Longest Lasting Trim Restorer Test. Meguiars "Ceramic", Chemical Guys, Cerakote, Ammo, & More...

[@RepairGeek]

Links to the products used in this video: Ceramics: Rustoleum Wipe New: amzn.to/3R8i6y1 Cerakote: amzn.to/3KTNoGZ Followin Ultimate Trim Restorer: amzn.to/3cIDyuz Dressings: Car Guys Plastic Restorer: amzn.to/3Q7DuCw AMMO Mud Tire Gel: ammonyc.com/collections/exter... Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Trim Restorer: amzn.to/3KEJbqg 303: amzn.to/3AyOzqo 3D Trim Care: amzn.to/3ehPC6D Chemical Guys: amzn.to/3Q7Eir2 Trinova Plastic & Trim Restorer: amzn.to/3CQFpbF Lithium Trim Serum (a joke for the price): amzn.to/3wPqLxs My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/repairgeek Help support the channel, buy using my Amazon links As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and your cost is exactly the same.

[@jjabblePlayStation]

Plastic dip is the answer.

[@misssummersalt]

Dude why didn't you just get Solution Finish? It's THE industry standard. And it LASSSSTS...

[@misssummersalt]

And don't just take it from me, Google or KZbin it. It's the best. The other legendary long term restorer is GTechniq C4. You'll get about 12 months from it.

[@myaumessful]

This question may have been asked about this video and I didn’t see it. My question would be first of all could you use the heat gun and the wipe the part and spray it with a clear coat. If the product allows the clear coat to adhere would it last any time and would it stick long term. Also would the protection be like it would be when you first sprayed it. The reason I ask I have more plastic trim on my vehicle than most other cars on the road, a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. In my opinion the only downside to the Avalanche. I am trying to find a way to make it look more up to date or find how to prep the plastic and spray the plastics either the color of the truck or black.

[@isaiahredmond2890]

What happened to the lithium why didn't it get tested

[@emo65170.]

I went through a similar process looking for the best product to restore my plastic trim pieces and what I settled on was removing the trim pieces and spray painting them with Trim Black by SEM Products. That was 3 years ago and they still look fantastic.

[@z06doc86]

Agreed. The only way to fly.

[@summerforever6736]

Does it looks glossy???

[@emo65170.]

@summerforever6736 the finish from the SEM trim black is matte.

[@summerforever6736]

THANKS THAT SOUNDS GOOD!!@@emo65170.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

I also discovered Krylon's Fusion (matt or flat can't remember) will hold up outside as I shot some over a plastic hood scoop I installed on my Mustang. It's been over a year and still looking great. It would be great if someone could test out this kind of thing with different products and make a video.

[@3100fps]

New car with lots of plastic trim. Spent last 2 weeks looking at trim protection you tube videos and most have some great product they like. Going from video to video I could not make a decision. Your video not only was clear and informative but gave me enough facts to make a decision to order a product which I will feel confident in using. Thank you so much for your time and effort in making this video.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

Did you decide on sun blocker or spray paint? 🤣

[@bird6691]

I decided to just coat the plastic in horse semen

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

Many professional detailers on youtube have tested numerous trim restorers. The ones who have long lasting durability are; Cerakote, Wipe New, Malco Epic Revive Nu, Poorboys & Solution Finish. Because of cost and the amount of product and the towelette applicators, Cerakote is not the best choice for the professionals. I like the Malco product of the ones I have used in everyday uses. But, I am NOT a professional, just enthusiasts. Thanks for testing...

[@skrsys]

I've used CARPRO CQUARTZ DLUX Wheel and Trim Coat with great results. It's a ceramic coating, so it lasts a long time. It definitely doesn't seem to be as glossy as the ceramic ones you have featured here. A lot of professional detailers love this for trim, you might want to try it out too.

[@straightupautomotive]

Very informative! Thanks for exposing the UV snake oils. Kudos.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Yes, the only thing these products do well is to separate you from your money!

[@garivera15]

I have a 2003 Subaru Baja. The outer sides of the side mirrors had deteriorated horribly even though from time to time I had tried to keep them looking clean and attractive. I had the best results using regular Armour All. The only thing was I had to do some extensive rubbing to remove the oxidized coating on the exterior housing of each mirror. They each look brand new; I was very proud of my result.

[@justinrounds517]

Cerakote works great, but it depends on the plastics. Typically I apply it to jeeps, since their plastics are matte, and notorious for bleaching out

[@puffnstuff12]

I have a Chevy Equinox that has the same problem with all of its plastic side cladding. Dressings only last a couple of days at best.

[@damonstone3790]

I like this video and how you performed the test. Good info and thanks for sharing. I use 303 for many things, especially outdoor fabrics and vinyls. When used on new products it has proved to me to be great at maintaining the colors and texture. I have not experienced it used as a restorer. Most items are seasonal decorations and one coating before hanging for 2-3 months does great. Outdoor furniture items get a coating about every 3 months they remain exposed. Keep it up, it’s nice to have information shared so we all don’t have to perform the exact same tests

[@athletikonaol]

I'm very happy with the results from Penetrol. It restores oils. And you can use it as a primer for black paint. When I used both, this was the best outcome.

[@unclebs4732]

I have used DRI-WASH N GUARD tire and trim treatment for years on tires and plastic trim, looks great for a long time. I don't know about UV protection. Use it under the hood of your vehicle and it will last months! Love the test.

[@JesseOsby]

Follow-up idea: re-do the heat gun on an as-needed basis on one section for a year to see if the theory about diminishing returns for that method holds true

[@Lugenfabrik]

IMO the best way to apply the trim restorers is to do more than one application. I do like 4 applications per day, over several days, and I get excellent and long lasting results. A single application is not enough.

[@onacornerrupert]

I know it is odd but brake fluid is amazing on trim including any rubber. From my testing it adds back to the plastic what is needed and the shine is like nothing else. Thanks for your work!

[@tristan5428]

I wouldn't use brake fluid on any type of rubber, it may look good but it will break the rubber down over time!!

[@glennhansel9411]

brake fluid will ruin paint

[@jmackinjersey1]

My experience with 303 is that when you start adding it to your rubber/plastic etc. from the beginning of said pieces life, it tends to keep the pieces looking better over time. It doesn't necessarily restore as much as protect over time. I have noticed that you need to apply it liberally and allow the product to soak in for a long time before wiping, or just don't wipe at all.

[@sharifsircar]

Hope you turn into the project farm of the car world, I was hoping you would have a generic ceramic coating in the mix as well but I supposed they would perform just about the same (Perks of that being you can use it on paint too)

[@RepairGeek]

To be honest I ran out of faded trim to test on. I could have done more for sure.

[@robsdeviceunknown]

I agree. This young man has helped me make purchasing decisions in a LOT of cases. His videos are invaluable.

[@edsmale]

@@RepairGeek also try plain old shoe polish….the cheap kind with a foam applicator. I’m sure it won’t last long, but probably reasonably close to some products, and a lot cheaper!

[@TropTrevTv]

Seriously , amazing video, coming from watching a few of these before making my pick. Question for any of you.. if the car guys worked the best as a dressing, would it be optimal to just “add” a ceramic coating on top of it ? Maybe an Adams graphene spray or a quartz pro

[@Lil-JensStudio]

I opted for the Cerekote primarily because I wanted to restore the dark gray plastic on my 2016 Nissan Frontier. While it does have some sheen to it, that is a better option than putting a black coat of anything else on the gray plastic. I also did a touch up on the door handles and the trim around the lock on the tail gait. The Cerekote has endured two automatic carwashes, one manual wash, a heavy rain, and more than a hundred miles of dirt and gravel roads over the past few weeks. The finish looks just as good as it did six weeks ago when I first applied it.

[@grandmastert01]

Is the Cerokote still holding up ? I’m thinking about applying it to my Nissan rogue trim

[@lulop022882]

I’ve used Cerakote on a 2004 Silverado. Fantastic results. I bought the truck used and thought the lower front valance was gray. After Cerakote, it’s actually black. Great product and easily found at Wal Mart. Mine still looks OE black with about 80% of the initial gloss after 3 months of 100 plus degree south Texas sun and gravel roads.

[@grandmastert01]

@@lulop022882 thank you

[@tpike32]

I used Cerekote works good . Have a little spot on side mirror . It’s been there for over a year . .. just be careful with the stuff.

[@mcjok88]

Fantastic analysis. Second vid I've watched, and your ability to muster up above average common sense is remarkable. Subscribed. Thank you. I just purchased a 2011 Acura MDX Sport with 45k miles. The car is like new. I would very much like to prolong the aging process and will be addressing the trim, paint, underbelly and interior. I Would appreciate any conclusion you have arrived at re preventative maintenance for any of these various surfaces. Impressed. Thank you.

[@jviews1]

Great review. Guess I must go back to cerakote for my good truck, and others for secondary vehicles. thanks for the review.

[@NRP1991]

Definitely the best in depth video I’ve seen wow !!! Huge thumbs up 👍🏼!!!!!

[@chrluc]

I’ve always liked the Wipe New. When it first came out, they sold it in a bottle and it was a great deal. You’re right though, they don’t give you very much now, and it’s harder to find. Luckily, you typically can get an entire vehicle done with a single kit.

[@Bucephalus84]

I'd you mess up, it's there forever. My trim has a forever drip look.

[@vadrifter3200]

Nice video. This has been on my mind for quite some time now. I have an 18 year old Chevy pick up that I used the New Wipe on a few years ago. It came in a bottle with applicator, gloves etc. Very faded front bumper. Made it look better than new. Yes, shiny at first. It lasted probably a good 3 months before it needed it again. I’m wondering if multiple coats over a years time will help with the advertised UV protection. Remember, they want to sell you as much of the product as you will buy.

[@nathanielcrenshaw187]

Nice comparison! Some of the other car KZbinrs just use ceramic coating designed for paint (e.g., AvalonKing) on the plastics, and it would be interesting to see how that compares.

[@unclesam1707]

That’s correct and it works the same if even better and longer

[@jeytex3161]

Best fair review I have seen ! Have to agree with you on most evaluations. One thing I could add to your evaluation is that the lithium trim serum is 100% returnable if unhappy so there is some recourse for their high dollar product. Appreciate your efforts, keep it up!

[@Ezekiel-OffRoad]

I haven’t tried any of the ceramic coatings and the 3 non ceramics seemed to only last a month or 2 on my plastic bumper covers. What has lasted is a combination of a heat gun and non ceramic restorer. It’s been 3 years and still looks great I only used the heat gun once and once a year I wipe on trim restorer specifically turtle wax trim restorer.

[@ehf4597]

No wonder last times i used some products, they make it more faded. Thanks man.. now i know which 1 i should buy

[@boosted2.4_sky]

2:34.. the oil is plasticizer... My wife and I were researching some of these for her trim a few months ago... I ended up preferring the Back to Black from Mothers... she went with Car Guys Professional Trim Restorer ....we are both satisfied with our choices

[@robsdeviceunknown]

Yeah I use Mothers also. It's ok on my 01 ram in Georgia. I will try the Car GUys stuff for the heck of it.

[@Weyrmaster]

Best option for plastic is boiled linseed oil. I had grey plastic all over my Freelander, wiping with linseed, not only feeds the plastic, it lasts, 4 months to date, it's cheap and so easy to reapply if you need to.

[@mityakatya]

I have been seriously considering boiled linseed oil. Do you know how well it stands up to winter conditions? And have you ever tried it on your tires and the wheel wells?

[@markrad475]

I was just considering mineral oil or olive oil and then cover it with sun block the highest they make, What do you think?

[@severinabanks9335]

I think your on to something. My Dad used it to maintain hiscollection and use of shotguns. It kept them looking dressed and fresh looking. Smelled good too. Had a rag saturated from use he just kept in the gun room used it over and over again.

[@jayzon31]

Oil may cause rapid deterioration, due to the fact it's oil and in 100+ degree heat, would turn into a deep fryer of sorts. I like my French fries in oil, not my black plastic trim pieces..😂😂

[@mamiekatharineknight5705]

Thanks for this very thorough and exhaustive comparison. These “real world “ have made my decision for me. Well done!

[@vikp6115]

I used ceracoat u had on ur test , It actually works good on plastic , maybe it doesn't show on glass , but on plastic ceracoat really restore look and it lasts very long.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

What I learned from this: Mix in sunblock with some satin clearcoat paint and have fun with it.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

I came back because I figured I needed to add the disclaimer that that was a JOKE. I won't be doing that (after researching a bit) and if you do, do it at your own risk. 😉

[@John-dl2ht]

Good point about the ceramic coating looking shiny and not at all like factory trim. That's a non-starter for me.

[@DirtyFiST69]

After watching endless reviews of different products, I used cerakote and it's been hanging on for over 2 years. There are some bits that wore off now though. I had the same problem with bubbling but only on parts that weren't perfectly clean. I also left some streaks on some spots when the towelette became kind of unraveled.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Thank you SO much for exposing these "snake oil" products. I have used various "trim preservatives" for over SIX DECADES, and have never found anything that lasts more than a week on a NEW car. I have found that the sun's heat is what kills these products and plastic trim. If you have a new "daily" that sits in the sun for about 8hrs......my advice leave that NICE daily in the garage AND get yourself A BEATER for work! I did see something on KZbin that looked impressive for RESTORING faded trim. It actually was a spray-on clear coat! Now who in their right mind is going to spray the vinyl trim on a NEW car with paint (which will probably peel off in 6mo...leaving a real clusterF**K mess)! lol

[@pyronitro]

Excellent Video. I thank You for your service! Keep it up! have you encountered any plastic rejuvenation products that gets the oil or plasticizer back in the plastic?

[@brianw6645]

Thumbs up on another great video. You put in a lot of work on these videos and it shows. Thanks.

[@ralphchristopherson782]

Really appreciate your opinion on everything. Thanks to you, I have saved money and have a better looking vehicle from undercarriage to top end. ❤

[@StopTargetingOurKids]

I bought a 10 year old abarth 3 years ago here in Texas. The trim was 5 times worse than what you started this test with. I used cerakote and it literally looks brand new, 3 years later

[@davidclaycomb5496]

Agree. I’m one year in on my Tundra, and the ‘grey’ trim is still black. I now use it on my vintage car.

[@Shauntchoe]

The dressing type products never worked for me except on one occasion. This was on a car that was kept indoors, seldom see any rain and only gets driven once a month. The product was applied in 2015 and it still holds the color today (2024). Of course the car was driven and has seen rain a few times during the 9 years. My hypothesis is that the product had more time to soak into the plastic before it was exposed to the light and rain, or the plastic compound on this car (1989) is different from the other newer cars I have.

[@sandygalbraith49]

I've pretty much done the same as you have over the years and as you've found these are all a waste of money. The only way to really make it look good and last is to paint it. I know sounds like a lot of work but in reality its not much more than using these worthless products. Two products I would highly recommend are Duplicolor Bumper and Trim paint and SEM Trim paint. If you can remove the trim do that but if you can't you can mask it off. What I did came out looking great and I'm maybe in the 3rd year into it. Make sure you clean it well per instructions...really important to get good adhesion as these pieces typically see lots of wax. Good luck!!!

[@martinfay7274]

Thanks for another great video. I was very surprised that the ceramic coatings didn't help at all in slowing UV damage. My takeaway... Use the heatgun to restore the plastic to like new finish then apply a liberal layer of sunscreen to protect from further damage. ;)

[@RepairGeek]

or a good clearcoat instead of sunscreen.

[@randyragon]

Like headlight restoration, if you don't put a UV coating over it I agree a heat gun doesn't work. After I heat gun I spray with a clear UV protecting spray paint in matte, semi-gloss or gloss depending on the surface look it want. I have had it last 5 years that I know of as that was when I sold the Expedition as the longest I kept a car after having the need to do it to. Polishing a headlight turns yellow again soon if you don't put some kind of coating over it as well. The main thing is getting UV protection as you were showing isn't happening much.

[@lucidworx]

For the ceramics you're supposed to buff and wipe off after about 30 seconds. It will knock down some of the shine. I personally use artdeshine tire coat. Good durability and looks great.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

I use cerakote on our 7 sprinters. I have not seen the spotting you experienced however it does leave it glossy, Which our sprinters are all black so that is actually a bonus in our application. I do want to just paint the trim black as it is a horrible quality to begin with. and a lot of white spots like stress marks from forming it seems (if you have seen when trim gets hit in an accident, same thing but just there) and this actually hides that and makes it uniform again. Admittedly I have not used anything else because the amount you get for the cheap price and the length it lasts as you proved can not be beat. Of course if I had those dots then I would certainly have an issue. How I apply it is, I do a wipe down multiple panels to get the really wet product off the wipe and to disperse it more and then i go and work it in the whole piece of trim then go back to get it more even when the wipe is kind of "dry" I use 3 to 4 per vehicle. (different wheel bases) and sprinters have A LOT of trim.

[@allanconnor1013]

Used Cerakote on my Acura and Honda and results look great. Finish is good just waiting to asses durability. Nice test.

[@eag8999]

303 Protectant looks fantastic on the interior, but you have to reapply every couple of weeks.

[@sp276]

Very well done, thank you for the work you have put into this. May I suggest asking if anyone can recommend more products then do a part 2. Personally I am suggesting to test White line Recover and Bumper Coat by P&S

[@diydrivenGA]

I tried out Ceramote and hated it. The application process, the wipes, and most of all, how it looked after. Removing it with a magic eraser and nail polish remover (non acetone) sealed the deal. Used tire shine on my cladding for now but when I know it's all gone, I'll use megs headlight spray to protect the cladding.

[@billgermani5769]

Ammonyc has a product called Frame Pro. Not sure if it was out when this video was made? It’s an incredible product that I’ve used myself. It quite frankly shocked me with how well it performed. 3 weeks now and it still looks perfect. I’m not affiliated with Larry in any way, I’m just that impressed with this stuff.

[@Fahrenheit38]

Man, heart broken over 303 being so bad. I always used it on my interior plastics. Kinda like the ceramic coat after it ages a bit

[@lucyferina]

I use tire shine and it lasts for a few weeks, very easy to apply and way cheaper than any of those products, doesn’t damage paint. You really don’t want a permanent coat aside from the fact that it doesn’t exist. I have tried all the products he showed and a lot more and tire shine still outperformed even the most expensive ceramic I tested.

[@RepairGeek]

What tire shine do you use. There's 100's of them.

[@TheOzthewiz]

@@RepairGeek I use the CHEAPEST that I can get, even use "dollar store" stuff. Sure, you have to re-apply often, but you also have to do this with the EXPENSIVE "designer" brands.

[@zenon3021]

most (if not all) oil-based tire shines will suck the moisture out of the tire and cause premature cracking and browning

[@eppyz]

These type of products have pro's and con's to each and each must be taken into consideration when you consider buying one. 303 for example is not really a "restore" type of product. It is more of a conditioner to keep plastics, rubber ect in top shape for a long time IF applied frequently. I prefer 303 for a couple of reasons. 1. Interior wise it has a pleasant smell almost new car smell like. If you get some accidentially on your gps screen or anything it wipes off very easily. Exterior, gives a nice low gloss sheen, and again, if you get it on the paint, or windows, it wipes right off with no hassle. The other products here though they seem to keep a shine longer, and what not, the problem is getting the product off the paint or glass can be a PITA. Also, some of these products seal the pores of the rubber which can cause cracking down the road. Most people don't keep their cars long enough to find this out. After using 303 for over 20 yrs, I have yet to replace a rubber trim piece anywhere on my car due to cracking or fading. None of the other products here? They haven't even been around for 20 yrs. All good products for what they are, but I always go back to 303.

[@RepairGeek]

I completely agree with every thing you said. I included it in the test because 303 says right on the label that it restores rubber and plastics. 303 calls it a restoration product, I wouldn't.

[@cayankeelord3730]

I wonder if any sunblock suntan lotions would do a decent job? That would be interesting to test. With the UV ratings as high as they are, it might be worth a shot!

[@cavnz]

Hats off to you on a great video. Very informative and helped me make my decision.

[@stumpbumpers]

I was literally typing, “I wonder what sunblock would do on plastic trim?” And then you brought out the sunblock.😂

[@Nibs333]

I read this comment. And when it got to the part, I was dying laughing. Point proven

[@kwd57]

I have a 2003 Avalanche and all my plastic still looks like new and it didn't cost me anything. The secret was to leave it in the garage, so it only has 17k miles on it. But anyway, maybe you should have tested sun block, since nothing else seems to work. Good info, thanks for the video.

[@Theyralltakenfu]

No wonder you have no fade, that poor truck rarely sees the sun. An 03 with 17,000 mi. You could probably sell it for more then you bought it. My brother had owned 3 of them, and they are like a luxury truck.

[@kwd57]

@@Theyralltakenfu It's never seen rain either.

[@Theyralltakenfu]

@@kwd57 😂

[@kwd57]

@@thatv8life186 No

[@kwd57]

@@thatv8life186 I am not saving it to sell it. I bought it because of how versatile it is, but not for a daily driver. I have had other vehicles with very low miles on them that I have bought more as a want and not a need. I did recently sell my 1985 crx si with 5k miles, to a friend who was begging me for it for years for more than I payed for it new.

[@Morpheus02000]

Owatrol Polytrol....Better then the rest, you can use it on very faded plastic and it looks like new for almost a year. The 303 is good as an interior dressing. btw: you can use Owatrol Polytrol even on faded paint, metal,....

[@Topcoatdetail]

I have used it. But after a year the polytrol left a white crusty brittle layer. It looks ugly . Later I switched to Malco epic and it's far better . Application of polytrol is tough.

[@21psd]

Since the sunblock lotion worked so well at blocking UV rays, maybe this would be a good product to use as trim plactic and/or rubber protectant?

[@Zionsol777]

i am about to use heat gun, followed by sunblock on black plastic on my challenger, I'll let you know how it turns out. 😲

[@TropicalRedFlower]

I guess it works but fades rather quickly, it even says to apply every couple of hours on your skin so maybe it'll last a day or so on the car, and forget it after any rain 🤷‍♀️

[@Panin2001oca]

@@Zionsol777how’d it go?

[@chadfisher6871]

Very thorough and detailed explanation. Thank you for the effort!!!

[@bobsmith1101]

Great examination! Thanks for the honesty.

[@seashackf1]

I’ve always had great luck with Forever Black on very faded plastic. It’s a black dye and not just a dressing. Once that’s dry or if plastic isn’t too bad I use Black Again with is a dressing but lasts a while.

[@B30pt87]

Thank you. Really well done video, good tests.

[@randumdude5824]

Excellent review process. I’ve used the wipe new headlight restore and it last 3-5 years so I’m not surprised the WN trim restore came out ahead. One question I have about the Cerakote is did you hand buff it with micro fiber before it fully cured. Perhaps that’s why you had imperfections in the finish. I think you are supposed to . New subscriber.

[@ooohlaa13]

love the detail thanx for your meticulous presentation ... I love Cerakote it lasts for me in North Central FL for over a year!!! not perfect but I love it ... just redid it this week! BTW dont tell people how to cheat to flip a car ... (heat gun) no one would want to be deceived like that, its part of our corrupt society to get over on others any way we can for $$$ .... been there done that on both sides and have a better insight now as to do unto others, etc. etc.

[@davidedgerly]

Let me ask this... So in actuality a automotive grade clear coat in a can is the best restored finish for UV, appearance and longevity? "taking into account a spray can is all you need to apply the coating" Instead of a wipe on, taping off and spraying a restorative finish once every couple of yrs, in your opinion is the best option in practice? Thanks for all your hard work doing these videos...

[@3636lk]

Cerakote it the best product I've found for black trim hands down. I only wish they would sell it in small bottles instead of wipes.

[@googlemail6996]

Petroleum jelly works like a charm and rehydrates the plastic. It last for several months.

[@matthewsequoyah2665]

Hmmm

[@WilliamSwartzendruber]

I've gotten over a year out my Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Trim Restorer. I think that's because I've been using their Hybrid Ceramic Wash and Wax to maintain it.

[@umustbbornagainActs2-38]

Car pro pearl did wonders on my jeep wrangler fenders and still looks great months after. I just put cerakote on the untreated side this weekend. Will see how it holds up compared to the older application of car pro ceramic coating

[@rilker]

Kudos! Great sincere job!

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

Scuff with IPA and paint with SEM Trim Black. Allow to cure and apply Seracote or 303 Aerospace Protectant for UV protection. Apply the protection every 3 to 6 months going forward.

[@tigris4149a2]

There’s someone I know in a car community forum who used basically a bath to soak the trim in for a up to a month to get it to oem new.

[@SaKOTR]

I had opposite results. My truck is outside 24/7 365....the new Wipe New lasted only a few months before fading. And Cerakote has lasted over almost 2 years on my truck and only had to touch up my rear bumper once. That's even after being in California (mojave desert sun, high wind with sand is pretty brutal) and moving back to Virginia and dealing with all the weather elements up and down each coast and in between. I recommend Cerakote to all my friends over any product. I say "the new Wipe New" because I used the product when it first came out in 2012 as a "as seen on tv" brand on my previous vehicle. And it worked great for almost a year! But Rustoleum bought it out, and they had to have changed the formula. Because Wipe New now is trash in comparison to the original.

[@EngineersHomestead]

As a 2nd CR-V owner, I'm still on the hunt for something to make swirled faded plastic uniform black without just painting. Solution Finish seems to be a favorite in the CR-V community but it just darkened my swirled coloring. I think previous dealer tried tire shine causing the swirl. Back to black and wipe new did not work for me.

[@RepairGeek]

Sounds like you have an issue with the dyes being broken down. SEM trim paint may be your best option if you can't easily or cheaply replace the plastic.

[@EngineersHomestead]

@@RepairGeek sounds like I'm probably going to give up and leave the dad mobile alone. It's saving grace is the 5-speed.

[@JSVKK]

Sc1 high gloss coating

[@SuperDaveguitar]

Great work on this video! You could do a second part to this video with a different set of products suggested in the comments. As for using sun block, remember to apply 30 mins before exposure and reapply every 3 hours! Lol

[@rolandm9750]

This one's a real eye-opener, esp. the light testing which shows despite the claims, none really offer much "UV protection". As for 303 I'm also a longtime user of the stuff...mostly owing to having a gallon bottle which has lasted me a long long time as a DIYer. That said it's great for interior stuff but exterior it's a total waste of time. It's not really a secret it doesn't hold up to the elements...at all. If you use it outside the vehicle it will basically look good for that day...and even then that's only if it didn't rain that day! On the ceramics the "Followin" stuff was far more shiny looking when applied as compared to the others. But as noted the "after" results show it quickly came down in glossiness and was better looking...to my eyes...after 1wk, *and* the rest of the test, compared to the Cerakote. While it's subjectively put in "last" in the ceramics category, just visually it seems to be the best, to me. Not too glossy (short time after initial application) and lasts a long time.

[@themessygarage]

Awesome as always - great content, no hype. Thanks!

[@Jon-ng3gs]

Sunscreen lotion seems like a good choice.😊

[@andsto]

I wonder if UV protection is achieved by means other than direct "blocking". IDK, maybe having the plastic full of oils/product, the plastic degrades slower?? More like oiling a chopping board, than suncream or a t-shirt??

[@drew7767]

great video! been looking for something on this issue. hoping a manufacturer or someone reaches out to you with a better product. i don’t like the way ceramics look. but i hate when it rains and these other products start to streak and degrade. also didn’t even think about the fact uv could be accelerating damage of the plastic with some of the products.

[@Ronke01]

nice going with that sunblock.

[@desi579]

Great job bro. Really appreciate the work you put in. Helped me so much.

[@Mannyfresh_]

Stoners Trim Shine works for me. I detail my truck once a month sometimes 2 months and it holds up.

[@cliffelmore5834]

Plus quick and easy. I generally use Stoners Trim Shine

[@webstella]

18 years ago I bought a jeep cherokee. It had faded black trim. Found a forum recommendation, sourced it, applied it and 18 years 300000km later fender flares are still black. Lived it's entire life outside. Lost the bottle many moves ago and do you think I can remember the name? It was a clear thickish almost oily product that curiously came in a spray bottle. Curious in that you were not to apply it directly but were supposed to apply it to a rag and then apply to the vehicle. Anyways I think I applied 2 coats. If I were to speculate I would imagine that the company got bought out by one of the other big names. If they still existed it would be a household name. I imagine they did this so that they could continue selling their short term gimmick solutions.

[@bigjohnharvey]

Great video! I detail all my cars. It was so cool to see Car Guys Plastic Restorer perform. I've been using it for years because I found it to be the best. Been using it for years. Please do one on spray wax. Someone years ago did a great spray wax video and Turtle WAx Ice was the clear winner. It would be interesting to see who is the best now. Thanks.

[@Each-Uisge]

Any tips on using the Car Guys? I was very pleased with the results (did 3 coats to restore very faded trim), but after a rain and a week or two, it streaked and faded.

[@bigjohnharvey]

@Each-Uisge try trim serum Li, I have found this does not run and is lasting a little longer as well.

[@FredShramovich]

I see you tried Lithium Trim Serum but you should try their Trim Cubes, it will be a game changer for this type of test. Mine is going on 15 months since I applied it and am really happy on how it is performing.

[@HardwareHorizon]

Wow! Great vid, love the detail and info!!!

[@oxidadoblanco7656]

Heat guns do work if done properly..A torch is even better..Let me explain why. The oils in the plastic dry out.They also acquire mold and mildew in them.Most cars and trucks have numerous different pieces of cladding (or plastic) from different countries. You burn all the mold and mildew off, bring the oils out and then put a coating of something good on there and it will last for years..yes years..I did it and made a video but sold the truck a year later..Still looked awesome....

[@GeneralKato]

Even new doesn’t last. It all requires upkeep. Use whatever you have around. Terpentine with boiled linseed oil seems good lasting and cheap. Mix varies depending on source. Terpentine is used to make the oil penetrate the plastics. Add a few layers and then “seal” lightly with pure boiled linseed oil. Mind the flammability!! Once dried it’s okay. So then mind the cloths you use. Burn them afterwards.

[@jinxtacy]

So are we seeing a visual fading of the plastic or is it an oxidation layer? Can reintroduce dyes (perhaps with heat and cooling and then seal it). I would be curious to see some of the products used proactively. What an obnoxious material though that affects so many people.

[@КонстантинСидяк]

Grate video. Like from me. But the UV test showed how much applied layer of protection is transparent for uv rays. It did not represent the level of protection. I assume that this products should penetrate in to the plastic and make molecules more resistant to uv. Not to be a barrier between uv and plastic surface like a sun cream. I think the best test would be to use a UV lamp.

[@TraumaChaplain]

Sweet project cars also has a shine product they recommend that he makes up with a combination of products that seems to last a little longer however he did not test it with a UV light.

[@RepairGeek]

I saw that, weirdly as soon as he got free product from Lithium guess what he started pushing...

[@nchia]

@@RepairGeekI had been looking forward to trying transmission fluid as he suggested a few years ago.

[@fffelipon]

Man, great job, thanks for doing all that.

[@urntwrthyZ]

Cerakote, properly applied to a properly prepared surface, will last well over a year. I just tried to reapply it on my Lexus after 2 years and ran into trouble. I had to contact Cerakote to find out how to remove the remaining coating in order to reapply it. (Pink non-acetone nail polish remover and a Mr. Clean sponge.) I don't think you are used to working with ceramic coatings. Take a microifiber cloth and gently wipe down the Cerakote after it has had a chance to absorb for a while. That knocks down the gloss and evens out any blotchiness. Also, unless I missed it you didn't identify the car (quality of plastic trim), and, most importantly, if you had treated the trim before you did this "test.." If you had used other products, it is critical that you removed all of it. A simple wipe down with IPA isn't adequate. You didn't even follow Cerakote's directions. Also, your assertion some of the products are promoting UV damage is nonsense. A product that is absorbed into the plastic is going to behave differently than applied in liquid form to a glass slide.

[@RepairGeek]

So a product that is absorbed preforms differently than the liquid sitting on the glass side? If that was true, how come the sunblock worked? That absorbs into your skin and yet showed a high level of UV resistance on a glass slide.

[@danh2492]

​@RepairGeek the guys a tool...good video!

[@15DurangoRT]

How about introducing motor oil, vegetable oil or any other kind of a oil based product to the surface of the plastic?

[@10thAveFreezeOut]

That settles it - Banana Boat Bahamas tanning lotion on my trim!!

[@GoodVibe-bl6nl]

Great test! I hope those products will improve

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

It would be interesting to clear coat two of those sheets with 2K and regular rattle can clear and see the uv protection difference.

[@paulcondie2520]

I've been using cerakote since I had seen another review after it first come out. Never looked back

[@coryanderson5210]

Been using car guys for years. Love it! Was surprising to me to see some of the products allowing more uvr than the control.. Correct me if I made mistake, but wouldn’t that mean they are supplying the opposite of a protectant? I guess the measurement itself isn’t a direct correlator to the total damage/wear of the material, but I like the extra data to chew on.