Problem with Back to Black

[Al U]

Mods, i'm not sure if this is the correct place for this topic but I would appreciate if it could be left in GG to get some helpful responses. Also I have left the name of the manufacturer of the product out of the topic to comply with the naming and shaming rules.

I recently purchased a can of "back to black bumper shine" to use on my girlfriend's 2009 mini cooper S to improve the look of the black plastic trims that run around the length of the vehicle. The trims were not faded before I applied the product, I just wanted to make them look a bit shiny. However I applied the solution as the directions on the can suggested with a cloth and left to dry, now there are very noticeable white streaks on all of the trim that I cannot get off. I have tried cleaning the trims with a sponge and water to try to get rid of the streaks but when the water has dried the streaks are still visible. I'm very disappointed with the results and have sent the company that makes the specific product I used an email letting them know of my disappointment but in all honesty I don't expect them to do much. If anyone has had a similar experience or knows how I can sort this out I'd really appreciate it as the girlfriend is not pleased with me at the moment!

[Blayney]

I heard peanut butter works... I'd avoid crunchy stuff.

[mgtony]

Try some Carplan Trim Wax, it's a black paste rather than a clear back to black type stuff. Just don't get too much of that on the paintwork!

[feef]

I use autoglym bumper and trim gel, and it turns it up lovely.

[Leptons]

Apparently the plastics go white/grey because the oils leech out of the plastic. Anything called 'back to black' or similar I've always found to be ste.
To rectify it I suggest you warm the plastics with a heat gun (carefully) which causes the new oils in the plastic to leech out and then immediately protect them with a good quality product such as autoglym trim and bumper gel.
Be aware though there is a limited amount of times you can use the heat gun treatment as the oils eventually run out completely so keep on top of protecting them.

[the wicker man]

can't recommend autoglym bumper snot anuff (can't remember it's proper name) but it's green & looks like snot

used to have 205 gti's & had tried everything else on the trim to poor effects

15years later I still keep a few bottles of it in the shed.

[grumpy52]

I have seen this before with spray can bumper stuff, could be caused by using it in strong sunlight, this has a bleaching /scalding effect on the trim.
I have best results with gels or pastes., Don't leave plastic bumpers shiny as the look awful.

[Lugy]

Try cleaning the trims with glass cleaner, then use the aforementioned bumper gel, its good stuff!

[littleredrooster]

the wicker man said:

...anuff ...

A what??

[lamboman100]

Lugy said:

Try cleaning the trims with glass cleaner, then use the aforementioned bumper gel, its good stuff!

+1.

Clean rubber exterior trim with Autoglym Glass Polish, then protect with Autoglym Bumper Gel.

[Al U]

lamboman100 said:

+1.

Clean rubber exterior trim with Autoglym Glass Polish, then protect with Autoglym Bumper Gel.

The trims on the mini are plastic.

[JDMDrifter]

Get this - http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/meguiars/endura...

The best stuff!

Used it on my mk2 golf trims and it truly fixed them.

[jas xjr]

i have used black shoe polish with decent results before now .

[Al U]

Thanks for all of the replies. With the state the trim is in now I'm concerned that if I use anything that's clear that it's just going to make the trims look shiny but the white streaks will still be visible under the shine if that makes sense. I like the sound of the car plan black trim wax if it really is a black liquid, hopefully that will sort it out. I'll nip to halfords in the morning then give it a go, will report back with pictures tomorrow.

[CarsOrBikes]

The bigger and more serious problem with back to black is the damage to skin, the warning on the back of the bottle is not clear enough. It never used to be there at all, but if enough contact, will cause spotting under the skin which is like you burnt all your fingers. Beware. (with no allergies)

[Session8]

I've used this a number of times on different cars and a little goes a long way! Brilliant stuff and a once only treatment. Well worth the money.


C4 Permanent Trim Restorer

Availability: In stock

£18.75
£22.50 inc. VAT
-+ Add to basket
3S nano composite coating. Restores trim to “as new” condition without altering gloss level. Strong UV absorption filter and chemical bond ensures maximum durability with a single application typically maintaining a flawless finish for up to two years.

[feef]

Al U said:

Thanks for all of the replies. With the state the trim is in now I'm concerned that if I use anything that's clear that it's just going to make the trims look shiny but the white streaks will still be visible under the shine if that makes sense.

That's what I was worried about with the Autoglym bumper and trim gel as it's a clearish greeny fluid. I have some Carplan black trim wax which is a black fluid, but somehow the Autoglym stuff made the trim more black than the carplan stuff. The only place the CarPlan stuff had the edge was around the edges of the hood on my MX5 where it's cracked and can see the light coloured backing. There, the black trim wax stained it black, but the Autoglym stuff still gave it a better finish in the end.

[K-Cee]

Is it possible that the white streaks are from car body polish that has previously been applied over time, if so that can cause the white streaks to look worse when you apply the black trim detail stuff. I have previously cleaned the black trim with meths on a rag, then applied bumper trim .

[Daston]

Try this stuff. I did my mother inlaws corsa B with it that was horridly faded plastic. Looked like new (I kid you not) when I had finished.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/...

[rigga]

Use back to black on my mini trims without issue, strange you have streaking and I can only think its from some previously applied treatment that's now reacting to the b to b stuff.