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Protecting flat black rocker panels?

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by ///Mike, Aug 13, 2015.

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  1. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #1 ///Mike, Aug 13, 2015
    My '91 348 has the factory flat black rocker panel treatment. The car itself is black, so I don't mind deepening & shining up the black on the rockers, but I want to retain it for originality. Do any of you detailing guys have a hot tip for an LSP to use on the rockers? I'm sure Aerospace 303 would work, but I'd like something that offers more protection. I've done a very small section with Menzerna Power Lock sealant, which seems to work okay, but I can't help but think there's a specific product designed for such a purpose. Need to search the detailing forums but that I'd try here first.
     
  2. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #2 Jean-Claude, Aug 14, 2015
    Carpro Dlux is a vinyl coating. Make sure you prep the surface perfectly prior to application.
     
  3. Jsf721

    Jsf721 Karting

    May 15, 2015
    93
    #3 Jsf721, Aug 14, 2015
    On flat black paint you need to be sure what ever you apply is very evenly applied or it will show streaks. I used EXO on a Matte Vinyl and it showed my application trails. I was able to fix by re applying a heavier coat and now you cannot tell the difference.

    I think whatever top quality product you use on paint can be used here as well. Just know it may add some gloss to the flat paint.
     
  4. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #4 Jean-Claude, Aug 14, 2015
    I am guessing that what he has is not flat paint. It is likely a rubberized or vinyl surface.

    If it were satin or matte paint, he could use Swissvax Opaque wax as it is formulated for those surfaces.
     
  5. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #5 ///Mike, Aug 14, 2015
    Thanks to you both. It does seem to have some rubber/plastic characteristics but I don't think it's the typical rock guard finish unless it just happens to be applied much smoother. It's difficult to tell exactly what it is though.

    Jean-Claude, is Carpro Dlux appropriate for a rubberized finish?
     
  6. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #6 Jean-Claude, Aug 16, 2015
    Mike, I do not think Dlux is a good fit for rubber. I've tested its longterm viability and it just doesn't do as well on rubber as it does on harder plastics.
     
  7. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #7 ///Mike, Aug 16, 2015
    Thank you for your feedback, Jean-Claude.
     
  8. peterp

    peterp F1 Veteran

    Aug 31, 2002
    6,685
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Peter
    #8 peterp, Aug 18, 2015
    Personally, I like 303 a lot -- but it's true that it doesn't last that long. You might want to check out this thread, where there was a recommendation for a permanent trim restoration product called C4: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/detailing-showroom/486962-cleaning-engine.html

    I have not tried C4, but I did read up on it a bit given the strong recommendation in the above thread. From what I read, it seems to be very good product, but it is very important to apply it correctly because there are some bad experiences when not done correctly.
     
  9. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #9 ///Mike, Aug 18, 2015
    Interesting suggestion, Peter. Someone in this section recommended the C4 for restoring the plastic interior air intake grill on the hood of my 348, and it sounds to be excellent for that purpose. But, not having tried it yet, I hadn't considered it for the rockers. But from the manufacturers description, it does sound like it would work. But I agree with you-- application on that type of surface will be tricky. I think I'll try a very small area when I do the grill and see how it looks. Many thanks for the suggestion. Just the kind of thing I was looking for. :)

    I'm sticking with 303 under the hood and in less critical areas though. It lasts very well for what it is and it's very easy to apply (and fix mistakes), which doesn't seem to be the case with the C4. I could see using C4 on the plastic in my MB and BMW engine bays, but they'd still have to wiped down occasionally anyway so may as well just use 303.
     
  10. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #10 Jean-Claude, Aug 18, 2015
    c4 is similar to Dlux.
     
  11. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #11 ///Mike, Aug 18, 2015
    So I take it that you do not believe it would be a good choice either.
     

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