Faded Window Trim

[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.

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[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.

 

[scarchild35]

Yes, as loweredon33s said, try the Chemical Guys stuff. They have a vinyl and rubber formula restore/protect which will probably take care of that.

 

[2020FX4]

I had this happen on my Ranger about a year after I bought it... Luckily I was still under the warranty and Ford replaced them. It's been fine ever since.

Good to know there are a few solutions to fix it with a little elbow grease.

 

[GitRDone]

10 4 thanks everyone.

 

[Loweredon33s]

Yes, as loweredon33s said, try the Chemical Guys stuff. They have a vinyl and rubber formula restore/protect which will probably take care of that.

Magic eraser is the key, you can use different cleaners.

 

[SDXLT]

Mine did the same thing. I’m still under warranty and it didn’t occur to me to get it replaced. Regardless, I took a propane torch and turned the flame all the way down and ran it down the length of the trim and it looks brand new. Took less than a minute each side. You can search YouTube to see it done.

 

[Trustable]

Hmm I wonder if there is some 303 product that will fix this?
I’n all serious there is quite a few products that fix black vinyl/rubber/plastic trim. I see chemical guys has a product and if it’s anything like their foam or polishing compounds I’d imagine it would work well. I know you can heat them as well with the torch and they will look great (for a bit not a long term solution) but may become very brittle.

 

[tnewcomb6370]

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.

Did this today and still can't get over how easy it was to turn it back to black. Looks like the day I bought it.

 

[Loweredon33s]

Did this today and still can't get over how easy it was to turn it back to black. Looks like the day I bought it.

Awesome! A friend tried it with magic eraser and plain water, he had great results too!

 

[chasvs]

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.

Replaced all 4 pieces. One screw accessible from inside door with no other panel removal required. 5 minute job for each piece.

 

[paval3]

Did this today and still can't get over how easy it was to turn it back to black. Looks like the day I bought it.

Curious, now that it's about a year since you used the Chemical Guys stuff, interested to hear how it lasted. Is the trim still back to looking like when you bought the truck?

Weird, one side of my truck is doing the faded window trim. Both sides are exposed to the sun equal amount of time. 2021 Ranger XLT Crew. I do have an ESP warranty.... would that cover replacement?

 

[Canadian Ranger]

Curious, now that it's about a year since you used the Chemical Guys stuff, interested to hear how it lasted. Is the trim still back to looking like when you bought the truck?

Weird, one side of my truck is doing the faded window trim. Both sides are exposed to the sun equal amount of time. 2021 Ranger XLT Crew. I do have an ESP warranty.... would that cover replacement?

I've used 15 different brands over the years, and none have lasted more than a week. I'd be interested in knowing too, but I'd bet it's not better.

 

[tnewcomb6370]

Curious, now that it's about a year since you used the Chemical Guys stuff, interested to hear how it lasted. Is the trim still back to looking like when you bought the truck?

Weird, one side of my truck is doing the faded window trim. Both sides are exposed to the sun equal amount of time. 2021 Ranger XLT Crew. I do have an ESP warranty.... would that cover replacement?

Just a little bit of fading on the edge but still looks good. Can probably touch up in lest then 2 minutes.

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