[Curt's_72]

Aluminum applique has been cleaned of solvents and taped up with frog tape. I like the blue 3M just as well, though.
I'm going to paint the area with brown Rust-Oleum to help fill any scratches in the aluminum. And, to help hide any edge issues when installing the laminate.
I did this same process when restoring the wood bezels on my door panels.
I'll do this later this week, as it's below freezing outside today.