New cladding product?

[ScottinMA]

Scott,

Did you get the low lustre or semi-gloss kit?

Steve

low lustre. I'm just into this for one day but I like what I see. Unlike Mothers, this sets up a barrier over the cladding that isn't sticky and may last for much longer per application. If I were to do it again I would forgo the brush and use a soft cotton fabric to apply the chemical (which I'll do the next time I apply it). It reminds me of a product I use on teak for my boat that lasts for a season. I've used Flood products to treat the shingles on our home in the past with great results. I live on Cape Cod and our home takes a beating with the elements so I have some faith with the manufacturer. I'm impressed with this product...my comments are in no way connected to having a relationship with Flood. I just had a prior satisfactory experince with a product they manufactured called CWF that I had used on our home.

Scott

[transio]

I just ordered a kit from epaintstore.

Ouch! $10 for shipping!!!

[transio]

Got my Restora kit today!

I'm gonna apply it and get pics for you guys!

[LeDonovan]

I know I'm a girl so my question is whether this product would work on the rear spoiler. Mine is pretty faded.

Thanks for the help!

P.S. Do you guys have any advice on how to go about repairing any dents or cuts in the body cladding? Someone told me that the problem with repairing the cladding is the color may fade or lighten at the repair site....any insight?

[Triathlete]

LeD...
If its a dent I'm sure VXCaver (Bob) will share his technique of using a blow dryer with you this weekend! He rebuilt his VX from a wreck (bought it that way) a nd although it ain't perfect (yet!) I've seen it come a long way!

[LeDonovan]

Thanks for the tip and looking forward to this weekend! Do you have a generator for my blow dryer??

[Triathlete]

You'll have to rub two sticks together really fast...oh wait thats for fire!

[ScottinMA]

I was wondering just today whether you got it yet and here is your post. I regret that I didn't take before and after pics. My cladding was not looking too great and the difference is dramatic. So far I have no complaints and I'm looking forward to longevity so I won't need to be doing that task again for a loooong time.

Scott

[transio]

Update on this. This is not a restoration product. It is a paint or resin-like substance that adheres to the vinyl surface, giving a new sheen. It's a good product, but definitely not made for automotive use. It can work well and return that "new" look to your cladding, but it must be applied carefully!!!

Definitely DO NOT USE THE BRUSH to apply this stuff. It leaves a fine brush texture if you do. I would say Scott's cottonball suggestion sounds perfect. Apply the stuff on a COMPLETELY DRY CAR, and in a COVERED LOCATION... preferably an enclosed garage, where bugs can't get stuck to the stuff. I got little water drip marks in a few places, and now the product is peeling off. Put it on in THIN LAYERS. Do not follow the instructions on the package. Make sure your cladding is CLEAN. I mean CLEAN. Every inch (even underneath). You'll want to apply the Restora all the way down.

I totally messed up my first application of this product, but it still looks good from a distance. Up close (5 feet or less) you can see the texture and the drip marks. I'm going to remove it and reapply it this weekend.

I'll update again then.

[ScottinMA]

Steve,

I'm interested in your impressions. I've now had it on for 1 1/2 months and it appears as good as they day I first applied it. I had a couple scuff marks that I resolved by taking a terri cloth rag and wiping over the area with a little Restora on it. SO much better than re-applying mother's, etc all the time. I never care much for the bleached cladding look and tended to hit the cladding when ever I washed the car.

Scott

[transio]

Scott,

The cladding has a great shine to it, but it still has some fine brush texture in it. I also made the mistake of applying the stuff to the hood before I realized what it was. I'm gonna take a weekend soon and strip it all off (somehow lol) and reapply it with a cottonball or terry cloth as you suggest.