It's almost time for a full detailing now that it's somewhat getting warmer out.
Seems like it's a good time to talk about detailing products. I have tested a bunch of products and these are my current favorites. I'm looking for recommendations for a rubber and plastic restorer for exterior trim pieces.
Interior
* Meguiar's G16216 Ultimate Interior Detailer - for satin finish with a little shine. Use this on the Mercedes.
* 303 (30308) Aerospace Protectant - Satin finish. Excellent protection. Use this on Porsche
* Invisible Glass Cleaner - I hate interior glass haze. This is cheap and effective.
* Sonax leather foam - for cleaning the leather. Most auto leather is sealed with plastic, so i don't bother with expensive leather conditioners.
Wheels
* Sonax Wheel Cleaner - This stuff is expensive, but it's amazing and safe on pricey rims. The only thing I use on the Porsche.
* Mothers Wheel Brush - Soft plastic head prevents damage when you are really scrubbing.
* Armorall Brake Dust Repellent - This is the only armorall product on the list. It does work, but it wont prevent all dust.
* Maxima SC1 Silicone Spray - Satin finish protection on the tires. I also use this on the wheel wells. I use this heavily on my motorcycles for most engine, suspension and wheel parts. It's like a protective layer where you can just hose off the dirt. Yes it's silicone. No Silicone does not damage rubber, don't get wrapped up in the forum scientists. I'm a real scientist.
Exterior
* Aquapel Glass Treatment - Say good bye to Rain-X. This is a serious exothermic glass treatment. Expensive. Use wax rather than rain-x if you can't afford aquapel.
* Grio's Garage Car Wash - I use this throughout the year to clean the car without removing my sealant and wax. It's a foam wash soap, that doesnt dissolve waxes. I wash my car with Dawn dish soap once/twice a year to remove the old wax only.
* ClayBar - any brand seems to work. Be careful using this on Black or Dark cars. It is abrasive.
* Menzerna Sealant - This is the first layer i add after deep cleaning paint with dawn soap and claybar. Sealant is like a wax that bonds to the clearcoat. It's slightly less shiny, but you only need to use this once or twice a year. I let it sit overnight to cure. Then I buff it out by hand or with random orbital.
* Grio's Garage Wax - This is the top layer of carnuba wax over the Sealant. This creates that bright shine that you only get with carnuba bases waxes. Wax over sealant, remember that. This is not as resilient as the sealant, but you can apply more throughout the year.
* Grio's Garage Spray Wax - I use this throughout the year after a quick wash. There's no need to a deep clean with good wax, as the dirt just falls off the car. Spray down the car, then spray on this wax. Buff with Microfiber towel.
What I desperately need is a black plastic restorer that works well. I've seen cheap stuff and stuff that's $100 a bottle. I really don'y know what works.