based on my experience....2000 grit won't remove the anodizing that must be removed before the trim will shine....unless you have time and stamina to keep sanding

i spent a lot of time stripping mine then finally used 400 grit to strip it, black emory to remove the scratch & final coloring with rouge polish...after sanding, you won't find a product that will remove the scratches by hand, the only way is a polishing motor & compounds

it ain't easy

Thank you Esty.

I'm headed down to buy some 400 grit.

I've been trying steel wool but thats a little slow and I haven't had much in the way of results.

Strip paint with 80da? I use 40grinder. Strip anodize with 400? I use 80da. Your attention to detail must be great. Your cars are fortunate.
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You can buff up a real nice shine. Small dings and scratches can also be tapped out and sanded to smooth. You will need to go back with chrome polish occasionally as the piece is no longer anodized or sealed. I tried POR Glisten but it didn't have the clarity or shine as when just buffed up. I've seen some home anodizing instructions but didn't try it.

DukeRimmer wrote:

Strip paint with 80da? I use 40grinder. Strip anodize with 400? I use 80da. Your attention to detail must be great. Your cars are fortunate.

lol...me patient...not at all i just try to restrain myself so i don't cause disasters...i did try some courser sandpaper on the trim but blew thru the metal in quick order....holes in your aluminum trim are difficult to impossible to repair :)

i try to take the safe not sorry approach when it comes to my cars...there old and should be gently & respectfully caressed...

i also polish & wax them with my bare hands....you can feel the slightest imperfection and the heat from your hands seems to spread the waxes and polishes better....you get to know every nuance of your car.....anyone else do this?

PeteinMissionViejo wrote:

I tried POR Glisten but it didn't have the clarity or shine as when just buffed up. I've seen some home anodizing instructions but didn't try it.

with the glisten, you have to handle it like any automotive clearcoat...it takes a week or longer to fully cure as it's humidity activated...

after it cures, sand with 1500 then 2000 then cut & buff the same as you would the hood of your car, if you want a bright finish...just applying it and walking away isn't gonna give you a deep shine

it does sparkle