The latest trend to take hold in vinyl wrapping is chrome delete, a specific type of vinyl wrap that is designed to hide (“delete”) the chrome trim car manufacturers put on vehicles at grilles, around windows and anywhere else on the vehicle. Many auto enthusiasts consider this chrome trim to be an outdated design trend, so a chrome delete allows car owners to get a more modern aesthetic for their vehicle.

Here are a few of the other reasons why people frequently choose chrome delete:

• Protection: Chrome delete can also be used as a means of protecting the factory chrome, rather than eliminating it. This prevents the chrome from fingerprints and potential damage.
• Heat reduction: Chrome delete can be used to keep door handles and other parts of the exterior cooler during the hot summer months.
• Custom appearance: Chrome delete is a great way to customize the appearance of your vehicle and get a look that is all yours.

Why is chrome delete suddenly so popular?

The idea of a chrome delete wrap has been around for some time now, but it has become more common of late since the release of the Tesla Model 3. While there are a lot of fans of Tesla vehicles and the Model 3 in particular, it uses an excessive amount of chrome finish on its exterior. While some people like the look the chrome provides, there are others who prefer a much more understated finish, and the sleek appearance that comes with all-matte trim.

As such, there has been an increased demand for chrome delete wraps lately to counteract all the chrome on the Model 3. The greater exposure the new Tesla vehicle has created for chrome delete has also translated into increased interest in the wraps for other types of vehicles.

You may have seen chrome delete kits on the market for DIY usage, especially geared toward Tesla vehicles. But in general, unless you are completely certain in your ability to apply the wrap correctly, it’s recommended you work with a professional to get it installed.

Trim you may consider “deleting”

Chrome delete wraps can be used for a variety of areas on your vehicles, and you can find them in a wide range of colors to match or complement the color of your vehicle’s body.

• Window trim: A lot of manufacturers have taken to putting chrome trim around auto glass, on the windows and windshields. While most people will choose a simple wrap with a matte, satin or gloss finish, there are also a wide range of other styles and finishes you can select from to add a more personal touch.
• Grille: Chrome grilles can be a little over the top for most passenger cars, so chrome delete wraps can help you create a more understated, everyday appearance for the front of your vehicle. .
• Headlight rings: Automakers are constantly finding new places to add chrome to vehicles, and headlight rings are yet another example of a part of the vehicle’s exterior that have been “chromified.” There are companies that even make aftermarket chrome rings. Paint and sprays could potentially ruin the lenses on the headlights, so using a wrap helps you avoid that damage.

What you should know about installing chrome delete

As we mentioned previously, there are plenty of DIY chrome delete kits available, and it is a task you can perform yourself if you are comfortable working on your vehicle. It can be considered a “medium difficulty” detailing task, which shouldn’t take more than a half hour or hour.

If you decide to DIY the installation, you don’t need any special tools. Most DIY kits will come with just about everything you need, and Race Ramps has wheel cribs that will help you easily raise your car up and save your back.

The durability of your wrap will vary depending on the kind of wrap you purchase. You should look for 3M vinyl wraps, which will provide better resistance against water, salt, fuel, acids and alkalis. In general, you should expect to get five to seven years of life out of your chrome delete wrap.

If you become unsatisfied with your chrome delete wrap for any reason, no worries—it’s quite easy and cheap to remove. Just make sure you’re careful when using your heat gun and plastic scraper so you don’t damage the chrome finish. This is one of the reasons why chrome delete wraps are favored over panting or re-plating—in the latter, restoring the original chrome finish can be extremely difficult and expensive.