Regular exposure to harsh elements can cause your car’s trim to fade, crack, and discolor, leaving a chalky, weathered appearance that detracts from its sleek look.
Maintaining your car’s trim with a vinyl, rubber or plastic dressing is crucial for preserving its aesthetic appeal and protecting it from harmful weather, UV rays, and road grime. Clean and shiny trim can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your vehicle.
Follow this quick and easy guide to clean, shine, and protect your car's trim like a pro.
Prepare Your Gear
To clean and protect your trim, here’s what you’ll need:
- Trim Clean Wax and Oil Remover
Removes wax, oils, and old dressings to prepare your trim for protection. - Workhorse Professional Grade Microfiber Towel 3-Pack (Black)
Ideal for wiping away dirt and excess product without scratching. - VRP Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic Shine and Protectant
A water-based product that adds shine and protects your trim from UV rays. - Premium Grade Microfiber Applicators
Perfect for evenly applying dressing to your car’s trim.
Step 1: Let’s Get Clean
The first step in maintaining your car’s trim is to thoroughly clean it, removing dirt, grime, and any old dressing. Trim Clean Wax and Oil Remover is specifically formulated to eliminate grease, oils, and remnants of wax or polish that may have accidentally gotten onto the trim.
- Start by spraying Trim Clean directly onto the trim. Don’t worry about overspray—it’s completely safe for painted surfaces and can be easily wiped away.
- Use a Workhorse Professional Grade Microfiber Towel to gently wipe down the surface, paying attention to any heavily soiled areas. Work methodically in sections to ensure the product doesn’t dry before you wipe it off.
- Once each section is clean, use a fresh Workhorse Microfiber Towel to buff the trim, leaving it bare and ready for the next step.
Pro Tip: You can also use our Nonsense All Purpose Cleaner for this step if you are certain there are no waxes or dressings to be removed.
Step 2: Time to Shine
After cleaning, it’s time to restore the luster of your car’s trim and provide essential protection. VRP Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic Shine and Protectant not only enhances the appearance but also offers protection against UV rays and harsh environmental elements, keeping the trim looking like new for weeks.
- Start by shaking the bottle of VRP Shine and Protectant to ensure the formula is evenly mixed.
- Apply a small line of VRP Shine and Protectant to a Premium Grade Microfiber Applicator, then gently work it into the trim using straight, linear motions. This technique helps to avoid swirl marks and ensures a uniform finish.
- You’ll notice an immediate transformation as the trim takes on a rich, deep gloss while remaining dry to the touch.
- Finish by buffing the surface lightly with another fresh black Workhorse Microfiber Towel to lock in the shine and achieve a polished, professional finish.
Check out our other trim protectants: Black on Black Instant Shine and Galactic Black Wet Look Tire Shine Dressing. They can be applied the same way as VRP Shine and Protectant, so no matter which one you choose, the process is the same!
With the right tools and techniques, maintaining your car’s trim is simple and rewarding. Regular care not only enhances your vehicle’s appearance but also extends the life of your trim.
By following this guide, you’ll ensure your car stays sharp and well-protected for years to come.
Happy detailing!
Frequent Questions About How to Clean, Shine and Protect Your Car's Trim
Can VRP be used on interior surfaces?
Yes, VRP Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic Shine and Protectant is safe for both interior and exterior vinyl, rubber, and plastic.
How long does VRP last?
VRP Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic Shine and Protectant typically lasts for several weeks and can be reapplied as often as needed for continuous protection.
What’s the best way to remove old wax from trim?
Use Trim Clean Wax and Oil Remover for a thorough cleaning.
Can I use VRP on engine bay plastics?
Absolutely! VRP Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic Shine and Protectant adds a professional touch and protects against heat damage.
Why do you recommend specific colored Workhorse Microfiber Towels?
We recommend using different color Workhorse Microfiber Towels for various applications to avoid cross-contamination. Check out our Microfiber Color Guide.
