The trim has five metal clips on the top piece and I think three on each side piece. You use the tape only on the clips where they attach to the plastic trim. The way in which you state your question you may think the tape is applied around the plastic. Not true. Only place the tape on the metal clips and no need to remove any clip from the OEM tape unless it has become loose from the trim. It is obvious once the trim piece is removed. No prep required other than normal cleaning of the clip that will the get new tape (if tape is required).