Trim resurfacing

[Broke]

I'm getting around to making the interior more presentable, and the trim is a problem area that needs to be addressed. It's clearly worn down, scuffed, right through the color. I'd rather not replace the entire interior if I can avoid it, since all the trim, including the MJ-specific pieces, all show the same wear. What's my best route for refinishing my trim pieces?

 

This image represents the wear typical of most of the pieces. Column trim shows less but similar wear.

http://i.imgur.com/86NGim1.jpg

[shelbyluvv]

I would toss it all in the trash and find either factory black trim or replace it all. It is going to continue to flake off. You can find used parts, clean it very well, prep it and respray it. If you don't you are just wasting your time.

[ARareBreed]

Scuff with a red Scotchbrite to smooth down the flakes enough and paint with plastic spray paint. I recommend clearing with matte clear coat to look more factory to protect from further flaking.

[Broke]

That's what I was thinking of doing. While I can probably get clean lower trim cheap and maybe even local, I think I'll try putting some elbow grease into the b-pillars before dropping $200 on an eBay pair I will need to paint regardless. Any recommendations on paint and flatcoat?

[Dzimm]

If you don't mind the gray color underneath you can strip the paint off of them.

[schardein]

^{SEM brand "Color Coat" paint for plastics is great stuff that I've had excellent results with.  However, my personal opinion is that it is best used to freshen up parts back to the original color.} 

 

^{I did change the color on some interior parts in a K5 Blazer, from white to saddle tan, and with very good results.  While the stuff is surprisingly durable, I wouldn't expect it to hold up in high traffic areas.}

[johnj92131]

No paint job is ever better than the preparation work put into it.  You see the results of poor preparation.   So, since you don't want to spend $200 or more, Take a shot at cleaning, scrubbing, skuffing the heck out of 1 or 2 pieces you have.  Get rid of as much of the old paint as possible.  Then do it again!  Clean the surface with a fast evaporating degreaser like alcohol.  Prime lightly, etc.  You know the drill.

 

SMS has a good reputation!  Don't they have a primer also for the trim?  Use both, primer and finish.  See what it looks like, then make a decision if you want to do the work on the rest of the plastic trim.

 

Don't forget to post results for the rest of us to see!  Good Luck.