Interior Plastic Protectant

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

Does anyone know what products are used to protect interior plastic as part of paint and fabric protection packages?

My interior was is now 5 years old. I want to recoat the plastic to prevent fading. The products available in Supercheap seem to provide 1-2 months of protection only.

Opticoat don't say now long their product lasts for however having a read on the net, 5-6 weeks is what is suggested.

[Waverunner1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Waverunner1]

hi gxl,

if you get on the yellow pages and look up "panel beating supplies" you'll find these automotive stores, that supply high end products to the smash repair industry and motor dealerships etc etc etc , with all the stuff that makes cars shine. you'll pay a bit more but the products are far superior to the ones available at the usual places. most of the boys in these shops are car enthusiasts and will know their product well or will be able to point you in the right direction if you tell them specifically what u need. i hope this info will assist u. good luck gxl

regards-paul

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Look at what places like CarCareProducts use and sell. I use 303 as well. Good stuff.

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

Thanks guys.

I rang up the car detailer that did the paint and interior protection on my wife's car. He recons no interior product lasts more than 6 months in the sun and 6 months is generally only achieved if the correct coating thickness is achieved . He's an Opticoat dealer but also has other cheaper PTFE products that he uses for the budget conscious. The 6 months is in direct sunlight all day every day, not taking into account tinted windows, garaged times. Given most cars are garaged and we don't have high UV every day car dealers can claim 5-7 years (which is what they classify as lifetime) with the caveat that they will retreat areas if the customer notices fading, drying etc. The reason most dealer products mandate a 12 month inspection is to have the plastic inspected and product reapplied to beef up the coating thickness.

His advice for when shopping for products was look at the recommended recoat frequency and look for products that claim UV protection. As far as application goes, ensure the surface is grease and oil free for the product to bond. As far as cleaning goes, use a damp microfibre cloth and no chemicals as cleaners will slowly affect the coating reducing it's life and in some cases depending on the coating chemical, remove the shine and turn to a haze.

I'll either give Opticoat or 303 a go, which ever is less slippery/greasy.