Silicone for the interior of the car: choice, application and errors

The dull, burnt-out plastic on the torpedo and characteristic creaking of the panels when driving are often the first signs that the interior of your car requires urgent chemical protection. Many car owners ignore these symptoms until ultraviolet light begins to break down the polymer structure of the materials, causing microcracks and loss of elasticity. Application of specialized car-silicon It allows not only to restore the visual attractiveness of the interior, but also to create a reliable barrier against the aggressive effects of the external environment.

Properly selected chemistry can extend the service life of rubber seals of doors and windows, preventing them from drying out and cracking in winter. However, the application of any compounds can lead to the formation of a sticky plaque, which will attract dust and create glare on the windshield. In this article, we will discuss how to distinguish a quality product from a cheap analogue, what types of silicones exist and how to properly process it to get a matte or glossy effect at your request.

Why do you need silicone lubricant for the interior

The main function of specialized formulations based on silicone is to create the thinnest protective film on the surface of the processed materials. This film works like this. UV filterReflecting ultraviolet rays, which are the main cause of color burnout and the destruction of molecular bonds in plastic. Without such protection, torpedoes and door cards become brittle over time, lose their color saturated, and become covered with a network of small cracks that can no longer be eliminated by polishing.

In addition to the visual effect, silicone performs an important technical function - it penetrates into the micropores of the material, restoring its elasticity. This is particularly relevant for rubber sealer doors, hatch and glass, which in a dry state begin to pass moisture and make extraneous sounds when moving. The lubricated seal retains softness even at extremely low temperatures, preventing doors from freezing in winter.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use technical silicone or WD-40 to process the cabin. These formulations contain aggressive solvents that can corrosive plastic, leave greasy spots and cause an allergic reaction in the driver and passengers.

Another important aspect is the antistatic effect. The treated surfaces attract less dust and small debris, which greatly simplifies the subsequent cleaning of the cabin. The mud is not eaten into the structure of the plastic, but remains on the surface, from where it is easily removed with a wet wipe. This allows you to maintain a neat look of the interior for much longer without the need for aggressive chemistry with each cleaning.

Types of silicone compounds and their properties

The automotive chemistry market offers a variety of options, which are divided by base type, shine degree and additional features. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right tool for your car and personal preferences. The main categories include water-based sprays, solvent aerosols and concentrated gels.

• 🧴 Water-based sprays: Create a thin, barely noticeable layer, often with a matte or satin effect, do not greasy hands and quickly dry.
• 🌫️ Solvent-based aerosols: Provide deep penetration and high gloss, but require caution when applied due to the strong smell.
• 💧 Concentrates and gels: Designed for professional detailing, allow you to regulate the concentration of the active substance and economical in consumption.

When choosing a product, it is important to pay attention to the declared level of shine. For modern cars with matte instrument panels or texture plastic, compositions with the effect of "wet plastic" are categorically not suitable. They create glare on the windshield that distracts the driver and impairs visibility, especially in sunny weather or at night in headlights.

Special attention should be paid to the compositions with the addition of conditioning. Such products not only create the film, but also nourish the material, preventing its aging from the inside. Often, flavors are added to them, but be careful: the intrusive smell of a “new car” or cheap fragrance can cause headaches on long trips. It is better to choose products with a neutral aroma or without fragrance at all.

Criteria for the selection of a quality product

Choosing silicone for the interior of a car is not just buying the first can on the shelf of a store. A quality product must meet a number of strict requirements to ensure the safety and durability of the coating. Ignoring these parameters can lead to damage of expensive interior elements.

The first and most important criterion is the safety of the materials. The composition should be inert with respect to various types of plastic, leather, vinyl and rubber. Aggressive components can cause clouding of transparent elements or a change in the color of the light interior. Always check the label on the package for labels. "Safe for all surfaces" Or similar.

The second criterion is resistance to temperature changes. The interior of the car is subjected to extreme conditions: from the scorching sun, when the temperature of plastic reaches +80 ° C, to winter frosts. A good silicone should not become sticky in the heat or crack in the cold. It must retain its properties over a wide range of temperatures.

Parameter	Quality product	Cheap analogue
Basis	Water or silicone emulsion	Aggressive solvents
Smell.	Neutral or weak	Sharp, chemical.
Stickyness	Absent after drying	It's still sticky.
UV protection	It's on the package.	Absent.

It is also worth considering the convenience of packaging and spraying. The fog must be finely dispersed to evenly cover the surface without the formation of large droplets that drain into the crevices. The presence of a spray tube in the kit will allow you to process hard-to-reach places, such as deflector grilles and joints of panels.

Technology of application and treatment of the salon

The process of applying silicone requires preliminary surface preparation. Applying protection to dirty or dusty plastic will cause you to preserve dirt, and removing it later will be extremely difficult. Therefore, the first stage is a thorough washing and degreasing of surfaces.

Use a special plastic cleaner or a universal cabin cleaner (APC) to remove old layers of protection, dust and fat spots. After washing, the surface must be dryed with microfibre. Only clean and dry plastic is applied. protector.

The application process itself is better to perform in stages, treating small areas with an area of 0.5-1 square meters. Spray the product either directly on the surface (if the instruction allows), or on the applicator. Evenly distribute the composition in circular movements, avoiding the formation of puddles at the joints.

⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to spray silicone on the steering wheel, pedals and gear lever. These elements should always remain dry and have maximum grip on the hands and shoes to avoid emergencies.

After distribution, allow the composition time to act (usually 2-5 minutes), and then polish the surface with a dry clean microfiber until you get the desired effect. If you use concentrate, follow the breeding instructions, as too high a concentration can make the plastic sticky.

Elimination of creaks and protection of seals

One of the frequent problems of used cars is the appearance of creaks in the cabin. The source of sound is often rubbing plastic panels or dried rubber seals. Silicone lubrication effectively solves this problem by penetrating the gaps and reducing the friction coefficient.

To eliminate plastic creaks, use silicone in the form of a spray with a thin sputter tube. This will allow you to deliver the lubricant directly to the contact point of the parts. It is important not to overdo the amount so that the product does not drip on upholstery or electronics. After application, you need to press the panel several times to ensure that the lubricant is distributed.

Rubber door seals require a special approach. They must be cleaned of dirt and old lubricant, and then abundantly soaked with silicone. This will restore their volume and elasticity. Regular treatment of seals twice a year (spring and autumn) prevents their rupture and loss of airtightness of the cabin.

There are also special silicone thick lubricants for guide glasses and hatches. They have increased adhesion and are not washed out by rain, providing smooth movement of mechanisms and protection from corrosion. The use of such compounds prolongs the life of expensive window-lifting mechanisms.

Frequent mistakes in the use of autochemistry

Even using a high-quality product, you can get a negative result due to a violation of the technology of application. The most common mistake is applying funds to hot plastic under direct sunlight. In this case, the composition dries instantly, not having time to penetrate the pores, and leaves divorces that are extremely difficult to remove.

The second mistake is to ignore the instructions for a particular product. Some sprays require mandatory polishing after application, others must remain on the surface. Violation of this rule leads to either a greasy coating or to the absence of a protective effect.

Can silicone be used for skin?

Yeah, but only specialized. Conventional silicone for plastic can clog the pores of natural leather, disrupting air exchange, or cause slipping on the seats. For leather interior, use air conditioners based on lanolin or wax marked "for the skin".

Also, you should not mix products from different manufacturers. Chemical components can react, leading to a clouding of the coating or a change in the color of the plastic. If you decide to change the brand of chemistry, be sure to completely remove the previous layer with a cleaner.

Remember that frequent use of glossy polyroles can lead to irreversible changes in the structure of the top layer of plastic, making it sticky forever. In such cases, only repainting the part or replacement will help. Therefore, for daily care, it is better to choose light matte sprays-antistatics.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

How often should the salon be treated with silicone?

The optimal processing frequency depends on the operating conditions and product quality. On average, the protective layer lasts 2-4 weeks. To maintain the effect, it is recommended to update the coating once a month or after each deep dry cleaning of the cabin.

Can silicone be used to restore burnt plastic?

Silicone can visually refresh the color and hide small scratches, giving a rich hue. However, it is not able to restore the chemical structure of the destroyed UV-rays plastic. If the plastic has become whitish and brittle, only repainting or replacing the part will help.

Is silicone safe for multimedia touchscreens?

Most car silicones are safe for screens, but can leave greasy traces that impair sensitivity and readability. For screens, it is better to use special sprays marked "Anti-fingerprint" or just microfiber, avoiding getting silicone on the display.

How to remove excess silicone if divorces have occurred?

To remove the stains and excesses, use a degreaser, isopropyl alcohol, or a special plastic cleaner (APC). Apply the product to the microfiber and thoroughly wipe the surface, then polish with a dry cloth.