Cloudy Film on Exterior Trim and Roof Bar

[S212_Designo]

Does anyone know how to restore the polished metal trim on the exterior of my car?

I’ve tried Bilt Hamber Clay Bars as well as professional detailing in the past but to no avail.

I’ve uploaded pictures to show what I mean when I say cloudy film staining on the polished exterior trim (not the chrome trim).

It’s particularly visible close to the car and on the roof rails, too.

Any advice, products would be really appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[EmilysDad]

I can't offer any other suggestions but your car is not unique .... my ML has similar looking 'chrome' as did my R Class before it.

 

[JBell]

You need this @Morethanpolish

https://morethanpolish.com/product/hindsight-window-trim-roof-bar-restorer-kit/

 

[mioba]

i would try something like brasso first.

 

[richlumb]

I used Meguiars ultimate compound and polish (as they don’t leave white residue on rubbers) and a da polisher, was taking ages by hand

 

[Gazwould]

I've never seen a definitive conclusion to this issue , plenty of solutions though..

 

[Morethanpolish]

Thanks to JBell above - our Hindsight Roof Bar & Trim Restorer product works in the vast majority of cases.

Brasso contains Ammonia and acid - not good for trim thats already deteriorated, compounds dont work as you're not taking dead paint off/removing scratches.

 

[richlumb]

Thanks to JBell above - our Hindsight Roof Bar & Trim Restorer product works in the vast majority of cases.

Brasso contains Ammonia and acid - not good for trim thats already deteriorated, compounds dont work as you're not taking dead paint off/removing scratches. View attachment 62151

Compound worked on my black window trims fine and also a colleagues chrome trim so that statement is in correct

 

[JBell]

Thanks to JBell above - our Hindsight Roof Bar & Trim Restorer product works in the vast majority of cases.

I have just ordered some as mine and my Mothers need sorting on our W204 Wagons

 

[S212_Designo]

Thanks to JBell above - our Hindsight Roof Bar & Trim Restorer product works in the vast majority of cases.

Brasso contains Ammonia and acid - not good for trim thats already deteriorated, compounds dont work as you're not taking dead paint off/removing scratches. View attachment 62151

Thanks, will order now and give this a go

 

[Rotorhead500]

I have just ordered some as mine and my Mothers need sorting on our W204 Wagons

Let us know how you get on with it JB... The other half's Ovlov is suffering badly from milky trimitis!

 

[JBell]

Let us know how you get on with it JB... The other half's Ovlov is suffering badly from milky trimitis!

Will do, it arrived yesterday

 

[Craiglxviii]

Does anyone know how to restore the polished metal trim on the exterior of my car?

I’ve tried Bilt Hamber Clay Bars as well as professional detailing in the past but to no avail.

I’ve uploaded pictures to show what I mean when I say cloudy film staining on the polished exterior trim (not the chrome trim).

It’s particularly visible close to the car and on the roof rails, too.

Any advice, products would be really appreciated.

Cheers.

Just seen this thread.

The problem is that the hard bright anodising of the aluminium trim has failed. There is no true fix other than stripping the trim off the car and having it re-anodised.

 

[JBell]

Just seen this thread.

The problem is that the hard bright anodising of the aluminium trim has failed. There is no true fix other than stripping the trim off the car and having it re-anodised.

Or wrapping them

 

[Craiglxviii]

Or wrapping them

There is that option yes. In fact, likely that is the best looking & most durable option going.

 

[Rotorhead500]

There is that option yes. In fact, likely that is the best looking & most durable option going.

Hammerite them. In situ.

 

[Blobcat]

Hammerite them. In situ.

1" brush?

 

[Rotorhead500]

1" brush?

Obvs!

 

[EmilysDad]

Hammerite them. In situ.

original or smooth?

 

[Rotorhead500]

original or smooth?

That's a very personal choice ED... not for me to advise!