How To Cover Exterior Trim Parts With Vinyl?

This video provides step-by-step instructions for DIY car wrapping, focusing on how to black out the trim of any truck or SUV with 3M 2080 Gloss Black Vinyl. The process involves measuring and cutting out each piece, cleaning and prepping the area of application, positioning and pulling the backing, smoothing each section into place, and trimming the excess vinyl. To avoid wrinkles, apply the vinyl in the heat, but do not stretch it too far as the color will fade.

To create a 10″x10″ area as an extra piece, print the little 10″x10″ area as an extra piece every where there is an edge to the molding. Cut an oversized piece, lay it on the trim piece, and use a felt-wrapped card to smooth it down. Heat the corners of the vinyl with a heat gun, then peel the backing off and stick it on.

Next, lightly heat the vinyl around trim pieces using a heat gun. Cut the vinyl into long strips with scissors and stick them to the trim. Once the vinyl is stuck and contoured to the trim, use a credit card to cut it to the desired size.

In summary, vinyl wrapping is an economical and effective way to restyle or change the look of your car, truck, or SUV.


📹 How To Vinyl Wrap Exterior Trim On Car & SUV – Nissan Pathfinder

======= In this video I will show you how to vinyl wrap the exterior trim pieces on a vehicle using 3M vinyl. With some practice …


How long does vinyl wrap last on trim?

Vinyl wrap typically lasts three to five years, but can be shorter if exposed to sun and heat. Parking in the shade can increase durability by one to two years, and if the vehicle is not used regularly, it can last up to seven years. The brand of vinyl wrap also affects its lifespan, with Avery Dennison being a popular choice for longevity. Factors affecting the longevity of vinyl wrap include the brand, the workmanship done during installation, and the maintenance methods used.

Do you clear coat over vinyl wrap?
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Do you clear coat over vinyl wrap?

A clear coat is a protective layer of paint applied over a car’s metal body and paint, unlike a car wrap. It is highly effective in protecting PVC wrap from wear and tear. It is recommended to apply the clear coat after installing a new car wrap, but it can be applied anytime. However, if the vinyl wrap has been exposed to the elements, the effect of the clear coat may be less.

A clear coat application on a PVC wrap involves cleaning the vinyl wrap thoroughly to remove contaminants, dust, and grease, applying the coat carefully, multiple times in quick succession, and air drying the coat cautiously. After the application, the vinyl wrap should be dried in a safe space away from contaminants.

Do you need to sand before vinyl wrap?
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Do you need to sand before vinyl wrap?

Sanding may be necessary for car wraps due to severe paint imperfections, primed or bare metal, and specific wrap types. Sanding is necessary to create a smoother surface for the adhesive to bond to, especially for high-performance wraps or intricate designs. However, not all installers may have the equipment to sand your vehicle, which may add a further cost to the installation service. Proper preparation is essential for a successful wrap, including:

  1. Clean the car thoroughly before wrapping.
  2. Remove any debris or debris that may be in the way of the wrap.
  3. Clean the car thoroughly after wrapping.\n5

Is it better to wrap vinyl wet or dry?

The dry method is suitable for applying various types of vinyl to vehicles, including camouflage film, matte black, and brushed aluminum. It is a quicker, cleaner, and more straightforward process than the wet method, saving time and money. The vinyl immediately adheres to the car’s surface, and there is no need for extra squeegeeing after 24 hours. This method is popular among car enthusiasts due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the dry method is a preferred choice for vinyl wrap installation.

How to get vinyl wrap to stick to plastic?
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How to get vinyl wrap to stick to plastic?

To ensure the best adhesion of vinyl, consider the surface type, texture, and adhesion level. Smooth surfaces are ideal for vinyl, while porous or textured surfaces may not work well. Extreme bends and curves may also hinder vinyl adhesion. Rust or corrosion can amplify scratches, dents, or cracks, so brush away any rust or corrosion before applying vinyl. Styrofoam is not ideal for vinyl wraps due to its porous nature. Untreated or unpainted plastics require a coat of paint to help vinyl adhere. Lastly, ensure the surface is clean before applying vinyl.

To prepare a surface for vinyl wrapping, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the surface thoroughly. This includes removing dust, dirt, mud, pollen, or corrosion.
  2. Apply a coat of paint to the surface to help it adhere.
  3. Clean the surface with a clean cloth or sponge.
  4. Test the surface with a small strip to ensure it is well-suited for vinyl wrapping.

In summary, proper preparation is crucial for successful vinyl wrapping, and proper preparation can lead to a more satisfying finished product.

Do you need edge sealer for vinyl wrap?

It is of the utmost importance to ensure that your wrap is properly sealed and protected, particularly with regard to window perforation and bumpers. TWI offers a 15-piece series, including the Rocker and Sliplo, and recommends the use of edge seal tape for added protection, specifically between the hood and bumper.

Can you wrap trim pieces?

DIY vinyl wrapping is a DIY project that can be done to change the color of your trim, chrome delete, or simply change the trim. The process involves removing the trim, grille, roof bars, door handles, badge, exhaust outlets, and bumper inserts. Tools needed include automotive vinyl, utility blades, heat gun, felt squeegee, wrap gloves, masking tape, and Isopropyl alcohol or similar solvent.

What cleaner to use before vinyl wrap?
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What cleaner to use before vinyl wrap?

To prepare for a vehicle wrap, start by washing your vehicle to remove any wax and debris. Wax can negatively affect vinyl adhesion and bond the vinyl improperly. Handwashing is the most thorough way to clean all areas and surfaces. Use a simple dish soap and water solution to remove 90% of dirt, followed by an alcohol solution to cut oil-based surface contaminants and evaporate any water left.

Trouble areas like grills, wheel wells, and fog lights accumulate road grit that can stick to the graphic during application. Apply masking tape to catch loose road grit and protect highly polished surfaces like chrome from the threat of wandering knife blades. This will ensure the vehicle wrap adheres properly and prevents any issues with the adhesive.

Will vinyl wrap stick to plastic trim?
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Will vinyl wrap stick to plastic trim?

Plastic can be wrapped with vinyl graphics, but the success depends on various factors such as the type of plastic and its production process. The applicator’s knowledge and experience play a significant role in the success of the application. The surface’s condition, cleanliness, temperature, and humidity also affect the appearance and longevity of the graphic. The composition of the plastic, such as Polyvinylchloride (PVC), also plays a role in the application process.

Hard PVC can accept vinyl but may be difficult to remove, while softer PVC may not offer the best adhesive surface. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific type of plastic and the application method to ensure the best results.

How do you install vinyl wrap on trim?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How do you install vinyl wrap on trim?

This is a step-by-step process for creating vinyl wrapping for trim, grille, roof bars, door handles, badges, exhaust outlets, and bumper inserts. The process involves measuring and cutting out pieces, cleaning and prepping the area, positioning and pulling the backing, smoothing each section into place, and trimming excess vinyl. Tools needed include automotive vinyl, utility blades, heat gun, felt squeegee, wrap gloves, masking tape, and Isopropyl alcohol or similar solvent. This process can be done for chrome deletion or color changes.


📹 How to Vinyl Wrap Window Trim Black | CHROME DELETE

INSTAGRAM – @justinbuice #BMW #vinylwrap This description may contain affiliate links. If you click my custom link to purchase a …


How To Cover Exterior Trim Parts With Vinyl
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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16 comments

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  • *My windows are tinted 20% rear, 35% sides with no tint on the front driver and passenger (got pulled over for the front). Its hard to tell in those end shots when Im shooting directly into the sun. **I would HIGHLY DISCOURAGE taking the trim off the car. I learned from experience it’s almost impossible to take it off without bending or damaging it. And it’s a pain in the ass to put back on.

  • For anybody planning to do this themselves, hit the vinyl with the heat gun BEFORE you trim the excess with the x-acto knife (but after pushing it in with the squeegee). The heat will cause the vinyl to hug the inner contours and adhere better to the material. If you apply heat after cutting, as shown in this article, you run the risk of it shrinking too much and exposing the underlying chrome you’re trying to cover up and it just won’t adhere as well. Also, the way the larger chunk of vinyl was used for the rear swooping section near the c-pillar runs the risk of the wind over time peeling back the vinyl. If you insist on doing the wrap in two sections, do that section first, then the longer thin sections over top, that way when the car is travelling forward the long part stepping down the the rear part creates a better transition for the air and no possibility of the air catching underneath and slowly prying it up over time. A better solution though is to buy vinyl tall enough to reach the peak and valley of the trim piece and do it all in one shot so there are no visible transitions.

  • My trim (2020Camry) has rubber gaskets on both top and bottom that are very tight, so much so that getting the vinyl under it is questionable at this point. Did your car have that and how did you handle it? I can wrap around it and get the vinyl under the gasket between the body metal, it seems that you did it like that, am I correct, others seem to do it that way also Thanks

  • Does anyone know what the downside to blackout tape is? Like what if you need to remove the tape after a couple of years or the way it’ll change when rain, grit and debris start to weather it? I want to blackout my trim but should I ask a shop to do it or am I really fine with just getting it from a store and self-apply?

  • How does one go about wrapping the trim when there’s a thin rubber weather strip on it? It’s not possible to tuck the vinyl underneath and not possible to remove the strip as it’s built in to the mould/trim. I attempted a small piece of vinyl and cutting a fine line between the vinyl and mould still reveals a bit of chrome.

  • Great tip about the larger vinyl piece for the back corner. I have a Grand Cherokee with hard angle in the back corner and the 2″ tape is nearly impossible to stretch around that corner without creasing. FYI the reason its more difficult without those gloves is because it looks like you were using glossy vinyl. If you go with a Matte vinyl you don’t need gloves. The gloves or a microfiber cloth do come in handy when doing your final heating. Much easier to slide across the surface without burning your fingers and you get a more even finish.

  • Looking at doing this to a 428i…do you think a 2″ roll will work along with 1 or 2 5×3′ sheets to do the back portion of the chrome (luxury line). Looking to do the back window (both sides) using a sheet…covering the boomerang like curve, then a simple strip to do bottom of the doors and then possibly another strip for the top of the doors…do you think a 2″ strip will work for the upper door trim…will I be able to make that curve…should i be ready to apply a heat gun as I begin to drop towards the mirror and bottom edge? Thanks for all the help

  • Question to those who have done this before. I want to do the same thing for my g20 330i and get rid of my chrome trim. Unfortunately my work place doesn’t really have covered parking spaces. How much is the vinyl affected by the sun temperature? I am in Texas so it is not unreasonable for us to go multiple days with 100+ degree days. Is vinyl wraps mostly for garage kept vehicles? I dont want to go through all the effort only for the weather temperature to destroy them. I have yet to find any aftermarket replacement parts for them yet. The best alternative I found was trim covers that tape on, but I feel like that would not not look good.

  • 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us./Inspiration+Our love for God is a response to the love He has always had for us. God did not expect us to love Him first; we were incapable of doing so because of our sinful nature. So God took that extra step – He went the extra mile – and poured His love out on all of us./Prayer+Dear God, I will always be in awe when I think of how great your love for me, and everyone in this world, is. We weren’t anywhere close to righteous when you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us; but that did not stop you. Lord, I will always set my heart on loving you, ever grateful that you loved me first. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

  • I’m going to be chrome deleting / blacking out my girlfriend’s car, she has a Nissan Altima which has the wider chrome on the rear side trim. Could I use a larger vinyl roll? Or should I use a vinyl sheet? Since the curves are a little bit more excessive could I do it with the vinyl roll, maybe 3/4″ roll?

  • Was fhis made BEFORE the knifeless tape was a thing? If not, wondering why you chose to use an exacto instead? I followed this and being new it didnt come out great, not awful but not perfect. Later i found the knifeless method and easy peasy plus didnt chop up my rubbers this time! Wish I found that 1st! But thanks and for you im sure this is fine being experienced but might wanna try knifeless and save some time and mitigate some expensive risk 🙂

  • Can you answer me why yoi didn’t just use knife less tape??? 🤔🤔🤔 and U need to tint your tail lights it’s cheap and easy.. I really should upload a article on how to do that the trick is to use cry lawn clear coat after applying the night shades aerosol tint,, I see alot of ppl tinting the tail lights amateurly or in very difficult ways

  • Long time follower and first comment… I wish this article came out last year when I tried doing the same thing to my E90 335xi. I watched a couple of YouTube articles at the time and they made it seem so simple to do. I think the biggest take away from this article is using the masking tape, gloves, and knowing not to stretch the wrap!

  • Crazy how you say you’re hoping to get a house soon like you’re buying an iphone xs max. I wish i could say the same sadly most nice houses here in the Greater Los Angeles Area are over 600k, which is why Im renting a 2 bedroom apartment for $1050 a month, even with my hourly pay of $28 an hour i still wouldnt be anywhere close to affording a brand new truck or a mazda 3 sedan 2019 let alone a house😅😤

  • Idk if anyone can help me with this question… but where I live, the E90 Bimmers are very popular vehicles, I’ve always noticed a vast majority of them more commonly the 320i and other models always having a very white cloudy-like smoke emitting from the exhaust. Does anyone know what causes that, is it normal? Certainly not eco friendly

  • second time you influenced my decision, was leaning forwards plasti dip, but watched this vid and straight away was clear that i don’t want that thing called plasti dip… thanks a lot pal. just a question, how important is the heat gun,i haven’t got one and im definitely not planning to get one, i think and hope it’s doable without one?! maybe a hairdryer?

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