How To Properly Care for Trim & Molding

Regular Maintenance

Wash.

Wash the trim and moldings each time you wash your vehicle. On textured pieces, use a dedicated trim brush, or something with stiffer bristles. We recommend the Speed Master Tire Scrub Brush for this step. For larger pieces of trim, you might find it easier to use the 8 Inch Montana Orginal Boar's Hair Wheel Brush or even the Low Profile Tire Brush. A brush will allow you to pull contaminants out of the pores of the material. These contaminants may be contributing to the discoloration of the rubber or plastic. Avoid using stiff bristle brushes on smooth black plastic; it will scratch.

Undress.

If you already have a dressing on the trim and molding, clean it off periodically. Layering dressings will eventually result in discoloration because the outermost layers are not curing to the rubber; they are just sitting on top of old layers. Take a moment to clean off old dressings at least every two months using BLACKFIRE APC All-Purpose Cleaner. Spray your microfiber towel, and wipe down the trim pieces to avoid overspray. This product excels at removing dried-on wax and polish residue, especially from pebble-textured plastic trim.

Protect.

Once your vehicle is clean and dried, you need to protect the trim pieces with a quality rubber, vinyl, and plastic protectant. This will help prevent future UV degradation, which is the primary cause of fading. Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant and 303 Aerospace Protectant are both exceptional products. They both provide excellent UV protection, but 303 Aerospace Protect is very natural-looking. Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant darkens, enhances, and protects plastic and rubber trim. It also protects metal trim and gives it a clear, glossy finish. Use a microfiber applicator pad to spread the protectant over the surface. It will provide an even coat without dripping or running.

When applying protectant, don't skip the wiper cowl (the plastic piece at the bottom of the windshield), the mirrors (if applicable), and window and door moldings. Use a detailing swab to apply protectant in tight spaces. Open your doors and apply protectant to the rubber gaskets, too. If they become dry or brittle, they will not effectively keep out air and road noise. 

Restoration

If your black trim and molding have already faded, there are options to restore them. BLACKFIRE Tire & Trim Sealant is a great option. This thick, gel-like formula penetrates deep into the pores of plastic, rubber, and vinyl exterior trim, restoring the finish to factory-new condition. A traditional trim dressing might last a week or two if you're lucky; BLACKFIRE Tire & Trim Sealant provides MONTHS of durable protection. Use it on tires as a long-lasting, waterproof dressing! This polymer-based trim restorer forms a bond at the molecular level, restoring the surface while coating it in a durable, protective shell. BLACKFIRE Tire & Trim Sealant doesn't wash off in the rain - it actually causes water to bead up like a wax!

Another option is Pinnacle Onyx Trim Restorer is a matte finish trim restorer designed to bring dull, hazy, and discolored plastic and vinyl trim back to life. Formulated with pigment, Pinnacle Onyx Trim Restorer will return worn exterior trim to a like-new condition by rejuvenating the black color from fading and oxidization. Pinnacle Onyx Trim Restorer dries quickly for a rich and deep finish.

Sometimes the exterior trim is just too far gone for standard restoration and a heavier-duty product is needed. Pinnacle Black Label Ceramic Trim Restorer revitalizes your dull and faded black exterior trim with an exclusive dye-infused formula that provides up to 2 years of ceramic-coated protection against the damaging effects of UV rays and other environmental contaminants.

Don't Forget the License Plate Frame

If you have a black plastic license plate frame, it will benefit from a coat of protectant, too. Use a detailing swab or the corner of your microfiber applicator to apply a thin coat. For frames that contain a clear plastic lens, clean and protect it with BLACKFIRE Plex Pro Plastic Cleaner & Protectant to prevent yellowing.