Alternative to Gatorback - faded cladding solutions

[Whaleboy]

I would imagine the owner placed the masking tape on the finish to prevent Refinish Restorer from removing the polish/wax? As apparently it will do that for plastic (if you accidentally got polish on your cladding).

Here's the labeling on the bottle:

-Freshens the colour of faded and mat plastic surfaces
-Protects against weathering
-Silicone Free
-Protects plastic and metal surfaces
-Easily removes traces of polish

Refinish Restorer is a liquid sealer for plastic and metal surfaces exposed to weathering. It penetrates deeply into the surface, driving out the ingrained dirt, restoring the original colour and provides a long lasting finish. Refinish Restorer is also very effective at removing traces of polish on e.g. plastic fenders and trims.

Now going thru thread 1, there's a number of msgs where one of the owners applied it during the day and it had rained on the vehicle all evening. Only to come outside the next day and see NO streaking, no dissipation. The photo is pretty cool.

[So-CalVX]

how many bottles should do the whole truck?
or should i just stock up on some?

[Whaleboy]

They're saying 1 can goes a long way, multiple applications. Considering you probably won't be applying that often, I would say 1 can would do ya fine. Thats what I got.

[volume311]

What's the website to order from? Nothing on carsystems site, and google ain't helping me.

[Whaleboy]

this is where I ordered it from.

http://yhst-13811118617756.stores.ya.../carere1l.html

[Thmstec]

I took the plunge and applied it. And boy am I glad I did! The before and after pictures... well don't show much... so I'll try to get some good after photos tomorrow. But the results are pretty awesome.

I put two applications on the cladding about ten min apart. Then 10 min later took it off. There are no directions on the can, well other than some very vague pictures. This is by no means the best method, I would bet you guys can come up with better ways. But I used two sponges, one for each application (be prepared to throw these away). I applied in small circular motions. And for removal I used a buffer.

After being rather pleased with the results I decided to try it on the hood, mirrors, and spoiler. On the hood it didn't appear to be as effective, but after about an hour all the spots and fading was gone!

Sidenotes: I used gloves initially, but then I decided there was no need. There aren't any warnings on the can, and it washes off easily, no burn, no nothing. It is also quite overkill to tape off the paint- it wipes right off, no damage. The excess seems to turn into an almost waxy-like substance after being applied.

Summery: Very Pleased! Recommend it to everyone!

[Whaleboy]

From what I've read Avalanche owners have sometimes waited an hour for the first coat to flash before applying a second.

Glad to hear there is already great initial results. I get my can tomorrow!

[VehiGAZ]

I'm in for a bottle too...

[Thmstec]

Time for pics! ...although lighting outside today isn't making for great shots, you'll get the idea

So this is my hood before (shield your children's eyes!)


And this is the hood after!

Wish I could get the dang phone to focus

And here is a fully body!

Sorry for the lack of having a comparison shot, but just trust me its an AWESOME improvement!

I should mention that the hood still isn't quite perfect, but I'm just nitpicking. There is just a little bit of discoloration around the wiper fluid nozzles

[VehiGAZ]

So this is my hood before (shield your children's eyes!)

Mine is only a half-notch better than that!