Trim Restoration
 

I've got both upper and lower trim on my '69 GMC. The trim is in perfect condition - even to my eye and I'm picky.

BUT, the black paint on the trim is faded. Has anyone repainted their trim? What kind of paint do you use? What do you use to mask the trim?

:gmc:

I used blue masking tape from hardware store and semi-gloss black spray for the trim on my 68. I also did the grill on my 69 the same way.

I forget the name, and I can't find it around here, but it was a black "textured" paint- got it at the hardware store....used it a couple years ago on my motorcycle in a couple of accent areas and has held up well and still looks good. Used it again recently on some trim for my truck- again, came out looking good. Just used some "paint" masking tape. The success of your job is in how carefully you mask. Good luck

I'm a little picky myself.When I tried to paint my trim I just couldn't get it to where I was happy with it.

I ended up stripping off the paint and useing black "tack" paper.
I cut it into the appropriate sized strips and stuck it on.
It doesn't scratch or dull and best off if it get's dammaged I can just stick on a new strip.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...a/fbe228b0.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...a/fbe2286a.jpg

Hmmm... I must admit that your "tack" job does look good.

If it doesn't fade or peel, it seems like a good idea.

It does look good.

Where do you get it and how much does it cost?

Another good thing about using tape is that you can get creative with the color rather easily if you wanted to divert from the stock black. Most large autoparts stores have some sort of "blackout" tape that could be used.

I've used tape or colored vinyl on many projects. I just go to the local sign shop, select a color and tell them how much I want. It usually is cut off of a 12-14" roll. Just get a straight edge and an exacto knife or razor blade and the results can be just GREAT.

Painting is appropriate to at times, I just like the super clean edge I can get with tape and vinyl.

A guy at a car show a few years ago told me about using a Sharpie to do the fine lines on the upper trim, and it does a pretty good job. It does fade over time if it's in the sun, but it's pretty easy to do it again, just takes a steady hand and the Sharpie.

I used to detail the sill plates on my Corvette just before judges came around with a black felt marker. Looked shiny and wet for a long time. But this was interior stuff.

I got the black "tack" paper at my local Orchard Hardware and Supply.
It's just "shelf paper" you'd find at just about any local hardware store.
I'm VERY happy with the results.:p

On my former truck, I used a roll of black pin stripe on the upper trim. Made it look new for under $5.