This week I decided to try to restore the textured black plastic trim on both the driver's and passenger's side mirror on my 2001 Prius. The material on both sides was badly faded, but the worst part was old, baked-on white streaks from previous, sloppy applications of Nu Finish.
I tried various things to remove the Nu Finish residue, including mineral spirits, IPA, DP Exterior Cleaner, and the pre-cleaner that comes with Forever Black, but nothing seemed to make a dent in it. In the end, I just gave up and applied the Forever Black; when that dried, I applied some Wolfgang Trim Sealer.
This approach seems to have been a big mistake, as the Nu Finish streaks are still quite visible through the correctives, plus now I have spots from over-applying the FB (see photo). Can anyone suggest the best way to strip off what I've just put on and then get rid of the Nu Finish once and for all?
Try Purple Power undiluted (just try to keep it away from the paint) and scrub, scrub, scrub. It should strip everything away and prep your trim for your favorite trim conditioner.
Strip all that stuff off with a good cleaner and scrubbings. The ETS may be a problem to remove although the fact you put that forever black stuff in first might make it all come off easier. Then clean off the residue from the cleaners with IPA. Then try this Review: Solution Finish “Brings Black Back” (Trim Restoration Product)
Forgive me but in the picture that doesn't look like textured plastic trim, it looks like smooth metal that may be painted or anodized. If it is, you need to be careful or you may remove/damage the coating.
Forgive me but in the picture that doesn't look like textured plastic trim, it looks like smooth metal that may be painted or anodized. If it is, you need to be careful or you may remove/damage the coating.
Ooops! Uh, yes, when I checked more closely just now after reading your post, I see that it is indeed some kind of painted or anodized metal. Thank you for pointing that out: You have sharp eyes! Now I feel like a complete idiot!
Thanks to all for the suggestions, not all of which may actually still be advisable in light of my gaffe.
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