Chrome delete means covering the chrome trims of a car with black vinyl, or another colour: window surrounds, grille, badges, mouldings… It's what the factory sports versions do, and the difference is huge for a tiny budget: with a metre of vinyl you transform the car.
Which parts to do
- Window surrounds: the main part of a chrome delete.
- Grille and its surround: if the surround is chrome.
- Badges and lettering: the brand logo and the model name. We cover it in grille and badge wrap.
- Side, bumper and boot mouldings.
- Roof rails, if they're aluminium.
Which vinyl to choose
- Gloss black: the "piano black" look of sports versions. The most popular.
- Matte black: more aggressive and more understated.
- Black chrome: black with a mirror sheen, the most exclusive look.
- Satin anthracite: a dark metallic grey, very elegant.
- Carbon: for a racing touch.
How much you need
For the window surrounds of a five-door car, allow 75 cm to 1 m of 152 cm roll. If you also do the grille, the badges and a few mouldings, 1 m is usually enough. As these are long, narrow strips, always cut along the length of the roll to avoid joins on the surrounds.
How to fit it
- Clean the chrome thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol, including the edges and under the seals, where dirt builds up.
- Cut strips about 2 cm wider and 5 cm longer than each trim.
- Lay the strip well centred and squeegee it with the squeegee from the centre towards the ends.
- Heat and wrap the edges behind the trim or under the seal. Left on the visible face, they would eventually lift.
- Trim the excess with a sharp cutter, without pressing on the paint or the glass.
- Corners: heat well and stretch; if the corner is very tight, make a small cut and overlap.
- Seal all the edges with heat.
Badges can be wrapped by trimming the vinyl to their shape, or removed (with fishing line and heat) and wrapped on the workbench.
To complete the look
A chrome delete looks even better with a black roof and matching wing mirrors. With 3 m of gloss black you have enough for all three.
Frequently asked questions
What is chrome delete?
Covering the chrome trims of the car, such as the window surrounds, the grille or the badges, with vinyl, usually black, to give it a sportier look.
How much vinyl do I need for a chrome delete?
For the window surrounds of a five-door car, 75 cm to 1 m of 152 cm roll. With 1 m you usually have enough for the grille and the badges as well.
Which vinyl is best for a chrome delete?
Gloss black is the most popular because it imitates the piano black of sports versions. Matte black, black chrome and satin anthracite also look great.
Can a chrome delete be undone?
Yes. The vinyl comes off with heat and the original chrome reappears intact.
