I just recommended this to another member today and he says the results were small. He intends to try a Dremel and cloth wheel to see if the results are different. Son and I are restoring his C30 headlights. Lotz of elbow grease even when starting with the 360 grit. If the trim is some kind of clear coat you might try wet sanding with an 800 or 1000 grit. 600 if the finer paper does nothing. Nothing to lose.

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Take a look here:

How to fix cloudy chrome window trim

Well I've tried everything you can think of on the chrome trim around the windows to bring them back to life. Then after months of dealing with it and the potential cost upwards of $2,000 to replace all the trim I had an epiphany. What if the chrome had a clear coat on them. Seems logical as to...

www.swedespeed.com

Found it in the How-To thread.

 

Damnit, I must have missed it. I don't remember seeing it in the How-To Thread... Thanks!!

Merry Christmas!

 

Have you tried Flitz metal polish with the buffing ball for a drill?

 

I have not tried that specific metal polish, but I have tried a similar one with a buffing pad, not a ball.

Will probably try the method in the How-To Thread first before attempting this route.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

 

Why clean and polish when you can delete?

 

Always bringing fresh ideas to the table, Capndirk.

But this? This is cool . Will definitely be thinking about doing this, but it may be out of place, as my Camulus rims are silver, and my paint is the electric silver metallic color.

 

I think this is one of those trade secret section of 2nd hand car dealers... what it is is anodized aluminum under clear coat.
To restore it properly, you'd need to sand or somehow remove the clear coat. THEN remove the anodized layer, once done, then sand it up to 2000 grit... then clear coat it to protect it. Didn't take enough chemistry classes to know if all this is worth it to be honest, as it might not last as well as if it's anodized, and might quickly oxidize again...

I've not seen anyone restore it to like new, removing water spots yet, but not shiny like new. Though I've seen couple of volvos here in NZ that once had these spots, and then back on the market with like new trim, that's why I think it's one of those trade secrets of used car dealers. Perhaps they sand and paint over it with chrome paint? I have no idea really and am currently still stuck with quite faded trim.

 

I have 2012 Mercedes Benz C350. Had heavy water spotting on aluminum trim around windows. Tried different polishes, rubbing compounds, vinegar, etc. Then I used Flitz metal polish. Worked like magic! Have used the same on oxidized headlights on 2005 Honda CRV and it is incredible stuff. Headlights are bright and clear with very little elbow grease and small amount of Flitz! Very inexpensive on Amazon and works on metal, plastic, fiberglass, etc. Try it, you will find it works extremely well and goes a long way!

 

I use Nevr Dull Polishing Wad for most of the bright work on my Volvos. Chemical Guys HD Water Spot Remover works quite well, just takes some elbow grease and some patience. I use both on my Volvos and the paint, glass and brightwork all look stellar. I'll see if I can't dig up a picture to show you a before and after.