Faded Window Trim Restoration

[Brennan]

Hello all! I just wanted to share my experience with restoring my faded window trim. I used a buffing compound from Meguiar's and had a noticeable improvement.

Full disclosure--I know that the buffing compound is essentially a cutting agent and if there were any protective coating on the window trim, the buffing compound might compromise it's integrity. However, I live in Florida, so any potential protective coating has likely long since been irradiated away.

I used Meguiar's Ultimate Compound with a microfiber hand applicator. I was able to get the results you see in the picture after a single application. I have read that other members in this community have used products like Mother's Back-to-Black for restoration and 303 Aerospace Protectant to UV protection/fade prevention. Anyone else have success with techniques/tips/products that they would like to share?

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[NvrFinished]

My faded window trim was replaced under warranty. I haven't had any issues since. Great improvement on yours though.

 

[Brennan]

My faded window trim was replaced under warranty. I haven't had any issues since. Great improvement on yours though.

That's cool that your window trim was replaced under warranty. I hadn't considered going that route. Thanks for the info and compliment!

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Hello all! I just wanted to share my experience with restoring my faded window trim. I used a buffing compound from Meguiar's and had a noticeable improvement.

Full disclosure--I know that the buffing compound is essentially a cutting agent and if there were any protective coating on the window trim, the buffing compound might compromise it's integrity. However, I live in Florida, so any potential protective coating has likely long since been irradiated away.

I used Meguiar's Ultimate Compound with a microfiber hand applicator. I was able to get the results you see in the picture after a single application. I have read that other members in this community have used products like Mother's Back-to-Black for restoration and 303 Aerospace Protectant to UV protection/fade prevention. Anyone else have success with techniques/tips/products that they would like to share?

ironic I just posted about this in another thread. . .

try some tar remover on a microfiber towel. If warranty claim doesn't work.

And after you get done use 303 aerospace or a trim coating to reseal it. . . I use 303 aerospace on my door handles and they repeal water and look very black... I would not recommend using the cerakote wipes as they fail fairly quickly, ad when they fail it looks ugly...ask me how I know . . .

using a polishing compound on the rubber can actually make it seem worse because the compound will get stuck in the pores of the rubber and show prominently . . .

 

[Old Norm]

I applied Cerakote to all the plastic trim on my car and it looks great. It is supposed to last a long time as well. You would need to clean off any previous applications of other products first. Dawn soap is recommended.

 

[MXGOLF]

I like the Back to Black stuff. Just my 2 cents worth. Use a rag and wipe on and good for a few months.

 

[AzScorpion]

Many don't encounter the heat and high UV rays we have here in AZ. So I go by what's worked best for me all these years and yes it's 303. Before Graphene came out I used the Aerospace protectant and it does a great job at protecting all the plastic, leather and rubber. My dash on my '19 still looked as good as the day I bought it 4 years later. Heck even my e brake boot was still perfect where it seems most here had to replace theirs. Now with Graphene out all my exterior get this while the interior still gets the Aerospace protectant 2-3 times a year.

 

[MXGOLF]

You are funny Dave! I like the new avatar. LOL Do you get a new T shirt too!

 

[subquark]

ironic I just posted about this in another thread. . .

try some tar remover on a microfiber towel. If warranty claim doesn't work.

And after you get done use 303 aerospace or a trim coating to reseal it. . . I use 303 aerospace on my door handles and they repeal water and look very black... I would not recommend using the cerakote wipes as they fail fairly quickly, ad when they fail it looks ugly...ask me how I know . . .

using a polishing compound on the rubber can actually make it seem worse because the compound will get stuck in the pores of the rubber and show prominently . . .

I swear by 303 Aerospace Protectant. I put it on the tonneau cover and all plastic and rubber/silicone parts.

We've used it for a few years on inflatable kayaks and it seems to help.

I think you probably need to apply it pretty regularly in heavy sun (and even up here in New England, the sun's very good at baking stuff).

And a bottle goes a long way, just wipe it on with a microfiber towel - it only needs to look wet.

https://www.goldeagle.com/product/303-aerospace-protectant/

You can also get it on Amazon but @AzScorpion doesn't have to split the profit with Jeff Bozos with the actual distributor's link (Dave is trying to build a bigger yacht than Bozos, so toss the guy a buck). =)


Dave's current poor man's yacht - no truck garage on this cheapo one

 

[AzScorpion]

You are funny Dave! I like the new avatar. LOL Do you get a new T shirt too!

Hmmm, I could give myself one. But in this economy I should really save it for a paying customer. ??

 

[TheAssuager]

Wanted to thank OP for the recommendation. I had tried a couple products unsuccessfully, then accepted that's just how the window trim was going to look on my 2020. Not sure how it got so bad in so little time! Anyways, tried the method you tried and they look brand new

 

[Brennan]

Wanted to thank OP for the recommendation. I had tried a couple products unsuccessfully, then accepted that's just how the window trim was going to look on my 2020. Not sure how it got so bad in so little time! Anyways, tried the method you tried and they look brand new

Glad it helped. Lookin' good!

 

[GitRDone]

My window trim molding on both sides has faded from black to a scuzzy grey. It looks like there is a clear protective strip over the molding which has faded to a cloudy grey, causing the discoloration. I was tempted to peel that protector off, but thought twice. Has anyone experienced this, and how did you fix it?
P.S. The dark area in the photo on the left side of the molding is where I tried a bit of rubbing compound, which helped some but still not great.

 

[Ace]

Yup. Mine looks like that as well. I've heard using Migic Eraser and a rubbing compound would do the trick. I'll be trying that this weekend.

 

[Loweredon33s]

Magic eraser and a little cleaner. I use Chemical guys trim cleaner. Very easy to clean with a little scrubbing. Don’t scrub your paint!! I did this a few months ago and it is still perfectly clean.

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