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How to Wrap Your Pillar Post Trim for Less than $20

DIY Pillar Post Trim Wraps

Got scratched or faded pillar trim? Have gaudy or ugly chrome pillars that you just can't stand to look at anymore? Well, today's your lucky day because you can upgrade your trim for under $20 per window (unless you have a military grade Humvee, which will cost a bit more). So what do you need to get started? Not much surprisingly and we'll lay it out for you.

Supplies & Tools

The first thing you'll need is a sheet of vinyl wrap film. We've shown carbon fiber in the illustrations above but you can also use a matte black or chrome film. Honestly, because there are so many colors and styles available, the sky really is the limit. Be sure to pick up at least a 24" inch long roll for each piece of trim. If you order Rwraps™, you can also get them in conveniently sized 12-inch wide rolls. Other tools you'll need are as follows:

  • Olfa-style-razor
  • Squeegee
  • Rubbing Alcohol or Rapid Prep
  • Heat Gun or Hair Dryer

Step 1: Measure Roll Size Required & Unroll

We assume you'll have measured the sizes you'll need before you get the vinyl. Once you have it, unroll it. You'll probably notice what look like creases but are called "tunnels" in the industry. This is because the film (if you've but a wrapping vinyl) will have air-release channels which are causing the now unrolled film to separate from the liner. This is completely normal. There will be no tunnels when you apply the pillar trim wrap.

Step 2: Clean & Prep Pillar Trim

Using either rubbing alcohol or a cleaner like Rapid Prep, clean all parts of the pillar post trim. Use a lint-free cloth and the squeegee to get into crevices and corners. Be sure to clean the vehicle's windows and panels too to prevent grease and dirt from being stuck to the film and causing it to come unstuck (i.e., delaminating).

Step 3: Rough Cut & Test Fit

After you've determined how much vinyl film you'll need to wrap your trim pieces you can begin the rough cut and test fit. Using a razor or pair of scissors, cut out the vinyl to roughly the size and shape you'll need. Be sure to leave at least a 3/4-inch overhang so you can tuck the film around corners and into bezels.

Step 4: Peel and Apply

Peel the film partly off the paper and tack the film to top. Begin to squeegee on, peeling the paper off as you squeegee down. Doing so will help keep the sticky side of the vinyl from adhering to itself and dirt and debris from getting underneath it.

Step 5: Heat & Squeegee On

Heat the film and squeegee on and around the edges. The heat will help to get the air bubbles out as well as mold the film around corners. Post-heating also prevents the film from stretching back after application.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Freshly Wrapped Pillar Trim!

Really, that's it. You're done!

 

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