Hello All,

Recently I applied the liquid version of Nu-Finish car wax to one of my Volvos. In my rush to wax the car I did not bother to tape off the mud guards. Big mistake! When I rubbed off the dried wax that got on the mud guards, it left a “white stain” on the plastic. I tried rubbing off with a rag and that did very little. Next I applied a great stain removing product called “Goof-Off” which normally works wonders. This time it was very ineffective. I know over time the white stain of the Nu-Finish wax will diminish. Can anyone recommend product specifically designed to removed car wax from plastic surfaces? Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh

For an alternate solution see Brick Pix - Tue, Mar 14th 2006

Soon after purchase, I waxed this 855 - what a mess!

So I painted the trim. I cleaned it with paint thinner and painted it beige with Rustoleum, later, I painted the hub caps as well. I told those that asked that my wagon was the Eddie Bauer edition!

I masked trim with 4 inch strips of ink jet paper slid behind it - I inserted all the paper before I started to paint, and pulled each strip out as soon as I had painted past it as to avoid soak through. After the paint dried, you could see the texture in the plastic.

We owned the car for 6 years later and none of the paint came off, even under the tailgate where it did get some scratches.

The painted areas could be waxed.

You could paint your mud flaps black - or some nice color that goes with your car.

Jim,

Thank you for your suggestion.

Hugh

I tried a new clear wax product from Turtle Wax - it works quite well, no white on plastic.

One caveat - the plastic must be clean - it goes on right over dirt and has no cleaning power.

James,

I will look for that wax. I like the durability of Nu-Finish but hate the burden of having to tape over all the plastic trim to keep getting wax stains on it.

Hugh

Hugh;
I sent you a private message.
Check your spam filter if you didn't get it.

Tom,

I got it, thank you and sent a reply.

Hugh

"...but hate the burden of having to tape over all the plastic trim to keep getting wax stains on it.
..."

Try holding a putty knife or some sort of thin straight edge against the edge of the plastic and you can then apply the wax right down against the straight edge.
--
Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (getting ever closer to road worthiness)

Chris,

Thanks. I am embarrassed. I didn’t have the time to properly tape off the mud guards, but now I have the time to fix the problem I created. I will embrace your suggestion.

Hugh

Hugh,
Have you ever tried Bon Ami? It is a powder cleanser normally used in the kitchen and bathrooms. It does not scratch! I used to use it after waxing my old Rabbit to get the wax off the vinyl trim.

Just use a damp/wet cloth, sprinkle a little Bon Ami on the cloth and rub the wax off. If you get over zealous and hit the paint, don't worry, no scratches!! Then rinse with water.

--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus,

I found the Bon Ami in my house too, so I will try it. Thank you. Funny, I didn’t have time to tape the mud guards to avoid getting wax on them, but sure have time now to figure out a way to get it off. I have learned my lesson - again!

Hugh

The next time you wax your car, coat the black plastic parts with vinyl preservative/protection stuff before you start with the wax. It will keep the wax from being absorbed into the vinyl.

--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus,

I will. I tried the “Bon Ami” but it didn’t work. I also tried WD-40 and it did not work. I also tried lacquer thinner and it too did not work. My local auto body shop has a product it uses to remove the stain. I will be finding out how much it will cost me to get this stain removed shortly. I will never repeat this mistake again.

Hugh

I would probably try lacquer thinner.
--
Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (getting ever closer to road worthiness)

Chris,

Thank you. I found some in my house and will try it.

Hugh