Question: polish and wax that won't stain plastic/vinyl

How do you polish and wax your Explorer without making a mess of the plastic trim?

Is there an line of off-the-shelf products for detailing the exterior paint that does not stain the plastic? I need some minor swirl removal, polish and wax.

There is a lot of plastic/vinyl parts on Explorers. Around the wheel wells, both bumpers, the rocker panels under the doors and more. When I'm detailing a car, it's impossible for me to keep the polish and wax splatter off these parts. It seems that most polish and wax products will stain the plastic with a white color that is very difficult to remove (I've heard a pencil eraser works).

One option would be to mask off the vinyl, but that's a lot of work plus it's not terribly practical because there are small vinyl parts just about everywhere.

What products and/or techniques do you use & recommend?

Thanks

 

[donalds]

On my 99 when I got it all the black plastic was stained white
I used a Mr clean magic eraser on the plastic only Only dull plastic

It's what works for me

 

[dezertranger]

tape the trim off

 

[akjvt]

Check Out Top Coat. Safe for all surfaces, leaves no white residue.
Works great on our black Explorer and Lincoln Navigator.

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[donalds]

^^^^$$$$

 

[akjvt]

I initially felt the same way, but gave it a try. It only takes about 1.5-2 ounces to do a complete detail on either of our suvs or about $1.75--2.50/application, with superior results.

I highly recommend giving Top Coat F-11 a try yourself.

 

[RickOTR]

I use 303Mecum wax. Just spray it on after you wash and rinse the car but don't dry it. Looks like you spent all day waxing it. I like Rejex as a sealer.

 

[LorenzoGarbanzo]

Turtle wax ICE liquid wax has been good to me. It works just like regular wax on the painted surfaces and darkens up plastic trim without staining.