Planning a chrome delete for your car? You’re looking at anywhere from $100 for a single badge up to $3,500+ for a full vehicle blackout in Melbourne. The final chrome delete cost depends on your vehicle size, whether you choose vinyl wrap or paint, and how much chrome you want removed.

Most Melbourne drivers spend between $300 and $3,500 on a typical chrome delete package, which covers badges, window trims, and grilles. Vinyl wrapping starts cheaper and stays reversible, while painted chrome deletes cost more but last longer. Your choice depends on whether you want flexibility or permanence.

Quick Answer

Badge-only jobs: From $100-150 per badge – perfect for a subtle change
Vinyl blackout packages: $350–$3,000 depending on vehicle size and coverage
Painted blackout (premium): $500–$4,000+ for permanent, factory-finish results
Full-vehicle packages: $1,500–$3,500+ for SUVs and prestige cars
Turnaround time: Jobs are completed within 1-2 weeks

What Affects Chrome Delete Cost in Melbourne?

Three main factors determine your final chrome delete cost.

Vehicle Size

This plays the biggest role. A small hatchback with minimal chrome takes 3–4 hours to wrap, while a large SUV with chrome mirrors, grilles, window surrounds and door handles can take a full day or more. More surface area means more material and labour.

Coverage Scope

Scope changes the price dramatically. Blacking out just your badges might cost between $100 and $150. Adding window trims pushes you to $500–$800+. A complete blackout covering every chrome element on a Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger can hit $1,500–$3,500+.

Material Choice

This creates the biggest cost gap. Vinyl wrapping uses high-grade automotive film like 3M 2080, which is removable and lasts 5–7 years with proper care. Paint requires part removal, surface prep, multiple coats and curing time, which adds significant labour costs. According to data from Australia’s car customisation market, which reached $1.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $2.90 billion by 2033, cosmetic modifications like chrome deletes are driving strong market growth as Australians increasingly personalise their vehicles.

Chrome Delete Packages: What’s Included?

Melbourne workshops typically offer chrome delete packages at different price points.

Badge Package ($100–$150+)

This package covers your front and rear badges plus emblem deletes. It’s the easiest entry point and takes 1–2 hours. Perfect if you want a subtle change without committing to a full blackout.

Window Trim Package ($300–$2500+)

This package blacks out all window surrounds and belt mouldings. This delivers the biggest visual impact for mid-range spend and works brilliantly on sedans and wagons where window chrome dominates the side profile.

Full Blackout Package ($1,500–$3,500+)

This package removes chrome from badges, window trims, grilles, mirror caps, door handles and any other bright trim. For 4WDs and prestige SUVs with extensive chrome, expect the higher end of this range.

You can also build a custom chrome delete package by selecting specific areas. Many Melbourne drivers start with badges and window trims, then add grilles or mirror caps later. This spreads the cost while you decide how far to take the blackout look.

Vinyl vs Painted: Which Costs More?

Vinyl wrapping typically costs $300–$2,500+ for most Melbourne vehicles. The vinyl film gets applied over your existing chrome, which means no part removal in many cases. You can reverse it if you lease your car or want to return to stock. Quality vinyl lasts 5–7 years before showing wear.

Painted chrome deletes run $500–$3,500+, depending on complexity. Parts must be removed from the vehicle for proper prep work. The workshop sands, primes, paints and clears each piece separately, then reinstalls everything. You’re paying for 1–5 days of skilled labour plus premium automotive paint and clear coat.

The painted option costs more upfront but delivers a factory-quality finish that won’t peel or bubble. It’s permanent, so you can’t easily change your mind. Many workshops use UV-resistant clear coats that prevent fading – a feature vinyl can’t match over the long term.

Vinyl makes sense if you want reversibility or plan to sell within 3–5 years. Paint wins if you’re keeping the car long-term and want zero maintenance beyond regular washing. Both methods work well when done properly by experienced Melbourne installers.

Is Chrome Delete Worth the Cost?

Chrome delete delivers solid value for the price. You’re essentially getting a complete aesthetic transformation for a fraction of the cost of a respaint. A full vehicle respray in Melbourne starts around $5,000–$8,000. A comprehensive chrome delete package, priced at $1,500–$3,500+, achieves a dramatic new look for 20%–30% of that cost.

The modification protects your original chrome from scratches, pitting and corrosion – common problems on Australian coastal roads where salt spray attacks chrome trim. When you eventually sell or trade your car, you can remove vinyl wraps to reveal pristine original chrome underneath, which can actually help resale value.

Modern vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE come with extensive chrome trim from the factory. Many owners find it dated or excessive. A chrome delete brings these vehicles into line with current design trends, favouring clean, monochromatic styling. You’ll see this blackout aesthetic on every new premium car released in 2024–2025.

Go With The Professionals

Professional installation matters. A quality chrome delete services Melbourne job should include proper surface prep, premium materials and detailed application around complex curves and edges. Cheap installations peel within months. Done right, your investment lasts years.

Want a stealthy, aggressive look for your car? Wheel Revivers’ chrome delete specialists can transform your vehicle with vinyl blackout or premium painted finishes. We handle everything from single badges to full-vehicle packages, and we can combine it with wheel repair services to complete your custom build.

Chrome Delete Cost in Melbourne: What to Expect