Swirl Marks on Gloss Black Plastic Trim - 2016 Ford Explorer

[boiler7904]

Quick question for the group about swirl marks on my in-laws' just delivered 2016 Ford Explorer Limited. It's obvious that one of the two dealers that had the truck ran it through an automatic carwash or two since the paint has swirlmarks all over which I have a few products to use to address.

My question has to deal with the gloss black plastic trim panels on the A, B, C, and D pillars that are also swirled. Should I be using a plastic-specific product like PlastX or treating them like paint? The plastic products I see are all listed as for clear plastic which is what is throwing me off. Due to the small sizes of the panels, I would prefer to work by hand but a PC is also an option though I would probably have to get some smaller pads.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Swirl Marks on Gloss Black Plastic Trim - 2016 Ford Explorer

Hi Boiler7904,

We would recommend treating them like paint, but in general, do not treat them with as much aggressiveness as you would on the paint of a panel. Do you have any products on hand with mild cleaning or swirl removal ability? These are the types of products we would suggest. Our Ultimate Polish, or M205 Ultra Finishing Polish, Black Wax, White Wax, would all be examples products we would recommended starting with. Also, if working by hand, we would recommend applying with a soft foam applicator pad, like our X3070 Soft Foam Applicator Pad, and removing with a microfiber towel, keeping you hand flat, and depending on the size of the pillar, work half of the pillar at a time.

[boiler7904]

Re: Swirl Marks on Gloss Black Plastic Trim - 2016 Ford Explorer

Thanks Nicholas. I'm pretty sure I have some Ultimate Polish. Was planning to use the soft foam applicators and a microfiber towel for removal.

[Don]

Re: Swirl Marks on Gloss Black Plastic Trim - 2016 Ford Explorer

I've used my PC and light polishes and even cleaner waxes on the black trim on the A, B etc pillars with good results.

[ShineOCD]

Re: Swirl Marks on Gloss Black Plastic Trim - 2016 Ford Explorer

What he said.

[Don]

Re: Swirl Marks on Gloss Black Plastic Trim - 2016 Ford Explorer

You'll know if your going at it too aggressively, the material will haze, just lighten up with the polish & pressure and you will be fine, it's not as haze-resistant as paint.