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Dress Exterior

Once the exterior of a vehicle is clean and dried, it is beneficial to dress and protect the rubber, vinyl, and plastic trim. Using a dressing and protectant enhances and restores the appearance of these exterior surfaces by protecting and sealing them from exterior conditions. When a dressing and protectant is applied, the areas of application repel water, detergents, and harsh weather conditions (including the dirt and grime) providing a lasting shine.

There are two main categories of dressings and protectants; solvent-based and water-based. Solvent-based dressings and protectants are typically more durable than water-based dressings and protectants. This is a result of solvents causing the pores of rubber and vinyl to open, enabling the shine agent to penetrate the surface. Shine agents in water-based dressings and protectants remain on the surface, and commonly rinse off more readily. Due to Auto Valet’s advanced formulation technology, the AQUA SHIELD and ENCHANTER ULTIMATE water-based dressings and protectants provide comparable durability to solvent-based dressings.

Solvent-based dressings and protectants are best used for vehicle exterior applications such as tires, mouldings, bumpers, vinyl trim, and vinyl tops. Solvent-based dressings and protectants can stain certain fascia if used incorrectly.
Water-based dressings and protectants can be used for both interior and exterior applications; and are most commonly used for interior applications over solvent-based products.

Solvent-based dressings and protectants include:
  • TIRE DRESSING: a V.O.C. compliant, solvent and silicone dressing that produces a medium to a high-gloss finish.
  • RECOVER: a solvent and silicone dressing that produces a glossy finish. 
  • TOP HAT: a solvent and silicone dressing that produces a high shine, glossy finish.
  • REWARD: a solvent and non-silicone dressing that produces a glossy finish. Ideal for body shop applications; body shop safe.
  • KWIK SHINE: an aerosol vinyl and plastic dressing that instantly shines both interior and exterior vehicle applications.

Water-based dressings and protectants include:
  • AQUA SHIELD: an environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, water and silicone dressing that produces a high-gloss finish.
  • ENCHANTER ULTIMATE: a water and silicone dressing that produces a high-gloss finish.
  • ULTRA SHIELD: a water and silicone dressing that produces a matt, mid-gloss finish.
  • SAFETY SHINE: a water and non-silicone dressing that produces a medium-gloss finish. Ideal for body shop applications; body shop safe.

The time to dress the exterior rubber, vinyl, and plastic trim surfaces is dependant on the size and number of tires, and the total surface area of bumpers, mouldings, vinyl tops and trim. Once the exterior rubber, vinyl, and plastic trim are dressed, it will be clean, protected, restored, and sealed.

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, a mask, and impervious gloves. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Front Bumper

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Mouldings

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Rear Bumper

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Tires

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Trim

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Vinyl Top

PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED DIRECTIONS TIPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Directions

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Complete an exterior wash using a vehicle wash soap, and dry the vehicle. Ensure the vehicle exterior is completely clean (free from dust, debris, and grime) and thoroughly dry.

STEP 2: APPLY THE DRESSING AND PROTECTANT

Use a trigger sprayer, tank sprayer, or dedicated soft cloth applicator to apply the dressing protectant in a steady, even, uniform pattern to cover the areas of application. Complete steps 2 to 4 for one area (i.e., tire, trim section) at a time, working clockwise around the vehicle.

STEP 3: DRY THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Allow the dressing protectant to air dry (approximately 10 minutes) or dab to dry the areas of application with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. When using a solvent-based dressing and protectant, do not drive the vehicle until the excess product has been wiped off, especially where the tire contacts the rim. Sling-off from freshly dressed tires may cause permanent staining of some plastic panels.

STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK

Review work and, if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 2 to 3.
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Tips

  • Sling-off from freshly dressed tires, dressed with a solvent-based dressing, may cause permanent staining of some plastic panels. Do not drive the vehicle until the excess has been wiped off, especially where the tire contacts the rim. Dressings and protectants alone will not cause staining. 
  • Dressings and protectants can make surfaces slippery. Do not apply to seats, steering wheel, or foot controls.
  • Older vinyl surfaces typically soak dressings and protectants quickly. Ensure to coat these areas multiple times, if required, to achieve a uniform appearance.
  • If the dressing and protectant get onto the surrounding painted surface while applying, use PARADE with a soft, microfiber cloth to wipe the painted areas clean. 
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Dressings and protectants are liquid products designed to shine and protect vinyl and rubber surfaces; assisting to repel water and resist detergents. A shine agent (e.g., silicone, mineral oil, or glycerin) is delivered to the rubber or vinyl surfaces using a carrier that evaporates once applied. The carriers used for water-based and solvent-based dressings and protectants is what differs. For solvent-based dressings and protectants the carrier is a blend of solvents; while for water-based dressings and protectants the carrier is water.

Solvent based dressings and protectants are typically more durable than water-based dressings and protectants. This is a result of solvents causing the pores of rubber and vinyl to open, enabling the shine agent to penetrate the surface. Shine agents in water-based dressings and protectants remain on the surface, and commonly rinse off more readily. Due to Auto Valet advanced formulation technology the AQUA SHIELD and ENCHANTER ULTIMATE water-based dressings and protectants provide comparable durability to solvent-based dressings.

Solvent based dressings and protectants are best used for vehicle exterior applications such as tires, mouldings, bumpers, vinyl trim, and vinyl tops. Due to flammability, solvent-based dressings and protectants are not to be used to dress engine compartments. If solvent-based dressings and protectants are used for interior applications, care must be taken as repeated applications to surfaces exposed to direct sunlight (i.e., dashboards) can lead to cracking. Solvent based dressings and protectants can stain certain fascia’s, if used incorrectly.

Water based dressings and protectants can be used for both interior and exterior applications; and are most commonly used for interior applications over solvent-based products. Use water-based dressings and protectants on areas that are made with rubber, vinyl, leather, and wood (includes engine compartments).

There are currently five (5) Auto Valet solvent based dressings and protectants available.

  • TIRE DRESSING: a V.O.C. compliant, solvent and silicone dressing that produces a medium to high gloss finish.
  • RECOVER: a solvent and silicone dressing that produces a glossy finish. 
  • TOP HAT: a solvent and silicone dressing that produces a high shine, glossy finish.
  • REWARD: a solvent and non-silicone dressing that produces a glossy finish. Ideal for body shop applications.
  • KWIK SHINE: an aerosol vinyl and plastic dressing that instantly shines both interior and exterior vehicle applications.

Fascia staining is when the plastic vehicle panels are stained with the mixture of solvent and carbon black, slung onto them from freshly dressed tires. 

The exact cause of the staining is unclear; however, this problem exists industry-wide and some viable causes could include: tire mold release agents, and clearcoat flex agents.

Sling-off from freshly dressed tires may cause permanent staining of some plastic panels. 

Correct application of solvent based dressings and protectants is critical to minimize the risk of staining. To prevent permanent staining of plastic panels, do not drive the vehicle until excess product has been wiped off, especially where the tire contacts the rim. Dressing alone will not cause staining. Always carefully read and follow all directions of solvent based dressings and protectants.

There are currently four (4) Auto Valet water based dressings and protectants available. All water based dressings and protectants are ideal for use in engine compartments and vehicle interiors.

  • AQUA SHIELD: an environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, water and silicone dressing that produces a high gloss finish.
  • ENCHANTER ULTIMATE: a water and silicone dressing that produces a high gloss finish.
  • ULTRA SHIELD: a water and silicone dressing that produces a matt, mid gloss finish.
  • SAFETY SHINE: a water and non-silicone dressing that produces a medium glossy finish. Ideal for body shop applications.

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