Why Blacking Out Car Emblems Is a Game-ChangerI stil
l remember the first time I saw a sleek, all-black car roll by with no shiny chrome emblems—just a smooth, stealthy vibe. It was my old Honda Civic that got me hooked on how to black out car emblems. My chrome logos were scratched and dull, so I decided to try it myself. What a difference! This article will walk you through blacking out your car’s emblems step-by-step, whether you’re a beginner or a car enthusiast. You’ll learn what tools you need, easy methods like Plasti Dip or vinyl wraps, and my personal tips to avoid rookie mistakes. Let’s make your car look sharp!
What Does Blacking Out Car Emblems Mean?
Blacking out car emblems means covering or painting the shiny chrome logos on your car (like the brand or model name) with a black finish. It gives your ride a modern, clean look, perfect for a sporty or minimalist style.
Why Do People Black Out Emblems?
Chrome emblems can fade or clash with a car’s vibe. Blacking them out hides scratches, matches black rims or trim, and makes your car stand out. It’s a cheap, reversible way to customize your vehicle without permanent changes.
Who Can Do This?
Anyone can! You don’t need fancy tools or skills. If you can tape and spray paint, you’re set. Kids as young as 12 can help with supervision—it’s that simple.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To black out your car’s emblems, grab these basic items. Most are at hardware stores or online, and they won’t break the bank.
- Plasti Dip spray (black, matte, or gloss): A rubber coating that peels off easily.
- Vinyl wrap or decals (optional): Pre-cut or custom for flat emblems.
- Masking tape and newspaper: To protect your car’s paint.
- Soap, water, and rubbing alcohol: For cleaning the emblem.
- Microfiber cloth and cotton swabs: To dry and clean tight spots.
- Tweezers or plastic pick: For peeling off excess Plasti Dip.
Table 1: Tool Cost Comparison
| Item | Cost (Approx.) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Plasti Dip (11 oz) | $6-10 | Home Depot, Amazon |
| Vinyl Decal (custom) | $5-20 | Etsy, BOCADecals.com |
| Masking Tape | $2-5 | Walmart, Hardware Stores |
| Rubbing Alcohol | $2-3 | Drugstores |
Caption: This table shows affordable tools for blacking out emblems. Prices vary by store or brand.
Step-by-Step Guide to Black Out Car Emblems
Here’s how I blacked out the “Civic” emblem on my car using Plasti Dip. It’s beginner-friendly and takes about an hour. Follow these steps for a pro look.
Step 1: Clean the Emblem
Wash the emblem with soap and water to remove dirt. Dry it with a microfiber cloth, then wipe with rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab. A clean surface is key for a smooth finish.
Step 2: Mask Off the Area
Tape around the emblem with masking tape, leaving a 1-inch gap. Cover the surrounding car with newspaper to catch overspray. This saves your paint from stray Plasti Dip.
Step 3: Test Your Spray
Shake the Plasti Dip can for a minute. Spray it on a piece of cardboard to check the pattern. My first try was a total flop because I skipped this step—don’t make my mistake!
Step 4: Apply Light Coats
Hold the can 12-16 inches away and spray a very light coat. Let it dry for 10 minutes (check the can for exact times). You should still see some chrome. Repeat for 2-3 more coats, making each slightly heavier.
Step 5: Peel Off Excess
After the final coat dries (about an hour), slowly peel off the tape and newspaper. Use tweezers to remove Plasti Dip from tight spots, like inside an “O” or “A.” It peels like magic!
Step 6: Optional Gloss Finish
For a shiny look, spray a Plasti Dip Glossifier after the black coats dry. I did this on my Honda’s front logo, and it looked factory-made. Two light coats work best.
Visual Idea: A simple diagram showing how to tape around an emblem with a 1-inch gap, with arrows pointing to the newspaper covering the car’s paint.
Using Vinyl Wraps: An Alternative Method
If your emblem is flat (like some Ford logos), vinyl wraps or decals are a great option. I tried this on my friend’s Mustang, and it was a breeze. Here’s how:
- Clean the emblem as in Step 1 above.
- Order a pre-cut vinyl decal for your car’s make and model (check sites like BOCADecals).
- Peel the decal and align it carefully over the emblem.
- Smooth out air bubbles with a credit card or your finger. A heat gun helps with curves.
Visual Idea: A side-by-side comparison sketch of a chrome emblem vs. a blacked-out emblem to show the transformation.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Blacking Out Emblems
Blacking out emblems is awesome, but it’s not perfect. Here’s the scoop.
Benefits
- Looks Cool: A sleek, modern vibe that matches black rims or trim.
- Cheap and Reversible: Plasti Dip peels off without damage, unlike paint.
- Hides Flaws: Covers scratches or faded chrome.
Drawbacks
- Durability: Plasti Dip can peel if you scrub too hard during washing. Vinyl lasts longer but may fade.
- Time: It takes about an hour per emblem, plus drying time.
- Precision Needed: Rushing can lead to messy edges or overspray.
Table 2: Plasti Dip vs. Vinyl Wrap Comparison
| Method | Cost | Durability | Ease | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasti Dip | $6-10 | 1-2 years | Easy | Yes |
| Vinyl Wrap | $5-20 | 2-3 years | Moderate | Yes |
Caption: This table compares Plasti Dip and vinyl wraps for blacking out emblems, based on my experience and online reviews.
Personal Tips for a Perfect Blackout
After blacking out emblems on three cars, I’ve learned a few tricks:
- Test on Cardboard: Always test your spray can’s pattern. My first attempt sprayed like a fire hose and ruined my prep.
- Go Slow with Peeling: Peel Plasti Dip gently to avoid tearing. Use a toothpick for tight spots.
- Wax Your Car First: A waxed surface makes peeling overspray easier. I learned this from Car and Driver.
- Avoid Pressure Washers: They can rip off Plasti Dip. Hand-wash your car to keep the blackout intact.
Visual Idea: A labeled photo showing a clean vs. messy Plasti Dip peel to highlight the importance of slow peeling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are pitfalls I hit and how to dodge them:
- Skipping Cleaning: Dirt under Plasti Dip makes it peel early. Clean thoroughly!
- Heavy First Coat: Too much spray causes drips. Start light and build up.
- Rushing the Peel: Peeling too fast tears the coating. Be patient, like waiting for pizza delivery.
Alternative Approaches
If Plasti Dip or vinyl isn’t your thing, try these:
- Replacement Emblems: Buy pre-painted black emblems from sites like EmblemArt. They’re pricier ($20-50 per emblem) but look factory-made.
- Professional Painting: A body shop can paint emblems for $100-300, but it’s permanent. I saw great results at a local shop for a friend’s Jeep.
- Powder Coating: Remove emblems and have them powder-coated for a durable finish. This costs $50-100 but lasts years.
Table 3: Blackout Method Costs and Time
| Method | Cost | Time | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasti Dip | $6-10 | 1 hour | 1-2 years |
| Vinyl Wrap | $5-20 | 30 min | 2-3 years |
| Replacement Emblems | $20-50 | 1-2 hours | Permanent |
| Professional Painting | $100-300 | 1-2 days | Permanent |
Caption: This table compares blackout methods to help you choose based on budget and time.
Safety Tips
Blacking out emblems is safe, but take these precautions:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling spray fumes.
- Wear gloves when handling rubbing alcohol or Plasti Dip.
- Keep spray cans away from kids and pets. I learned this when my dog almost knocked over my can!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Plasti Dip, and Is It Safe for Emblems?
Plasti Dip is a spray-on rubber coating that’s safe for car emblems. It sticks well, peels off easily, and doesn’t harm chrome or paint. It’s perfect for beginners and lasts 1-2 years with care.
Can I Black Out Emblems Without Removing Them?
Yes, you can black out emblems without removing them using Plasti Dip or vinyl wraps. Just clean the emblem, mask the area, and apply carefully. It’s a no-sweat DIY job!
How Long Does Plasti Dip Last on Car Emblems?
Plasti Dip lasts 1-2 years on emblems with proper care. Avoid pressure washers and harsh scrubbing. Hand-washing keeps it looking fresh, based on my experience.
Will Blacking Out Emblems Void My Car’s Warranty?
Blacking out emblems with Plasti Dip or vinyl won’t void your warranty, as they’re reversible. Check with your dealer, but I’ve never had issues with my Honda.
Can I Use Regular Spray Paint Instead of Plasti Dip?
Regular spray paint works but is harder to remove and may damage chrome. Plasti Dip is safer and reversible, making it my go-to for emblem blackouts.
How Do I Fix a Messy Plasti Dip Job?
Peel off the Plasti Dip with your fingers or tweezers, clean the emblem, and start over. Test your spray on cardboard first to avoid drips, like I learned the hard way!
Where Can I Buy Materials for Blacking Out Emblems?
Buy Plasti Dip at Home Depot or Amazon, vinyl decals at Etsy or BOCADecals, and masking tape at Walmart. Most items cost under $10.
Conclusion
Blacking out car emblems is a fun, cheap way to give your car a sleek, modern look. Whether you use Plasti Dip, vinyl wraps, or replacement emblems, it’s a beginner-friendly project that anyone can tackle. My Honda’s blacked-out logos still turn heads years later! Grab a can of Plasti Dip, follow these steps, and make your car your own. Share your results or tips in the comments—I’d love to see your ride! For more DIY ideas, check out 3M’s automotive tips. Happy blacking out!
