm looking for a front spoiler for my z4.

[Twisted Six]

Staying on subject......we can wax or polish ANY surface on our cars except rubber or textured plastics.(such as the wiper arm gutter tray or rubber window seals once they've aged).