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 Honda, Ford or Toyota. 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 Black, Satin Black, 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 3M™ Series 2080 or Avery Dennison 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 pale in comparison to 3M™ & Avery Dennison 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 2080 Black Carbon Fiber shown above. In addition to Carbon Fiber wraps, we’d also recommend our 3M™ Series 2080 or Avery Dennison 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 2080 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.
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.