VRT or H20 for trim/plastic

[lakedaisy]

I use H2O as my protectant these days. Don't have to use it too often and the water just beads up and rolls off the paint.  Haven't used wax in a long time.  I do have a bottle of liquid paint sealant in case it's needed.  Of course having a new truck with new paint helps.  Ha!  But I also use the H2O on my wife's year old car and water beads up just like my truck.  So I'm happy using Detail Spray and H2O.

 

This leads to my question.  I have VRT, but find it a little messy and it's hard to get on to some of the plastic parts without getting on the glass and paint too.  And it's a bit of a job to get off the glass and paint.  

 

H2O can cover everything including glass, paint and plastic.  Any reason why I shouldn't just stop using VRT and simply apply H2O to the plastic parts as the protector?

 

Appreciate your thoughts/suggestions. 

[Texas Moe]

Robert,

 

I'm happy to give you my $0.02 but there are others who have much more detailing experience than me.  I love H2O on paint and  plastics but I don't really like it on glass or rubber/vinyl surfaces.  The H2O will definitely seal the trim but doesn't really dress (darken?) the trim very well.  Also, I like the glass sealant much better on glass than H2O; it just protects better for me.  H2O is still a great product, though.

[pirahnah3]

It shouldnt be too hard to get off clean glass or paint. I prefer it myself on the plastics and rubber components. I do like the H2O over paint sealant esspecially as winter protection as it is quick and easy to apply. 

[Texas Moe]

Forgot to add a few tricks I've learned over the last year or so (from reading this forum):

• I always do the glass last to clean off everything that accidentally gets sprayed on it.
• I usually treat the trim pieces early so that I can wash off any VRT that gets on the paint. 
• If I treat the trim later in the process, I'll do a final wipedown around the trim pieces with Detail Spray or RW solution.  Doesn't take that long because most of the trim is around the windows and on the front.
• For those hard to reach trim pieces, the VRT Milk is a life saver.  It's a 50/50 solution of VRT and distilled water. 

[ragin_cajuns]

I use and like VRT and the In and Out spray version for smaller trim pieces.  I find it easy to wipe off glass and paint so I don't hesitate to use it.

[lakedaisy]

Got it!!  Thanks for the replies everyone.  I'll retry using VRT again this weekend.

[chops1sc]

What are you using to apply the VRT? For large trim pieces I use the foam block but the smaller areas need a little more precision. I got a tip on here a while back about using make up wedges (white foam type) to apply it to the smaller areas.

[lakedaisy]

Hey chops.  I use the black foam block that Adams sells. I bought 3 and cut them into various sizes to get into the smaller areas.  I didn't cut a wedge though.  I'll give that a try.  thanks. 

[GT350]

Sometimes, depending on the area I am working on, I will use a microfiber glove to apply the protectant to the trim. I have never had any issues with getting it on the glass.

[ragin_cajuns]

I just use the spray on small areas since I have 3 cans.  It wipes off paint and glass super easy.

[Feets31]

You can also get various sizes of those foam paint brushes to use as applicators for the tight spots.

[lakedaisy]

Thanks everyone. ragin what do you use on the rubber steps on your truck.  Can't remember now, I used either VRT or H2O and it was slicker than heck.

[shaunwistow]

VRT brought these Honda Civic trims up a treat today.

[lakedaisy]

Yes Shaun, that looks so much better. 

 

I treated the bed caps on my truck a couple days ago.  Came back with a clean towel and wiped it all down trying to remove as much as possible.  Rained that night.  Next morning the sides and tailgate of my truck were covered with VRT.  Okay.  However, the plastic does look so much better with the VRT that I have decided the heck with it.  I'll just come by after a rain and use Detail Spray to clean it off.

[N3VRL8]

You can also get various sizes of those foam paint brushes to use as applicators for the tight spots.

 

^  This is what I do as well; works very well for me on the sport car and the Raptor alike.

[ragin_cajuns]

Thanks everyone. ragin what do you use on the rubber steps on your truck.  Can't remember now, I used either VRT or H2O and it was slicker than heck.

 

I use VRT and H20.  It is a little slick after applying VRT.  After applying VRT I go back with a clean microfober cloth and wipe it down just to knock some of it off and smooth it out but you do have to be a little cautious stepping up on the running boards after applying.

[Audog]

What are you using to apply the VRT? For large trim pieces I use the foam block but the smaller areas need a little more precision. I got a tip on here a while back about using make up wedges (white foam type) to apply it to the smaller areas.

I use those cheap foam paintbrushes that come in a number of sizes, get them in multi-packs at WalMart. They work great with VRT for small and odd spaces and are cheap enough that you can throw them away when done.