What is a Chrome Delete Anyway?
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 (probably your grandpa) are still trying to find more ways to add chrome
trim, most of us have entered and embraced 21st Century aesthetics. In other
words, we don't want chrome fins on our Hondas, Fords or Toyotas. Instead, what
most of us are looking for is a more subtle style rather than bright, shiny and
reflective chrome.
De-Chrome Your Ride
The most common choices when people look to "de-chrome" their rides are
Matte and Gloss
Black. This works especially well for those who have factory black paint jobs
and are intent on getting that murdered out look. Even if your car, truck or SUV
isn't black though, you can still get an almost-OEM look buy choosing Rwraps™
Matte Black or 3M™ Series 1080 Satin Black
films. These series of vinyl wraps give you the look of the rubberized trim that
Gloss Black vinyl just can't. And, of course, there's always PlastiDip too
although using a spray or paint on dip can be messy at best and pales in
comparison to 3M™ and Rwraps™ in terms of durability.
Window Chrome Trim Blackouts
Whether it's the B-pillars or the chrome gasket trim around the rear
windshield, there's a whole lot of shiny chrome around most auto glass. Why?
We're not sure but it may be that major car manufacturers are actually trying to
attract raccoons. And, since the glass can be easily ruined by paints and dips,
there's almost no better option to upgrade your ride than with chrome delete
vinyl wraps. In general, people use Matte, Satin or Gloss Black vinyl for the
window trim but, as you can see above, people also choose other colors and
styles like the 3M™
Series 1080
Black Carbon Fiber shown above. In addition to Carbon Fiber wraps, we'd also
recommend our Rwraps® Matte Chrome and
3M™ Matte or Satin colored films to give you an exotic but understated touch of
color that can be used to accentuate the trim or match it with the overall
theme.
Blacking Out Your Chrome Grille
You might not think that it'd be possible to wrap your grille but you'd be
wrong. With 3M™ dual-cast films with Comply technology you can wrap even the
craziest of curves. But, Series 1080 films aren't your only option. Rwraps™
vinyl wraps are another ideal way to wrap your chromed out grille because
they're also heat-activated and use air-drain adhesives. Whichever brand you
choose you can rest easy knowing you're going to get a long-lasting look that
beats the heck out of dips and sprays. Plus, you can get patterns and
finishes you just won't find anywhere else. Check out the
Rwraps™ Venice Beach
Sticker Bomb window trim chrome delete above or the Matte Red chrome color
change grille wrap on the Honda below!
Tone Down those Chrome Headlight Rings
If you can believe it companies like Lund, AVS, Putco and American Car Craft
actually make aftermarket chrome rings for your head and taillights! Despite
this, there's still a number of automakers who thin it's a good idea to trim
headlights with chrome and it's up to you to do the right thing. In this case,
you simply can't afford to go with paint or sprays because you run the very real
risk of ruining your expensive, composite lenses.
Find Out How Much You'll Need
Now that you know what is available you'll need to decide how much Series 1080
or Rwraps™ film
you'll need to buy. Of course, a lot depends on you and how you decide to tackle
your wrap project but we can give you a pretty good estimate of how much you'll
need. We recommend a minimum of 12 inches by 60 inches for all of the window
trim on a standard sized vehicle but you may need more or less depending on how
much bling you've got factory on your thing. Regardless, if you're stuck send
use message and we'll help you delete the chrome from your ride in no time!