If you have already coated your paintwork, you are halfway to a protected car. The parts that usually age first are not the glossy panels. It is the porous plastics the rubber seals around windows and lights and the PPF or vinyl wraps that take the hit from UV, dust, road grime and constant washing. The good news is that modern ceramic technology has evolved far beyond paint. Today you can protect every surface with the same long-lasting performance and the same easy maintenance.

This guide explains how ceramic coatings work on plastics, rubbers and PPF using the full YumCars Serum range. It also links into our broader ceramic knowledge base, including The Complete Guide to Ceramic Coatings and Surface Protection and How to Apply Ceramic Coating Like a Pro at Home.

All coatings mentioned are available in Australia through VCM Performance here: Car Protection Coatings Collection.

Why Protect Plastics and Rubber?

Exterior plastics and rubbers face tougher conditions than paint. These surfaces are more porous and more vulnerable to UV, heat and chemical exposure. Over time, you see fading hardening chalkiness, water spotting and permanent staining. A ceramic coating designed specifically for trim solves this by bonding into the surface and restoring a darker factory-fresh look.

Trim Serum is engineered to feed and protect these surfaces while resisting UV and oxidation. Instead of sitting on top like a dressing, it absorbs into the trim to create a new base that repels water, dirt and dust.

Benefits of ceramic trim protection:

• Restores dark colour and depth
• Stops fading, cracking and chalkiness
• Keeps water beading and dirt sliding off
• Reduces maintenance and washing time
• Lasts up to two years from one application

Why PPF and Vinyl Need a Different Type of Ceramic Coating

Paint protection film and vinyl wraps behave differently from paint. They stretch and move with the panel. Traditional ceramic coatings harden, which can cause cracking or reduced flexibility. This is why PPF and vinyl require a flexible ceramic chemistry that bonds into the film without limiting movement.

PPF Serum is built specifically for film. It absorbs into the topcoat of the PPF, which preserves clarity while increasing gloss, slickness and stain resistance.

What PPF Serum protects against:

• Yellowing from UV exposure
• Stains from bugs, tar, and bird droppings
• Etching from chemical fallout
• Water spotting and dullness
• Loss of slickness and clarity

Because PPF is more porous than paint, you can also layer PPF Serum for added durability.

How Flexible Ceramic Technology Works

All YumCars coatings are built on a flexible chemistry that partially absorbs into the surface rather than forming a brittle shell. This makes them suitable for surfaces that expand or flex, such as trim rubber and film.

This also creates a more natural look. Instead of sitting on top of the material the coating becomes part of it, which enhances colour and clarity in a subtle, genuine way.

How to Prepare Plastics, Rubbers and PPF for Ceramic Coating

Preparation is the same principle as ceramic coating paint. The cleaner the surface, the stronger the bond. This avoids premature failure streaking or patchiness.

Step 1: Wash the entire car

Ensure all dirt and road film are removed. Focus on crevices around trim and edges of film.

Step 2: Degrease the surface

Use a safe APC or citrus-based cleaner. Trim and PPF often hold onto sunscreen residue, oils and silicone from previous dressings.

Step 3: Use an IPA or panel wipe

This removes any remaining oils so the coating can bond correctly. Never skip this step.

Step 4: Ensure the surface is dry

Moisture will block bonding and cause patching.

How to Apply Ceramic Coating to Trim

Trim Serum is very easy to apply at home. You only need one even layer.

1. Apply a small amount onto a foam applicator.
2. Work the product into the trim in straight lines until fully covered.
3. Wipe away slight excess if needed. Do not over buff.
4. Allow the surface to cure without water exposure.

Most users immediately notice deeper colour and stronger water beading. A second layer can be added later for increased depth.

How to Apply Ceramic Coating to PPF or Vinyl

PPF Serum follows the same principles but requires thinner passes due to the porosity of the film.

1. Apply product in controlled straight passes.
2. Allow the film to drink the product before lightly levelling.
3. Leave the surface untouched for the recommended cure time.
4. Add a second layer if higher durability is desired.

How Long Does Protection Last?

• Trim Serum: Up to 2 years
• PPF Serum: Up to 2 years, depending on layers
• Paint Serums II IV VI: 2 to 6 years, depending on formula

Film and trim surfaces usually look better for longer when ceramic coated because they naturally hide micro defects that would otherwise show on paint.

Common Questions

Can I use Paint Serum on trim?

No. It is designed for a non-porous clear coat. Always use Trim Serum.

Can I ceramic coat matte PPF?

Yes. PPF Serum works on both gloss and matte films without adding unwanted shine.

Will ceramic coating stop plastic fading?

Yes. It blocks UV and moisture, which are the main causes of fading.

Can beginners apply these coatings?

Yes. Trim Serum and PPF Serum are designed for home installers as long as preparation is done properly.

If you want your car to look newer for longer ceramic protection on trim, rubber and PPF is one of the highest impact upgrades you can make. Paint is important but these surfaces are the first to fade. With flexible ceramic technology, you can protect the full exterior of your car with long term results and very low maintenance.

You can explore the full range of coatings here: YumCars Protection Collection.