Refinishing Faded Window Trim on the Acura RSX and Honda Civic (EP3)
Introduction
The plastic trim piece that wraps the front corner of the door glass on the Acura RSX and Honda Civic EP3 loses its factory finish over time, going chalky, grey, and blotchy. Rather than buying replacement pieces, you can pull the trim, strip its failed coating, and repaint it for a fraction of the cost. The job is straightforward and needs only basic hand tools plus rattle-can primer and paint; nearly all of the elapsed time is waiting for coats to dry. This guide covers removing the side mirror to free the trim, prepping the plastic, and recoating it so the finish lasts. It applies to the mirror-corner window trim on the DC5 RSX and EP3 Civic and to the same failure on related Honda models. Adapted from a community writeup by minnSi on Club RSX (https://www.clubrsx.com/threads/diy-window-trim-repair-the-diy-we-all-been-waiting-for.809483/), including corrections from the follow-up discussion.
Reference
Tools Required
- Ratchet with 8mm socket (10mm socket optional)
- Plastic trim tool or small flat-head screwdriver for prying
- Sandpaper
- Masking or duct tape
- Sharp utility knife or blade for scraping
Parts Required
-
Self-etching primer
-
Black spray paint (gloss or flat, per preferred finish)
-
Optional: Plasti Dip or rubberized undercoating as an alternative coating
Safety Warnings
- ⚠ Self-etching primer and spray paint release harmful fumes; work in a well-ventilated area and follow the safety directions on the can.
- ⚠ Pry the trim up gently and keep the tool off the paint to avoid gouging the door or cracking the plastic clips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Remove the interior door panel
The mirror mounting nuts sit behind the door card, so the panel has to come off first. Follow the door-panel removal procedure for your model. Set the panel and its fasteners aside where they will not be damaged.
2 Disconnect the mirror wiring
With the panel off, locate the lead running from the power mirror to its connector inside the door. Unplug the connector so the mirror is free of the harness.
3 Unbolt and remove the mirror
The mirror is held by four nuts at its inner corner: two along the top and two along the bottom. Three of them are 8mm and one is 10mm. The 10mm nut does not need to come out, so remove only the three 8mm nuts with a ratchet and socket, then lift the mirror away. If the door has window visors fitted, ease the mirror outward just enough to clear the edge of the trim piece.
4 Release the trim clips
Five clips hold the trim strip to the door. Begin at the forward end and lift the trim upward, using a plastic pry tool or a small flat-head screwdriver where a clip resists. Work carefully to avoid scratching the paint or cracking the plastic, and pop all five clips loose so the trim comes free. Once the trim is off, set the mirror back in place and thread its nuts on hand-tight so the hardware is not lost while you work on the trim.
5 Strip the old coating
Draw a sharp blade along the center face of the trim to scrape off the deteriorated factory coating, working from one end to the other. Take the coating off the main visible face only and leave the outer edges intact so you have a clean transition.
6 Scuff the surface for adhesion
Go over the entire piece with sandpaper until the plastic is uniformly dull and slightly rough. A visibly textured surface gives the primer something to grip; a smooth face will let the new finish peel.
7 Mask and prime
Cover the flexible sealing lip that rides against the glass with tape so it stays free of coating. Apply self-etching primer in light, even passes over the whole exposed face of the trim and let it dry fully before the color coat.
8 Apply the color coat
Spray the piece black in several thin coats. A gloss paint gives a shiny finish; use flat black if you prefer a matte look. Let the paint dry completely, then peel off the masking tape from the sealing lip.
9 Reinstall the trim and mirror
Take the three mirror nuts back off and remove the mirror. Slide the refinished trim into position and press it firmly onto its clips. Refit the mirror and its three 8mm nuts, reconnect the mirror wiring, and reinstall the door panel.
Pro Tips
- 💡 Removing the trim and coating it off the car gives a far more durable result than masking around it and spraying it in place; spray applied on the car looks fine at first but wears off much sooner.
- 💡 Plasti Dip built up in several coats is a popular alternative to primer and paint, and rubberized undercoating has also been used for a slightly textured, rubbery feel.
- 💡 Once you have the routine, both doors can be done in roughly four hours of hands-on work; plan the rest of the schedule around paint drying and curing.
- 💡 New factory trim pieces run about $43 each, so refinishing the originals saves roughly $75 on a pair.
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