Meguiars Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer vs. Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant

[Bwiser]

Hello,

Well, the title says it all.

Which one is recommended more for trim? Why two of the same type of product? They are basically the same concept/product.

Thanks!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Meguiars Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer vs. Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant

OK, we're going to share a bit of "insider information" with you here.

A couple of years ago we introduced Ultimate Protectant as a polymer fortified, water based dressing suitable for both interior and exterior use. It's a great product that immediately met with glowing reviews. But the big problem was the packaging - we put it in a squeeze bottle, and it turns out the consumer marketplace regards products in squeeze bottles as being for exterior use. That may sound a bit crazy to a detailing enthusiasts who spend every waking moment hanging out on detailing forums, but it makes a difference to the masses. To them, a squeeze bottle means exterior use, and a spray bottle means interior use.

So we made some changes. First, we renamed Ultimate Protectant as Ultimate Black, keeing it in the squeeze bottle. The term "black" seemed to resonate better with the masses for maintaining exterior trim, which is almost always black in color. We then slightly altered the formulation for better delivery via a spray bottle and used the name Ultimate Protectant in that variation. Again, it's the terminology that resonates with the masses, in this case "protectant" being a product for protecting the interior plastic and vinyl. So basically it was us adapting to the marketplace.

This also is an example of a key difference between "marketing" and "marketing hype". "Marketing" deals with giving the masses what they want, in the way they want it, that will do what they want it to do. "Marketing hype" deals with just telling people what you think they want to hear, making grandiose claims about the effectiveness of a product, or flat out misrepresenting what a product can do. There's a fairly broad line between generating excitement for a product, and making unsubstantiated claims for it. Some people try to narrow that line...... and then blur it.

So, to address your direct question - "Which one is recommended more for trim?" Ultimate Black is marketed toward use on trim, but both will work. We know that as a detailing enthusiast you'll understand that. It's the masses, the folks who will never even look at a detailing forum, who will only buy the product that states it is intended for the purpose that customer is looking for, who will choose one over the other, or ignore one or the other.

[ethereal45]

Re: Meguiars Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer vs. Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant

As always, your candor is very appreciated when it comes to clarifying these sorts of things

[Jossy92]

Re: Meguiars Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer vs. Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant

I have been eyeing the spray with the idea that (for old neglected trim) it would penetrate more deeply (dilution) acting sort of like a sealant.
Then, before then spray cured, I was going to top it with my remaining UP....
Then, between details mist the spray on a pad and use it like a quick detailer.

I might just have created a solution for a non-extistant problem. Appreciate any advice before I pull the trigger on my debit card.
Jeff

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Meguiars Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer vs. Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant

We think you're over thinking this, Jeff. Regardless which format you choose, the best application method is to transfer product from the bottle to an applicator of some sort - folded microfiber or a foam pad - and then work it into the surface in much the same way you'd work a cleaner wax into the paint. That application process will get the product as deeply into the pores of the surface as you're going to get it, and that little bit of mechanical action will also help with some deep cleaning of the surface. With either version and with either applicator, you should work it to the point where there's nothing left to spread so there's no excess to wipe off. At that point just step away and let it dry, which it will do completely, and you're done.