Spots on Molding

[fhrex]

I and my son (who has a 2012), are both experiencing spots on the black moldings surrounding our side windows. The spots won't wash or spray wax off. Anyone experiencing the same issue and is there a fix?

[Mike J]

[fhrex]

LOL, ok, will post asap....

[Sheriff Justice]

The spots could be windshield washer fluid run off or liquid splash from the road then baked in from the sun. You should protect black plastic from fading or turning gray from the Suns UV rays or weather.

I use Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant. Use it on the door gaskets / trim, wiper cowls, rear diffuser and grill (all my vehicles). Repels water / liquid like a wax, contains UV blocker and keeps the black looking new. Apply every 3 months. Best to protect from the start rather than restore or replace later!

[scandata]

Probably water etching. It may come out with something like CarPro Eraser. If not, try using a light detail compound and a microfiber towel. If that doesn't work, use a polishing pad instead of the MF towel.

[fhrex]

These show the spots on both my 2011, and my son's 2012. Since we are both having this issue, I felt it must surely be a common issue...

[fhrex]

Bump

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Use an all purpose cleaner with a soft bristle brush to gently agitate the surface. Tape the area off to keep APC off your paint, do this right after you wash/dry the car so the painted area is clean.

After wiping off the residue, wipe the trim down with a waterless wash to clean off any leftover APC. This is for the yellow car, it not only has spots, it has oxidation as well. If the brush doesn't remove it all, use a magic eraser with the APC.

For the spots on the white car, distilled white vinegar on a cloth, hold on spots for about 60 seconds, the light acid in the vinegar should remove them. Wipe down trim with waterless wash to remove any excess vinegar.

To avoid this in the future use a dressing on the trim, or apply Adams HGG to the whole car, including trim, or wash with Carpro Hydrofoam. Both of these protect trim well against UV rays and water spotting, and you don't have the run off down the paint you get with some trim dressings.


EDIT: Here's a video of the cleaning process I found on You Tube. I use a soft bristle toothbrush instead of a paint brush trimmed down. I haven't had to use steel wool before, so I can't speak if it damages trim or not. APC with brush, and/or magic eraser has always been enough for lightly oxidized trim on cars I've done.

[Mike J]

Originally Posted by Joe M 2012 2SS

Use an all purpose cleaner with a soft bristle brush to gently agitate the surface. Tape the area off to keep APC off your paint, do this right after you wash/dry the car so the painted area is clean.

After wiping off the residue, wipe the trim down with a waterless wash to clean off any leftover APC. This is for the yellow car, it not only has spots, it has oxidation as well. If the brush doesn't remove it all, use a magic eraser with the APC.

For the spots on the white car, distilled white vinegar on a cloth, hold on spots for about 60 seconds, the light acid in the vinegar should remove them. Wipe down trim with waterless wash to remove any excess vinegar.

To avoid this in the future use a dressing on the trim, or apply Adams HGG to the whole car, including trim, or wash with Carpro Hydrofoam. Both of these protect trim well against UV rays and water spotting, and you don't have the run off down the paint you get with some trim dressings.


EDIT: Here's a video of the cleaning process I found on You Tube. I use a soft bristle toothbrush instead of a paint brush trimmed down. I haven't had to use steel wool before, so I can't speak if it damages trim or not. APC with brush, and/or magic eraser has always been enough for lightly oxidized trim on cars I've done.

[DonM]

Once you get the spots cleared up you can use a Quik Detailer or Quick Wax after every wash like I do and my moldings have yet to develop spots.

[fhrex]

Thanks, Joe M 2012 2SS and DonM, I will give that a try

[fhrex]

Joe M 2012 2SS, it worked like a charm! Did the yellow 2012 first, since it had the most extensive spotting. Thanks so much!!!

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Originally Posted by fhrex

Joe M 2012 2SS, it worked like a charm! Did the yellow 2012 first, since it had the most extensive spotting. Thanks so much!!!

Glad I could help.

This isn't something I came up with, but something I learned from another detailer.

Be sure and use some type of protection on trim to avoid it in the future.

[TommyTheCat]

I have similar markings on my roof moldings, I was just thinking I'll paint them to match and be done with it because every time I get rid of them they're back in 2 weeks