VRT

[guyjr]

I applied vrt to my trim and it looks good. But a day later it rained and left streaks down my paint. Came right off with detail spray but was wondering if this was normal or was I suppose to wipe the trim after applying to get any access left on trim?

[Chonke]

how did you apply it? Usually I use a foam block applicator and squeeze about the size of a quarter and then squeeze the applicator on the sides so it soaks the vrt a little. Then I run a light pass that leaves a thin coat that lasts until my next wash more or less.

 

It might also depend on the surface of the trim, on the smooth wiper blades, it doesnt last as long as it does in the rough areas like door handles and side mirror housing. Ive never had it streak down tho, how old is the vrt?

[BrianT]

That's pretty normal as VRT is water based. You can try applying it again and then taking a MF towel to take the extra off. I also don't apply VRT if it's gonna rain. I applied VRT to my bed cover and it rained, big big mess!!

[Mariner]

That's the reason I don't use VRT anymore. It will run upon contact with water.

[guyjr]

I used the foam block, I just got it two days ago. I used it on the trim on that goes around the top of the bed of my truck and on the weather stripping around my windows as well. Do they make something bette for trim than vrt?

[Mariner]

It streaks especially bad on bed rails I found. Trim coating would be the best way to go IMO.

[guyjr]

Thanks for the replies. Should I also avoid using it on my tires as well?

[Mariner]

Tires aren't such a big deal since there's really nothing for the VRT to run down. Lots of folks here love VRT on their tires. Personally I prefer the Tire Shine as it lasts longer and you can knock down the shine with a utility towel. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, my friend.

[guyjr]

Alright. Well I'm quickly on my way to getting most of their products. Haha. So I'll try it and see what I like!

[falcaineer]

Alright. Well I'm quickly on my way to getting most of their products. Haha. So I'll try it and see what I like!

Famous last words of most everyone on here! Mystery Boxes/Buckets are a great way to build your collection, so if you miss out on the current run, "follow" the Mystery Box thread and/or keep an eye on the Adam's website for the next one. As for VRT vs TS, I haven't made up my mind yet which I prefer, but Dustin (Mariner) brings up some great points.

[chops1sc]

I found that wiping the trim down about an hour after applying thin coat of VRT helps keep the streaking down. However, I also learned to "ignore" the streaks after rain since I usually wash soon after anyways. As stated above, less is more with VRT. If your trim is faded you might want to look into the Trim Coating to restore it.

[guyjr]

It's a 2014 chevrolet silverado, black. I did a paint correction last weekend as I had a lot of water spots from my nasty water (with adams three step swirl killer polishing kit) and sealed the paint. I forgot to use deionized water with foam cannon and let it dry on paint (got talking to neighbor). Also found some swirl marks and scratches that I polished out. So after spending that much time doing all that I was kind worried when I saw those streaks running down my nice new polishing job, haha. But I will wipe off with microfiber after I use it to get any leftover residue that may have gotten built up. I may also go the route of the coating, to keep the nice plastic trim protected and looking good.

[Texas Moe]

I had good luck with VRT milk (50/50 distilled water/ VRT) on my tires.  I liked the way the rubber absorbed the solution and how my tires looked.  It was easier to apply than regular VRT and kept me from over-applying product.  It was also a totally different look than Tire Shine because the tires were black without the gloss.  Ultimately I go back to Tire Shine though because I think it lasts longer.

 

For the trim, the Ceramic Trim Coating is my new favorite Adam's product.  Makes all the trim (plastic, rubber, and everything in between) look black and shiny without looking 'treated'. 

[Nickfire20]

I really like VRT and still use it a lot! But only used it once on my tires, drove thru crazy heavy rains, and even after i washed the truck, still had streaks that would'nt come off, it was like embedded. Anyways, i still use it on trim and under the hood, my wifes Honda CRV that is 11yrs old-her trim was in horrific condition, i cleaned with APC, then applied 1 coat of VRT, it now looks brand new. There was a lot of "running" after it rained, but the trim still looks good. I then washed, and dried/sealed everything with GnG. Its been a couple weeks and it looks great still.

[devin37354]

I noticed the same, VRT is great for show but after the first rain it streaked down the plastic.. oh well, it did for a very nice job reviving the window gaskets on my GFs rogue though! And it works great on tires! So I'll continue to use it on gaskets and stuff, just not the plastic trim around the car lol

[LSX Maestro]

I just bought VRT, should be here today, good thread to learn some dos and don't dos.  I have used a couple "black trim" shiners/protectors and the same thing happens, add water and it runs.  Especially bed rail caps.  But it always comes off with ease.  At this point I haven't applied a certain black trim cleaner in a long time (months) and every time my truck gets wet there's little black south-running lines coming from the bed rail caps.  Might be that the "Bushwhacker" have a clear coat/UV protection to them, which it certainly feels like (Very smooth even though they're roughly textured) and that's what's repelling efforts to keep them black.  As far as tires, no matter what tire dressing I use (Have not used Adam's Tire Shine yet) it slings on the paint.  Yes I know, I used proper procedure, letting it bake in the sun, thin coating, wipe off excess etc.  So I just clean my tires so they look black and be happy with it.

Edited October 19, 2017 by LSX Maestro

[Liralen]

I just bought VRT, should be here today, good thread to learn some dos and don't dos.  I have used a couple "black trim" shiners/protectors and the same thing happens, add water and it runs.  Especially bed rail caps.  But it always comes off with ease.  At this point I haven't applied a certain black trim cleaner in a long time (months) and every time my truck gets wet there's little black south-running lines coming from the bed rail caps.  Might be that the "Bushwhacker" have a clear coat/UV protection to them, which it certainly feels like (Very smooth even though they're roughly textured) and that's what's repelling efforts to keep them black.  As far as tires, no matter what tire dressing I use (Have not used Adam's Tire Shine yet) it slings on the paint.  Yes I know, I used proper procedure, letting it bake in the sun, thin coating, wipe off excess etc.  So I just clean my tires so they look black and be happy with it.

 

I live in Washington State (yes the rainy state)!  If there was anywhere that is a good test spot for a product to stand up in the rain, it is here.  At one point had used another companies back to black product and it did run off my vinyl.  So then I got the VRT and used, the results were great and have not experienced any runs, including on our Avalanche with the black cladding.  As well used it on our black vinyl soft tri-fold tonneau cover & trim for our pearl white Silverado High Country...again no runs even after driving in the rain.  I use minimal product and work it in.  Sometimes (but not always) I knock it down with a microfiber.

[zw470]

Tires are the only thing I use VRT on anymore.  Underhood plastic looks great naked or with some Interior Detailer if you want a smidge of sheen and any trim just gets H20 Guard & Gloss with the rest of the exterior.

[TexWalker]

G/g is too pricey for me to want to spray it under the hood