Plastic trim rubbing off paint

The problem with spacing it out slightly is that pressing on it will bring it into contact with the paint again when closing the hatch or if it is bumped. Ditto for flexing if parked in the sun as someone noted earlier. It's just thin plastic that deforms easily. I now slam my tailgate with confidence every day not having to worry about any of these possibilities.

Removing it with the clips is not a problem. Just be careful and don't pry on it or anything that might cause damage.

 

I typically pull down on the handle then push on the plate (w silicone frame) to finish closing the tailgate but your point is totally valid. Not 100% sure how others that sometimes use my 4Runner do it.

I do like the approach you used. Do you have any concerns of the garnish cutting through the tape over time?

Edit- and thanks for the confidence in pulling the clips. Some folk have made it sound like you have to go full He-Man on it to get the top clip out

 

No. The 2228 is very tough stuff and thick enough. It's not a "tape" like electrical tape or something but a thick self-adhesive ribbon. It's designed for outdoor use as thick electrical insulation and other heavy duty uses.

I didn't have any trouble getting the garnish off. Just be sure not to let the tips and bottom of the garnish scratch anything while you give the final pull straight out to get the clips loose. If you have ever removed an interior door panel, the two big round clips are the same ones. They also hold the tailgate interior panel all the way around. The top garnish clip is smaller but it also has a tight grip.

Putting the garnish back on actually was harder than getting it off due to the added thickness of the 2228. I had to lean on it at the top a couple of times to get the top clip to enage. The 2228 will compress and conform a little. Do it when warm or parked in the sun.

 

Thanks @4R Florida . This is very helpful. Want to make sure I have everything on hand for a first time fix.

 

I found this pic of my 2228 when I was cutting it. You can see that it's not "tape" when you look at it compared to the paper backing. It's quite tough ribbon rubber with adhesive backing. I bought mine at my local Lowe's store because I wanted to examine it before buying it to make sure it was up to the task. I also used it behind a badge on my grille to protect the plastic of the grille. Good stuff. I'll hang onto the rest of the roll.