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Cladding Protectant Product Test w/pics

I own a 2002.  I've always taken good care of my vehicles but with the cladding looking al discolored and faded my truck was looking pretty sad.  I'm talking about the cladding being almost white.  It was horrible.  I always wax my truck so the finish is very glossy (still looking like new for a 2002) but the faded cladding took away the good looks.  2 weeks ago I finally decided to give RR a try.  Got it on ebay for 35 bucks. 

I went over the back panels 3 times with a waxing pad.  I was amazed.  The damn things look like new.  Did a couple of coats on the rest of the truck and I tell you what, this thing kicks ass.  I'm in love with my 7 year old truck again.  The cladding is shiny and very dark.  Not to mention it poured the day after I applied it and the rain did not affect the cladding at all.  The water beads big time.

Do yourself a favor and get some RR.  It is easy to apply and you'll be amazed at the results.  I'm not sure how long the dark shiny looks are going to last but I won't be surprised if months, perhaps a year.  I remember back in 2002 when I first bought the truck, al the comments I got from people who loved the looks and style of the vehicle.  I'm getting comments again after 7 years.  RR rocks! 
 
I just did my panels with RR, and at first they didn't look good but with more info from here, I did three coats also and they look Great!!!!!!!!
Seems to be very worth the $$$$            (y)
 
Sunday I applied Mothers Back to Black on my plastic. It looked great! Monday it rained,Tuesday it dried. Oh my gosh what have I done to my Avy?  I tried a search and can find many posts on Refinish Restorer but I cannot find a source to purchase it. It does not seem to be available on E-Bay either. Could someone please post a link to  a supplier. And are there any recommendations on how to remove the Back to Black and prep the plastic for the Refinish Restorer?
 
harleyt26 said:
Sunday I applied Mothers Back to Black on my plastic. It looked great! Monday it rained,Tuesday it dried. Oh my gosh what have I done to my Avy?  I tried a search and can find many posts on Refinish Restorer but I cannot find a source to purchase it. It does not seem to be available on E-Bay either. Could someone please post a link to  a supplier. And are there any recommendations on how to remove the Back to Black and prep the plastic for the Refinish Restorer?
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Here is where I ordered it. A company called Ditchek



http://yhst-13811118617756.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
 
Here are a few Before/After pics...this stuff is for real. Im a picky person, and this stuff worked better than I had hoped for.

It actually chemically bonds with the plastic, the cladding becomes tacky after you apply it for about an hour. I applied 2 coats.

 

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beanstyle said:
so I wanted to try something on my cladding, did some research and ended up a member here. I've had Meguiars Trim Detailer on a portion of my cladding for a month now, washed it three times... thoroughly. and the water still beads up on the shiny dark cladding. . has anyone else used this stuff and should I even bother getting some RR??

just googled it and thought I'd be a bit more specific. Meguiars Exterior Trim Detailer, it's an aerosol can
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If you like it...and it works for you...and you don't mind applying it more often (which only time and experience will tell you)...stay with it...

The "Restore Refinish" is definately more $$$ to start with...but if you read the threads about it...it lasts a reallllllllllllly long time...which makes the investment stretch out over time and it doesn't seem to take much of it to get the desired result...

I don't think we can "change your mind" and get you to try it if you're happy with what you're using...

All I can say is I've tried a lot of stuff...and I'm NOT switching away from "RR"  (y)


EDIT:  Oh, and "RR" is NOT "ridiculously simple to apply"...but it's not hard either
 
If you really just want to apply something and not have to worry about it again for a very long time, I recommend Gatorback. My 02 has the cladding look of an 05. It is a nice dark black and does not fade. Mine was applied under warranty because my Avalanche was vandalised.
 
Shanes 02 Avalanche said:
...I recommend Gatorback...Mine was applied under warranty because my Avalanche was vandalised.
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Really  :eek: ??? so how did that happen...



beanstyle said:
Yeah between the mud, salt, and hundreds of gallons of water that "caress" my Avy, I should stop messing with band-aid fixes. they really are quite addicting though lol
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Well I see you're in Washington...state I presume?
I recall reading a few posts from a couple other members "up there" (in Washington) that say the "RR" doesn't last as long as it does in more moderate climates (they mentioned California...go figure)...

One of them used the "RR" and I think he liked it, but ended up painting his cladding...

I think the other is still using it...

Someone posted that the "RR" "actually chemically bonds with the plastic"...which simply is NOT true.

We have a member who is a long time wood worker who said the smell of "RR" reminded him of Linseed Oil and Varnish.

It definately is "tacky" when applied...and needs to set up before you go driving around...and it's tacky after applicaiton on a HOT day or a mild day...

Like what you're using now...and even paint for that matter...have a hard time lasting "forever" on cladding...from what I have read, paint, gatorback, "RR" et all...will eventually need touch up of some sort especially when exposed to sand or salt on winter roads and/or debris "kicked up" from roadways.

I don't recall EVER recall hearing about a "do all/end all" product or paint that is "bulletproof" on cladding.  Including those who PROPERLY prep and sand smooth - properly clean - use Adhesion Primer - etc and then paint.  There is NO doubt in my mind that taking those steps IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT towards significantly improving long term success...but...

I think my point in rambling here is to say to you that "RR" may not be the right stuff in the Pacific Northwest...hopefully someone from up there will chime in here...


In closing I'll just say that my first application was on for a year and a half...then I went to Lake Tahoe in the snow and guess what?

It's now time for me to do my lower cladding again thanks to the sand they put on the snow and aggravated by my tires which hang slightly outside the wheelwells...but I'm sticking with "RR"
 
A couple of 8 year old girls took scissors to my Avalanche and scratched the hell out of it. My tail lights, headlights and back window had to be replaced. My entire Avalanche Had to be painted and the cladding was gatorbacked because it was the only way to cover the damage. It was either that or new cladding. I figured since I do actually use my Av to offroad and did some of the damage myself that my insurance should not have to buy me new cladding.
And since the 16 people living in a 3 bedroom home and Welfare packed up and moved in the middle of the night ,the insurance company could not go after them.


 
Shanes 02 Avalanche said:
A couple of 8 year old girls took scissors to my Avalanche and scratched the hell out of it. My tail lights, headlights and back window had to be replaced. My entire Avalanche Had to be painted and the cladding was gatorbacked because it was the only way to cover the damage. It was either that or new cladding. I figured since I do actually use my Av to offroad and did some of the damage myself that my insurance should not have to buy me new cladding.
And since the 16 people living in a 3 bedroom home and Welfare packed up and moved in the middle of the night ,the insurance company could not go after them.
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Sorry, I was asking how a warranty covered vandalism...

You said..."Mine was applied under warranty because my Avalanche was vandalised"

I've never heard of such a thing...
 
RR is Not related to headlight restorer. It *May* restore headlights, but I wouldnt try.

Its a Resin-Containing Petroleum-based cleaner/sealer.

RR should be thougth of as something similar to Laquer-Thinner that contains a high proportion of Resin and Sealer.

It literally makes the surface of the cladding (or any plastic) tacky, due to the chemical reaction of the colvents in it...those solvents allow the resin to penetrate into the plastic, thus truely restoring it...then the sealer does its job.

Ive had mine on for 2-1/2 month and its not anything like Armorall or tire shiner..its fully cured, and I expect it to last for several years before needing to re-apply - and only then due to UV exposure from the sun, and Oxidization with the air which is half the problem with the cladding in the first place.

This stuff cures, like resin, and once cured, its 100% bhonded/part of the cladding surface.

beanstyle said:
Shane, thats ridiculous! but at least it was taken care of and you got a new paint job out of the deal. And thats good info about the RR, I had the impression that it is similar to a product I've used on plastic headlights to restore the UV protective coating. Requires a UV light to fully cure, and is a nearly impervious coating that I've witnessed to last 3 years without the plastic underneath it oxidizing or fading. It's a conspiracy to keep us buying products!!!   :rolleyes:
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Just ordered some RR Monday,purchased my 08 AV  in Oct 09, dealer had it slick and shiny// lasted about 5 months , now see zebra stripes on sail panels/
                                Looking forward to seeing what RR does for it
 
You wont be dissappointed with results from RR.

Try not to get the R+R on the paint, it wont eat it, but it leaves a clear residue. If you get RR on the glass, let it dry, then use goof-off, or denatured alchohol the next day to clean off. it wont come off with soap/water etc.

Also, wear gloves if you can, the RR drys the heck out of your skin.

08whitediamond said:
Just ordered some RR Monday,purchased my 08 AV  in Oct 09, dealer had it slick and shiny// lasted about 5 months , now see zebra stripes on sail panels/
                                Looking forward to seeing what RR does for it
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08whitediamond said:
Just ordered some RR Monday,purchased my 08 AV  in Oct 09, dealer had it slick and shiny// lasted about 5 months , now see zebra stripes on sail panels/
                                Looking forward to seeing what RR does for it
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You might be able to get it Gatorbacked under warranty.
 
Redwing, I guess opinions are split on RR vs Gatorback, is one really better than the other and last longer ?  I ordered the RR because of so many good reviews from this site. I had not considered Gatorback & warranty, am I passing up a free fix for the zebra stripes on sailpanels  ???
 
08whitediamond said:
Redwing, I guess opinions are split on RR vs Gatorback, is one really better than the other and last longer ?  I ordered the RR because of so many good reviews from this site. I had not considered Gatorback & warranty, am I passing up a free fix for the zebra stripes on sailpanels  ???
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I've been using the RR with great results, but if you are still under warranty and can get Gatorback for free it would be something to think about in my opinion.
 
Ive read sereral ppl who got Gatorback, and were unhappy with it...the main complaint it the Gback cracking and peeling.

And after reading all the TB's and instructions on Gback I think I would stay with RR...the main reason is Gback requires precise prepping, is sprayed or rolled on, is thick, and indeed can peel....it can scratch too...so you could scratch the Gback and perhaps invide peeling at that site. Plus...you have to mask off the paint cuz Gback will stick to anything you get it on, where RR residue can be easily removed.

RR cant peel, and it keeps the natureal dark look of the plastic...haha...did I just say "natural" to "Plastic" HAHA

Plus RR is wasy to apply, and lasts a long time, and wont cause any significant build-up.

Redwings said:
I've been using the RR with great results, but if you are still under warranty and can get Gatorback for free it would be something to think about in my opinion.
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I'm interested in using the Refinish Restorer (RR) on another plastic part which is fading badly.
Can whoever has used RR please tell me how long it lasts on your vehicle?
I need long term durability for my application without having to touch it up later.
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Sincerely,
K. Siemsen
 
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