Composite Plastic Body Panel Care (Cleaning, Protecting, Waxing, Coating)

[BahamaTodd]

For those that do no plan to wrap your trucks, protecting the plastic panels from UV damage will be a concern.

Let's get the discussion going on recommended products.

303 Graphene Coatings looks like a good option
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/B07D4300-E62A-483F-B049-4949E6136092

 

[JeffVA]

I'm kind of a Detailing Enthusiast and love the clean Slate color, it will match my SUV. How do you care for and protect this composite material? Can I just throw down an old school coat of Carnauba wax or does it need something special? Don't want a vinyl wrap because you'll have to replace it every 3-5 years of left in direct sunlight like I'll have to. Hopefully this composite material has something like a clear coat on it so we can show it some love and shine it up.

 

[JeffVA]

Ok, just did some research on this Glass-Filled Polypropylene Composite material this thing is made of and how to protect it.

Looks like you can apply a high quality Plastic Ceramic Coating like Gyeon s or Adam's. Best time to apply will be when it's new with proper prep and decontamination (IPA Wipe). Once coated you can maintain it with almost any good Sio2 topper. Don't wait for it to start oxidizing before you coat it.

It's basically the same stuff you would use on your black plastic trim to give it depth, gloss and UV protection which this composite will be prone to. Probably a good idea to coat it yearly.

Hopefully Slate will include proper care instructions for this composite because the unknowing may just try to wax it like a regular car which could be bad.

 

[cvollers]

Ok, just did some research on this Glass-Filled Polypropylene Composite material this thing is made of and how to protect it.

Looks like you can apply a high quality Plastic Ceramic Coating like Gyeon s or Adam's. Best time to apply will be when it's new with proper prep and decontamination (IPA Wipe). Once coated you can maintain it with almost any good Sio2 topper. Don't wait for it to start oxidizing before you coat it.

It's basically the same stuff you would use on your black plastic trim to give it depth, gloss and UV protection which this composite will be prone to. Probably a good idea to coat it yearly.

Hopefully Slate will include proper care instructions for this composite because the unknowing may just try to wax it like a regular car which could be bad.

Is it cheaper to do all this or just replace the wrap every five years (more years for me in Seattle)?

 

[JeffVA]

Is it cheaper to do all this or just replace the wrap every five years (more years for me in Seattle)?

Not really because it would be a good idea as well to apply a ceramic coating to a vinyl wrap as well. So coating this "clean Slate" as it may be will be the same without the cost of the vinyl wrap.

Not very expensive stuff and it's DIY. Take a look on YouTube at a coating called Carpro Skin. I'll use a product like this no matter which way I go. It "May" not be a good idea Not to put a vinyl wrap on it. Vinyl will protect the composite so it doesn't age like a plastic lawn chair in the sun. Even a clear film coating my be a good idea if you just like it Clean.

Slate will ensure we have detailed care instructions since nobody currently has experience with composite Body material

 

[JeffVA]

Take a look at CarPro Skin. It's a ceramic coating for PPF and/or vinyl wrap. Several similar products like this and it's DIY and lasts about 2 years.

Follow that up with a ceramic detail spray on maintenance washes.

OR, if you like the color Clean you should consider a PPF film coating (like clear vinyl) to protect the composite so it doesn't age like a plastic lawn chair left in the sun ☀

You can replace a wrap but replacing panels could get expensive. At a minimum you should coat it with something if you plan on leaving it bare.

 

[BahamaTodd]

Take a look at CarPro Skin. It's a ceramic coating for PPF and/or vinyl wrap. Several similar products like this and it's DIY and lasts about 2 years.

Follow that up with a ceramic detail spray on maintenance washes.

OR, if you like the color Clean you should consider a PPF film coating (like clear vinyl) to protect the composite so it doesn't age like a plastic lawn chair left in the sun ☀

You can replace a wrap but replacing panels could get expensive. At a minimum you should coat it with something if you plan on leaving it bare.

I'd like to do a wrap, but not if it's only going to last a few years. Will this make a wrap last with regular upkeep?

 

[JeffVA]

I'd like to do a wrap, but not if it's only going to last a few years. Will this make a wrap last with regular upkeep?

If left in the sun you can probably get about 5 years out of it. Go with a light color so it doesn't soak up heat. Coat it, wash it every few weeks and use a spray ceramic topper when you wash it and you'll be fine. If garage kept it could last many many years but I don't have that option

 

[cvollers]

I’m thinking a custom wrap that is primarily white with integrated graphics. Good suggestions from JeffVA on how to protect.