Did something stupid. With window down in door of the 98 E300 due to broken regulator, I taped a plastic bag over the window to keep the rain out. I should have used painters tape, but I thought duct tape would be more secure. Not on the paint, and just in a few places on the door trim.

Regulator fixed, got car back, noticed some tape residue on the black trim piece of the rear door. Tried to get it off with Windex and paper towels....then made my big mistake of using a kitchen scrubby. Now the finish is dull with lots of fine scratches.

My auto body guy says I ought to be able to buff it out with a polishing compound. Anyone have any recommendations? And any cautions lest I compound my stupidity?

I have a 3M kit to polish my headlights...wonder if that compound is as good as any.

__________________
14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 154k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 172k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 142k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

See if you can find an inconspicuous spot and try some alternatives. My guess would be a mild rubbing compound followed by a good quality wax (Mother's, etc.). Scrubbies are rarely a good idea on things automotive.

Dan

I can experiment on my wife's Odyssey!

__________________
14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 154k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 172k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 142k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

Rubbing compound is your only hope. But it should work ok if the scratches aren't too deep. Next time, try "goop off" or some type of adhesive remover instead.

__________________
1991 350SDL 350k+ miles

Aluminum trim is usually clear anodized ( or otherwise coated ) so bringing things back to an even finish might be difficult.

For general fine polishing of tail lights and such I use 3M Finess It. It is a super fine white polishing compound that comes in a quart bottle. Works best with a buffer but will work on tail lights by hand. Last time I bought some they only sold quarts and it was somewhat pricy, I think it is sold is smaller bottles now.