Push through retainer connection with integrated hinging seal

A method of using a press-in retainer to join a surface element to a support structure, the support structure having an acceptance opening, the method comprising:

• placing a retainer head of the press-in retainer into a channel defined by the surface element, the retainer head including a collar, a platform, and a neck disposed between the collar and the platform;
• and
• inserting a clip portion of the press-in retainer into an acceptance opening of the support structure, the clip portion extending from the collar of the retainer head and comprising two or more wing elements each having at least one surface that presses against an interior surface of the acceptance opening to continuously urge the press-in retainer downward;
• wherein the press-in retainer further comprises a seal disposed about a perimeter of the collar and comprising a main body and a sealing foot, the sealing foot being connected to the main body by a living hinge extending along a perimeter of the main body and being disposed entirely outboard from the collar.