Refinishing Tailgate Trim

[rebelgregory]

Putting my truck back together after paint. My tailgate trim is ok overall, but has a couple small dents in it. I wanted to straighten those out and touch up the black paint and possibly clearcoat it.

Question is: Has anyone been able to duplicate the original 'brushed' finish? Is there a certain grit sand paper that would work? Any other success stories are welcome.

Pic isn't of my truck, but the trim is the same.

 

[sweetk30]

I tried to play with one . its more like a coating . DO NOT play with it to much .

and fyi you can pull it off the gate . then bend the tabs all back and pull the outer skin off and wok it REAL EASY from the back side.

this stuff is thin so be carefull.

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

Hmm, if you're daring, I'd start with a light sand paper and work your way down to try and match the finish. I bet 120 would be close. Grab a junk piece of metal and give it a whirl? Along with the clear coat, you'd wanna see the finished product all the way through before attempting on your trim. Just spraying on clear might give it a plasticky look

We could be completely wrong all together, or it could turn out just fine and the only one who'd know is you.

 

[rebelgregory]

The trim is already off the truck. Hadn't thought about pulling the tabs back and peeling off the skin. Might have to give it a shot. If nothing else, to get the dings out.

And yeah, the clearcoat was just a guess. Not sure how it'll work out, but this gives me an idea. If I can peel the skin off, I might try to replicate the texture on the backside and clear it just to test it out.