Question on Detailing Window Trim

[cmb13]

I have a 2011 MB e350 wagon - the silver window trim is looking pretty junky. It is slightly pitted, and faded. I'm not sure what it is made of. Can anyone tell me how to restore this? Does it require a polish, sanding, or other? Thanks.

This picture is not my car but a similar one for detail of the silver window trim.
http://media.trb.com/media/photo/2010-07/54702002.jpg

[rms64]

Maybe this will help a bit...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/61620-p21s-polishing-soap-mini-review.html

[Paul A.]

I can also vouch for that stuff. I used it on some wheels i was selling and it worked wonders with minimal effort.

That's a great write up for application on window trim.

[conman1395]

I'd try Klasse AIO first.

[DogRescuer]

But guys he said slightly pitted, wouldnt that mean its time to replace. Not for faded ( it can b polished ) but pitted,, come on.

[oldmodman]

Is the trim metal? (aluminum, chromed or anodized, or stainless steel)

Or just painted or chrome look plastic?

Metal (unless anodized) can be polished. Chrome look plastic can not. If it is damaged it must either be painted or just replaced. The chrome look finish can not be replaced.

[cmb13]

Thanks I'm really not sure what it is made of. You would think with a Mercedes they would use metal but the quality of this vehicle has not been what I would have expected in general so maybe not.

I might try the P21S as above. Nothing to lose. I also have Never Dull from my motorcycle days - wonder if it would help?

[Ebg18t]

I'd try Klasse AIO first.

I agree. This would be a good starting point.

[expdetailing]

Thanks I'm really not sure what it is made of. You would think with a Mercedes they would use metal but the quality of this vehicle has not been what I would have expected in general so maybe not.

I might try the P21S as above. Nothing to lose. I also have Never Dull from my motorcycle days - wonder if it would help?

BE VERY CAREFUL WITH NEVR-DULL AND DO A TEST SPOT FIRST!!!
You could easily scratch several inches worth in no time.

[geekdout]

Klasse AIO is a good place to start but I would really try and determine what kind of material you are working with.

I feel like you should be able to get a sense of what it is just by tapping on the trim with different materials.

If it were my car and I couldn't figure out what it was by the look and the feel of it I would start looking online in the forums to see if this is a common problem. I would also check and see if there are OEM replacement parts available anywhere if there are then they should give some kind of specs. on the part.

[KB in MD]

a soft covered magnet should at least tell if it's a ferous metal?