Window Surround Restoration? (2 Viewers)

[Specialeyes]

Looking for recommendations on how to restore the finish on the window surrounds. Mine have a bit of oxidation all the way around. Tried some black trim restore cream with no success. Had a couple of detail guys look it over and one said he could repaint them? The other said paint is not a good idea and to either vinyl wrap or replace. (Not sure that’s even possible.)

 

[doru]

Vinyl wrap is possible, but you need some skills to do it right. You also want it under the rubber seal, so a bit of disassembly is needed if you want to look professional. XPel has actually black paint protection so you get the benefit of their superior material vs. just vinyl.
Paint is more complicated to look right. Some of the trims would have to be removed. It is also more expensive due to all labor involved.

 

[Sandroad]

I use Rustoleum Wipe New. It flat out works on faded, oxidized black plastic. And it's easy to apply.

Amazon.com

 

[Specialeyes]

So far I have tried Meguiars Ultimate Black and Solution Finish. Neither did the trick. If the Rustoleum wipes don’t work out I’ll have to look into the black xpel. Thanks guys!

 

[Specialeyes]

I use Rustoleum Wipe New. It flat out works on faded, oxidized black plastic. And it's easy to apply.

Amazon.com

Ok this stuff is the real deal. I think I'm going to need to apply a second coat but it's already made a noticeable improvement on the main trouble areas! I went ahead and hit some spots that were in move favorable condition and they damn near look brand new with a nice glossy black shine to them!

 

[doru]

I had used various such products over the years. Most of them looked great when applied (my Outback has large unpainted black plastic panels). The issue was always how long they lasted.
I decided to order the XPel film as on my 97 Camry some of the trims around the door windows are plastic but big pieces are actually painted black metal and now badly faded and this kind of products wash off the paint relatively quickly.
My XPel is in the mail.

 

[gasman4u]

Gtechniq has a "permanent trim restorer" product you could check out. Their stuff is expensive, but it's some of the best I have used. If they're going to have to remove it anyways, you may want to just look into getting it replaced and compare costs. Nothing will look as good as a new OEM trim piece IMO.

 

[doru]

Nothing will look as good as a new OEM trim piece IMO.

Good point, although on the Camry those parts were long discontinued.