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Is your vehicle covered in chrome details that don't fit your desired aesthetic? The easiest way to achieve a look you prefer is to use chrome delete vinyl wraps. They're quick and easy to apply, so within minutes, you can have a finished look tailored to your taste. Continue reading to learn all about chrome delete wraps what they are, why you might want to use them and what options are available.
To put it simply, a chrome delete is any vinyl wrap that let's you hide - or delete - the chrome trim that so many car manufacturers insist on putting around windows, on grilles and just about anywhere they can think of. And, while some people are still trying to find more ways to add chrome trim, most of us have entered and embraced more21st-century aesthetics.
In other words, we don't want chrome fins on our Honda, Ford or Toyota. Instead, what most of us are looking for is a more subtle style rather than bright, shiny and reflective chrome. That's where chrome delete wraps come into play.
One of the most popular ways to "de-chrome" your vehicle is by using Matte Black or Gloss Black vinyl wraps. These are great choices, especially if your car already has a black paint job and you're aiming for that sleek "blacked-out" or "murdered-out" look. Even if your car, truck, or SUV isn’t black, you can still achieve a nearly factory-quality look by using high-quality wraps like Avery Dennison, ORACAL, Rwraps™ Matte Black, or 3M™ Series 2080 Satin Black films.
Choosing the right brand for your chrome delete vinyl wrap is key to getting a professional, long-lasting result. Here are some of the top brands we recommend:
These brands are well-known for their durability and easy application, making them ideal for automotive projects like chrome delete.
Before applying your chrome delete vinyl, it’s important to prepare the surface properly. Start by cleaning the chrome areas with a clean cloth and either rubbing alcohol or mild detergent. This will remove dirt and grease, helping the vinyl to stick better and last longer.
The color and finish of your vinyl wrap are entirely up to your personal preference. Matte Black and Gloss Black are the most common, but you can choose other finishes like Satin or even carbon fiber if you're going for a unique look.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started with your chrome delete project:
Vinyl Tape Roll: Choose a high-quality vinyl from brands like Avery, 3M, ORACAL, or Rwraps™ in the color and finish you prefer, such as Matte Black or Gloss Black.
Measuring Tape or Ruler: For precise measurements, ensuring your vinyl is cut to the exact size you need.
Clean Cloth: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the surface before applying the vinyl. A clean surface helps the wrap adhere better.
Rubbing Alcohol or Mild Detergent: These cleaning agents will help remove any grease, dirt, or residue, ensuring a smooth application.
Squeegee: A rubber or silicone squeegee is used to smooth out the vinyl wrap and remove air bubbles for a flawless finish.
Precision Gliding Knife: A sharp cutting tool to accurately trim the vinyl, ensuring clean edges and allowing for custom shapes.
While you can use Plasti-Dip to cover chrome, it can be messy and doesn’t offer the same durability as vinyl wraps. Vinyl, like those from 3M or Rwraps™, is much easier to apply and lasts longer. Plus, vinyl offers a wide range of finishes and colors that Plasti-Dip can’t match.
With these materials and tips, you’re all set to give your vehicle a fresh, modern look by deleting the chrome!
Chrome delete vinyl wraps are a great option if you're looking to change the look of your car. For black vehicles, they help create that sleek, "blacked-out" style, drawing attention to the car's body lines and deep color instead of shiny chrome. No matter if you prefer a gloss, satin, or matte finish, chrome delete wraps can give your vehicle a more modern and stylish appearance.
But it's not just about style — chrome delete wraps are also useful for hiding any scratches or damage on chrome trim. This simple change can instantly improve the overall look of your car.
When it comes to chrome delete, using vinyl wraps like 3M™ or Rwraps™ is your best bet. These are durable, clean, and quick to apply, giving you a high-quality finish. Here’s why vinyl wraps are better than other options:
Rwraps™ Pillar Post Trim Wraps are a popular choice because they’re affordable and versatile. Made from high-quality dual-cast vinyl, they come in many colors and finishes so you can get the exact look you want. The application process is simple: clean the surface, prep it, peel the wrap, and apply it. In just minutes, you can cover chrome areas like trim or pillars.
Rwraps™ wraps have a pressure-sensitive adhesive with air-release technology, ensuring a smooth, bubble-free finish. Plus, they’re designed to be easily removed without damaging your car, so you can change the look whenever you want. These wraps work like decals but are much more durable.
The 3M™ 1080 Series Pillar Post Trim Wraps are another top option for chrome delete. Like Rwraps™, they’re made from premium dual-cast vinyl and provide a flawless, bubble-free finish. With 3M™ wraps, you can choose from a range of finishes, including:
These wraps are easy to apply thanks to their pressure-sensitive adhesive. Although they’re semi-permanent, they can be removed anytime without damaging the surface. Plus, since they come in 60-inch rolls, you can cover large areas seamlessly for a smooth, professional look.
Chrome delete wraps give you the flexibility to personalize your car, with long-lasting results that are easy to install and remove.
Plasti-Dip is another option for chrome delete, but it’s quite different from vinyl wraps. Plasti-Dip is an air-dry rubberized coating that you can spray or paint onto your car. While it sounds simple, applying Plasti-Dip can get messy. If you’re not experienced, you may need to take your vehicle to a shop for a professional application, which can be both time-consuming and more expensive than using vinyl wraps. Plus, unlike vinyl wraps, Plasti-Dip requires multiple coats to get full coverage, while wraps only need one application.
Vinyl wraps are much more durable than Plasti-Dip. Vinyl is strong and resistant to tears and cracks, which makes it a popular choice for long-term projects. To get similar durability with Plasti-Dip, you would need to add extra protective coatings, like UV and gasoline protectors. Environmental factors, like bird droppings, can easily damage Plasti-Dip if it’s not properly protected. With vinyl wraps, you don’t have to worry about that level of maintenance.
When it comes to appearance, Plasti-Dip is limited to matte finishes, while vinyl wraps offer a wide range of finishes, including gloss, satin, carbon fiber, and metallic. If you’re looking for more customization or a glossy finish, vinyl is the way to go.
For all these reasons, vinyl wraps are the better choice for your chrome delete project. They’re quicker and easier to apply, last longer, and are much more durable. If a section of the vinyl wrap gets damaged, it’s also easier to replace. And because wraps are removable, you can always go back to your car's original look when needed.
You can apply vinyl wraps to cover chrome details almost anywhere on your car. Some of the most popular areas for chrome delete include:
One of the most common areas for a chrome delete is the window trim. Whether it's the B-pillars or the chrome gasket trim around the rear windshield, these shiny chrome details are found around most car windows. The problem is that using paint or dips to cover the chrome can easily damage the glass, making vinyl wraps the safest and easiest option for upgrading your car’s look.
Since the chrome is so close to the glass, using vinyl wraps prevents the mess and potential damage caused by other methods like paint or sprays. You can also apply chrome delete wraps to the vehicle’s pillars — the vertical lines between the windows — which are often chromed out as well.
Most people choose Matte, Satin, or Gloss Black vinyl for window trim, but you’re not limited to those options. For example, you can use a 3M™ Series 2080 Black Carbon Fiber wrap if you want your window trim to have a unique texture. For something more exotic, Rwraps® Matte Chrome wraps offer a subtle but stylish touch of color that can highlight your trim or match the overall theme of your vehicle.
If you’re not a fan of chrome on your bumpers, you’re not alone! Many people use vinyl wraps to cover up chrome bumper details. ORACAL® 970RA and 975 Structure Cast Bumper Wraps are great options, offering over 130 different styles for full customization. These wraps are durable, conform to the bumper’s shape, and are easy to apply and remove.
Light bezels, the rings around your headlights or taillights, are another spot where manufacturers love to add chrome. Instead of opting for aftermarket chrome rings, you can use a chrome delete to give your lights a cleaner look. Vinyl wraps are safer than paint or sprays for this job, as they won’t damage the light’s delicate lenses.
While you’re at it, consider adding headlight tint covers. They not only protect your headlights but also enhance the overall customized appearance of your vehicle.
Chrome trim isn’t just on the outside of vehicles — it can sneak into the interior as well. To fully customize your car, you can apply vinyl covers to the interior trim. For a textured black carbon fiber look with a semi-gloss shine, Avery Dennison™ SW900 Supreme Wrapping Film is a great choice.
You can also use custom dash kits to personalize your ride’s interior. These kits offer over a hundred different colors and finishes, including realistic woodgrain designs, so you can achieve the exact look you want.
Mirrors are another important detail to consider when doing a chrome delete. You can use 3M™ 2080 Series Side View Mirror Wraps, available in over 130 colors and textures, to match your mirrors with the rest of your vehicle’s exterior. These wraps are designed for easy application and offer a seamless finish.
Door handles are one of the most likely parts of your car to be chromed by the manufacturer. Don’t forget to apply chrome delete vinyl to your door handles as well. For extra protection, you can use 3M™ Pro Series Door Handle Protection Wraps, which are clear and guard against scratches and damage.
Believe it or not, you can even wrap your car’s grille with vinyl! 3M™ dual-cast films with Comply technology make it possible to wrap even the most complex curves. Rwraps™ vinyl wraps are another excellent option for chrome delete on grilles, as they are heat-activated and feature air-drain adhesives for easy application.
With vinyl wraps, you can achieve patterns and finishes that are not available with sprays or dips. For example, the Rwraps™ Sticker Bomb or Matte Red chrome delete wraps can add a pop of color to your grille for a bold look.
Vinyl wraps give you endless options for covering chrome details. Whether you want a subtle or eye-catching finish, you can choose from a variety of colors and textures:
Now that you know your options, the next step is to determine how much vinyl you’ll need for your project. For a standard-sized vehicle’s window trim, we recommend starting with at least a 12-inch by 60-inch roll of Series 2080 or Rwraps™ film. Depending on the amount of chrome on your vehicle, you may need more or less. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out, and we’ll help you get the perfect amount of vinyl to de-chrome your ride in no time!
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It made it really nice to hold up to the cabinet I want to cover and see how it looked in that room's lighting. It became quite obvious which color we really liked for the space.