The quality of the Dash material (PVC) is on the nice things about the TSX. I want to keep that matt finish, nothing worse them a shiny dash surface.

One thing I have noticed when I detailed the car for the first time is that if you use cotton or micro-fiber cloth on the matt finish of the dash surface, it can become shinny or smooth (polished) from the rubbing with the cloth.

Anyone have a safe way to clean or dust the dash with out damaging the dash?

 

I would like an answer to this, too, for the same reasons. I've had my TSX since September and have intentionally avoided using crap like armor-all and such on it because I don't want that shiny look. So far, I've just toweled it off but I'd like to know what products are out there that can clean up/restore/protect the dash without the bright sheen.
C'mon, you detail folks, speak up!

 

I've been using Einszett Cockpit Premium cleaner/protectant on all my TSX dash and plastic. It leaves a completely matte finish, no change whatsoever to the natural finish. I've been told by Einszett that it has a UV protectant, but not as much as their (shinier) vinyl protectant product or something like 303.

Einszett ("1z" in German) is not in wide retail distribution, but is readily available from online sources and fairly inexpensive. I've been very happy with the several 1z products I've tried. Check out www.1z-usa.com for where to buy. I bought mine through the Autopia store, accessible through www.autopia.org .

 

I have been using 303 and it works perfectly.

 

303 Aerospace protectant doesn't leave much, if any, shine.

if you can't find it at your local auto-parts or boating supplies store, get it for a decent price at carcrazy.net.

 

If you just want to get the dust off, soft damp cloth with plain old water does the job.

For protection against cracking and peeling, a lot of people has had success with Vinylex or 303. If it gives you too much shine, use less spray or go back over it with clean dry cloth to wipe off the excess.

 

Has anyone used Meguiars Natural Shine? It is supposedly a non-greasy low shine formula, but I haven't tried it....

Slats

 

I used my zaino leather conditioner.

 

To dust my dash I like to use Swiffer because it catches all of the dust without leaving any lint behind.

 

I use Vinylex. It's kind of shiny though. A much better product than Armor All, which will jack up your stuff. I like the shiny look, I think it makes it look "cleaner". I even did my all weather mats to make them look blacker. They're slippery as all shit now though, and even though I let them dry for a day or two so they weren't greasy to the touch, my shoes slip around all over the place when I drive.

 

I clean mine weekly with a MF towel and it looks/feels like new. I prefer using as least chemicals/sprays as possible.

 

i just got some of the Einszett Cockpit Premium cleaner as CDR recommended above

its really great stuff. the finish its 100% matte, it looks really good (i hate shiny stuff). you can use it on everything, even the plastic's around and on the stereo. nice and clean.

definitely recommend this stuff

 

I haven't used this myself yet, but heard good things.

Meguiars #40

product info

also, another forum discusion


Meguiars forum

 

Yes, I've also heard good stuff about the #40. It supposedly is very low shine but cleans and protects really well. They say it smells like fresh leather too! I saw some pictures of #40 on the dash of an Accord and it looked great. I'm going to try some soon and let you all know how it works.

Slats

 

I have a bottle of this stuff called Vinylex that I use. It's safe for the dash (doesn't cause cracking) and it isn't super glossy either. It keeps the matte finish of the dash. I think it's made by Lexol. Weird thing is I bought it at a horse ranch. It's hard to find that stuff in Toronto.

 

I've used Meguiars #40 for many years on my Accord, and it did a good job as a protectant (no damage or cracking in 18 years). To my eye, it is not low shine -- maybe "satin gloss" -- but is less than many vinyl products. Obviously, the gloss of the dash is a matter of personal preference.

I continue to use #40 on exterior trim and my tires, but not on the TSX dash. I want the matte finish and use Einszett Cockpit Premium. I'd still prefer something with the heavier UV protectant properties of #40 or 303, but the ultra-low gloss finish of the Cockpit Premium.

 

IMHO, all products mentioned are great with the exception of Armor All. I've gathered a tiny list of protectants I've used in the past.

List of how shiny the protectants are:


Least shine

303
Meguiars #40
Vinylex
Meguiar's Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber

Most shine


hope this is helpful!

 

Zaino Z-10 all the way, not glossy but really keeps the ebony interior nice and black.

 

I use light application of 303 on my dash. Little spray on cloth then wipe, and re-wipe with clean towel. 303 works well, IMO.

 

IMHO 303 is the shizznick. I received my bottle last week and applied it the same day and am happy with the results. It's a little shiny, but no where near as shiny as my old Accord was when using Armor-ALL. I highly recommend it.

 

good info, i just ordered some 303 off their online site

 

Wao, just realized that this thread is pretty old, but I couldn't find any information re Meg Natural Shine Protectant.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/produc...p?T1=MEG+G4116

Anyone has used this?

Ps: yes I know about 303 or optimum protectant. This Meg product is just available locally.

 

I get the stuff from the Honda/Acura dealerships called TLC - it's in powder form and you mix it with water to make a solution. It leaves the dash with the look as if it just came out the lot, and it smells great.

You're gonna have to know one of the inside "detailers" though to get ahold of some though

 

Yea, I use it all the time. Not sure if mine is the exact same one, because mine specifically says no-gloss/matte finish on the front of the bottle.

 

This is a good thread to have. I unfortunately completely ruined (sort of) the left edge of my center navi console finish (the edge next to the driver's temperature controls). There was some sort of smudge in the finish, so I used some rubbing alcohol on the area. This isn't usually a problem, but for some reason it took off the black matte paint finish and left an even shinier smudge. I kept working at it with the alcohol, but I never good get that matte look back. The shiny spot I made was so distracting that I actually used the alcohol all along the edge to give the area a uniform slightly shiny look that doesn't catch my eye as often. I'm pissed that I was so careless with the dash material. That trim piece around the navi screen is one whole part that costs $1300 at minimum to replace. So I'm living with it. I still don't understand why the rubbing alcohol takes the black matte finish off that part of the dash, but all the other dash parts aren't hurt by it. It's a pretty mild cleaner. Even the dash buttons that have the same matte finish do not lose their paint using rubbing alcohol.

 

Anyone use Optimum Protectant Plus?? Great stuff!!!

 

They appear to be different, both in price and description...both sound good, though.

Megs Natural Shine
http://www.properautocare.com/menashvirupr.html

Megs #40

http://www.properautocare.com/megsno40vinr.html

 

Surf City Dash Away is an amazing product

 

Just got a bottle of Optimum Protectant Plus and it is great - easy to use - does NOT leave greasey or shiny residue - use it on dash, doors, and leather seats.

Ordered from vendor here Excel Detail - Patrick was very helpful - price was great too! Ordered Tuesday morning - got it on Wednesday - can't beat that...

 

Patrick Rules