So I realized that my dealer damaged the rubber trim on the small pillar separating the large and small rear windows while polishing some scratches on my GS300. Not to mention that he left swirl marks on the paint from the machine, but that's another story, and I can probably polish that out myself. However, it looks like while he was going over the upper portion of the rear door panel, the polishing pad must have contacted the rubber trim and consequently left some hard, white scuff marks (looks like the rubber got burned) on the trim. I noticed this after washing my car since it was still there, as I initially thought it was just polish residue. Is there any way to fix this? I'll try to take pics of it tonight or tomorrow.

 

If the actual rubber is burned then I doubt it can be fixed. It will have to be replaced. If it is just polish residue some alcohol+water will take it right off, but it sounds like the buffer came into contact with the rubber and ripped it up. You should lecture them on taping off trim.

 

Thanks, picus. I'll take a closer look at it tonight and try using alcohol and water or detailing spray to see if it comes off. Keep you guys posted.

 

SGT try some "Forever Black Bumper & Trim Cleaner and Reconditioner" .
The package comes in two bottles .A cleaner and a reconditioner.
The reconditioner is basically black paint for plastic trim.
I do all the plastic trim every time I detail my car and it comes out looking brand new.I don't consider my detailing complete until I've used it on the platic trim.
I've never seen it at the local stores I always get it online .
See www.foreverblack.com.
Check autopia.com and you'll find a couple of vendors who sell it.

 

Ah - great idea. I didn't even consider forever black. Ya, that's quality stuff, the reconditioner might fix it so that whatever damage remains doesn't bother you enough that you need to have it replaced. Sort of like touching up a rock chip.

 

Well, it turns out that the trim wasn't damaged (woohoo!) and it was only hardened polish residue. I guess I was freaking out after it didn't come off from when I washed the car. It was raining last night when I got home after work and I just rubbed the trim with my finger and eventually, the stuff came off. What a relief! Thanks to all for the suggestions.