Looking to do a full chrome delete on my tlx including window trims and the beak. Don't have any wrapping experience so anyone got any tips? Should i use a blade or a knifeless tape? Any advice would be appriciated

 

Hyperz99 - I'm impressed that you're interested in taking on the project at age 22. At your age I was still trying to find the gas filler cap never mind something as technical as wrapping/delete. There are many well-versed folks haunting this website that have done the project, or at least contemplated it. Likely they'll chime in with some good tips. My suggestions are more on the prep side.

If you can, start by talking to local shops that do this type of work. If you're in/near a large city you may be able to talk to several. If you don't know of any try checking with body shops, car stereo installers, or local car clubs. (They don't have to be Honda/Acura centric). The shops might not do wraps themselves, but often they're plugged into the "scene" and might know who can do the job.

If/when you talk to the candidates brainstorm with them. Start by telling them what YOU have in mind, and then let them build on the concept. Talk about their capabilities, how long they've been doing it, references, materials they use, timing, durability, and of course price. A good shop will be happy to work with you as long as you're truly interested and obviously not wasting their time. They may even let you watch them do one of their installs. You may end up with several thoughts/options at different price points.

With the above information you now have a baseline of what is possible (pros/cons of each option), what the costs would be, and (most important) have a good sense if you still think that you and your buddies could do the job on your own and end up with the look/quality that you want. At that point you can make your decision.

Good luck, and please keep the folks on this site updated as you move forward. We all want you to get the look you want and enjoy your car. If it all works out well, then perhaps, with your experiences, you'll be able to help out the next person who asks a similar set of questions.

 

There are some pre-cut pieces available on Amazon from what I've seen, so if you wanna DIY it there's your best shot imo. Otherwise if you're gonna free-hand it, I'd probably go with knifeless tape just to avoid any potential cutting into the paint/trim. My advice for knifeless tape, have a few practice go's at it first, there's a certain technique to use to get the cleanest cut.

 

Oh does my profile pic say I'm 22. I'm actually 19 lol . I've talked to a few wrap shops and I've been getting quotes in the $500 - $1000 range but I'll try asking a couple body shops in the area for some people. I've watched many youtube videos about chrome deletes and I think it is doable but I know it's not something I can master first try. Anyways I'm not planning on doing it for another month or 2 so I'll try to find some affordable places until then. Appreciate your help and will definitly keep everyone updated.

 

I've looked at the precut options but what if I wrap one side too short or too long? Is there any room for error in placement for the precuts? Also the quality. I'll get some knifeless tape and play around with it.

 

Nobody masters anything their first try. Trial and error, my friend.

Materials are cheap, it's the labor that drives up the cost of the work. Get some material and practice on everything. Wrap a phone case, a laptop, practice bends on a side mirror, and so on.

Anything pre-cut is always going to be less room for error, it's why most wrap shops prefer to do free-hand, good ones anyway. Wrapping is very labor intensive and prices differ so greatly because of the quality of their work. When it comes to wraps and PPF, you really get what you pay for.