Vinyl Grill Strip Overlays - Black or Gloss Black?

[rtmeikle]

I was going to order the grill strip overlays from GrafiXpressions. Has anyone tried the gloss black? The website shows the flat black, but I'm wondering if maybe the gloss would look "darker" and disappear better? My S4 is silver, btw.

Thanks!

Rob

[Mr.Tan]

gloss black will show reflections more than the regular flat....so when the sun hits it you will notice a bit of a glare. I'd personally go with the flat

[roadkillrob]

I would do flat as you are trying to make it look consistent with the open space in the grill which will not reflect light.

[VenturiRS]

Flat Black

[SilveR316]

I've had both, and I think gloss looks way better.


Flat

http://i.imgur.com/nOL2DEy.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rMPKAEu.jpg



Gloss

http://i.imgur.com/ZB5hiB1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sHvCUDd.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eBvy5Um.jpg

[Sean@TAG]

Either way will look good. We tend to use Matte a little more because the gloss seems to show the imperfections, and any little bits of dirt/debris that may be under it.

[s4ve]

Either way will look good. We tend to use Matte a little more because the gloss seems to show the imperfections, and any little bits of dirt/debris that may be under it.

that's true... i had both installed, the gloss does look awesome, but you need to be careful and make sure the area is extremely clean -- don't do it outside in any wind.

[AudiA612]

I've had both, and I think gloss looks way better.


Flat

http://i.imgur.com/nOL2DEy.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rMPKAEu.jpg



Gloss

http://i.imgur.com/ZB5hiB1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sHvCUDd.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eBvy5Um.jpg

That looks good! Can you PM me on what brand wheels and specs and size you have

[Alex JB]

The gloss seems to disappear more than the matte on the car above though?
Lovely motor. :)

[SilveR316]

Vorsteiner V-FF 101 19x10 et 45. No spacers. Custom finish, so you won't find these exact wheels anywhere.

[fightnpuma]

Here is my '14 S4 with 3M gloss black, before and after shots.
http://i.imgur.com/ZAt8KfM.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZAt8KfM)
http://i.imgur.com/XBFEJEI.jpg (http://imgur.com/XBFEJEI)

I thought about matte black but I like the way the gloss black looks even better.
I had it installed at the tint shop that did my windows. It was $65 to have it installed. He also sanded down the holes for the license plate so they would not show through.

[rtmeikle]

Hmmm, I'm leaning towards the gloss black based on the pictures people have posted of both. It seems to "disappear" more, which is what I'm looking for. I like the look of one big grill, rather than an upper and lower separated by the bumper.

Thanks!

[kokies]

I can do these for less $$$ if anyone is interested. I have my own vinyl cutter and have matte and glossy black vinyl in stock. I pick up my car in a few days and it should only take another day or two to make up the kit. I am also going to do the S4 logo color change kit for the emblems and calipers as well.

[s4ve]

I can do these for less $$$ if anyone is interested. I have my own vinyl cutter and have matte and glossy black vinyl in stock. I pick up my car in a few days and it should only take another day or two to make up the kit. I am also going to do the S4 logo color change kit for the emblems and calipers as well.

create your own unique products, don't copy others work and ideas.

[AudiA612]

Vorsteiner V-FF 101 19x10 et 45. No spacers. Custom finish, so you won't find these exact wheels anywhere.

Ohh okay. Looks good though!!

[CARGUYROB]

Are these 3M black strips sold as a DIY install or do you just have this done at by a clear bra installer? What do they cost?

[srt2evo]

http://grfxpstore.com/store/product/885037488. DIY takes 10 minutes to install.

[rtmeikle]

BTW, I ended up going with the gloss balck on my silver B8.5. It looks great, and the install was easy.

Thanks everyone!

Rob

[Dr GP]

I used flat black black-out tape on my 2014 and always thought it would have look better in gloss black. Makes the area being blacked out less visible. Similar to an A6. Either way it is a huge improvement.

[SteveYem]

I used flat black black-out tape on my 2014 and always thought it would have look better in gloss black. Makes the area being blacked out less visible. Similar to an A6. Either way it is a huge improvement.

Having seen your previous posts about this, I ordered a roll of the flat black Trimbrite tape and attempted this. I agree that the width of the Trimbrite tape is just about perfect for the spacing between the chrome bars on the B8.5 grille; however, what I couldn't figure out was how to properly install the tape where it wraps around the "corners" of the gray filler area of the grille. There is an angular change there and I think the gap between the bars narrows a bit as well (or that could just be an effect of the angular change). Can you provide any more detailed of a tutorial on how you we able to make that work?

For the time it will take me to get it right (assuming I can even get it right), I'm thinking the $16 spent at grfxp for pre-cut strips would be money well spent.

[chet]

http://grfxpstore.com/store/product/885037488. DIY takes 10 minutes to install.

This. I did the same. You just put it on and done. Precut, tons of color options. He has a bunch of other fun precut vinyl for the S4 too!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nunzo]

create your own unique products, don't copy others work and ideas.

GRFXP has a long history of copying other's work and ideas. [rolleyes]

[AmanG]

Having seen your previous posts about this, I ordered a roll of the flat black Trimbrite tape and attempted this. I agree that the width of the Trimbrite tape is just about perfect for the spacing between the chrome bars on the B8.5 grille; however, what I couldn't figure out was how to properly install the tape where it wraps around the "corners" of the gray filler area of the grille. There is an angular change there and I think the gap between the bars narrows a bit as well (or that could just be an effect of the angular change). Can you provide any more detailed of a tutorial on how you we able to make that work?

For the time it will take me to get it right (assuming I can even get it right), I'm thinking the $16 spent at grfxp for pre-cut strips would be money well spent.

I also used the Trimbrite tape and you have to stretch it around the corner to ensure there are no wrinkles in the tape. Heat wasn't necessary for me, but it would probably make it easier to stretch the tape. Once I had the tape in place, I trimmed the excess of with an x-acto knife. If there are any bubbles that you can't get out, you can just poke a hole in them with a needle and will make them easier to press out because the air will have a place to escape.

[rulaxin12]

How hard is the install with either the trimbrite or grfxp tape?

Anyone know the exact trimbrite to go with? Grfxp looks like $30 and trimbrite $7....

Is one better than the other?

Any other advice on the install?

TIA!

[BirdmanQ5]

If you feel like a project, grab a black optics grille and swap the trims so it's consistent throughout!

PITA to do. Looks amazing though.

http://i.imgur.com/1GdGpPJ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xrM53pM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uNhowx4.jpg

[SteveYem]

How hard is the install with either the trimbrite or grfxp tape?

Anyone know the exact trimbrite to go with? Grfxp looks like $30 and trimbrite $7....

Is one better than the other?

Any other advice on the install?

TIA!

The TrimBrite tape you need is part number T9005 (1-3/8" thick). I just installed mine yesterday. I didn't get mine perfect...I'd say it's a "good from far, but far from good" job, although it looks very good until you get up very close and inspect it. As far as installation tips - line up the tape between the chrome cross-bars of the grille on the front section of the gray plastic right at the "corner" where it angles back toward the border of the grille. Leave a couple inches sticking out beyond the corner. Slowly work your way across the grille watching that the tape is going on straight and not leaving exposed gray plastic at the top or bottom. You will find that this tape is almost a perfect fit for the space allowed.

When you get to the "corner" on the opposite end of the grille, keep applying your tape sort of gently stretching it around the corner. It gets a bit tricky here because the grille doesn't just angle back, but it also angles slightly upward. However I believe the gap between the chrome cross bars also decreases, so you will find as you apply the tape that you have excess material sticking onto both the upper and lower cross-bars. Keep applying tape until you have ~1" extra beyond the edge of the grille. Now go back to the first end and wrap the excess tape around that corner following the same method you used on the opposite end.

The reason for the excess tape beyond the ends is so you can unstick/re-stick the tape as needed to get it to lay the way you want it to, i.e. it gives you an easy way to grab the tape for repositioning.

Now grab a credit card or some other plastic object that is relatively thin but not having a sharp edge. Use the credit card on the two far ends of the grille to push the tape into the corners. You may need to unstick/restick the tape a couple times to avoid puckering it. You should find that the tape conforms pretty well to the corners when using this method. Keep working it gently with the credit card into the corners. Double check that you are covering the gray plastic top and bottom. You will see after working it that the tape conforms nicely into the corners, which gives you a clear visual guide for trimming the tape.

Take a brand new hobby knife blade, e.g. Exacto knife (and I recommend using a small hobby knife as opposed to a larger, more clumsy utility knife) and GENTLY cut the tape in the now visible corners between the front facing grille surface and adjacent chrome cross-bars and chrome grille surround. A brand new exacto blade is key because you can go at the tape with very light pressure without having to dig into it, which helps to avoid gouging into the gray plastic or adjacent chrome trim.

You will likely notice some air bubbles under your tape. First, try to press them out using your credit card /plastic scraper like a squeegee. If they don't go flat or just move around on you, grab a small point pin or needle and poke a small hole in the air bubble, then squeegee it out. You'll never see the tiny holes that you poked, but your tape should now be nice and flat. Repeat for all air bubbles you see.

Full disclosure, the far ends of mine don't look great, specifically where the tape meets the chrome grille surround. Some jagged cuts, a little bit of exposed gray plastic...but luckily that edge is pretty much hidden by the shadows cast in that area, so you would have to be right up on top of it within 5 inches to see it. My technique got better by the time I reached the third section, but I didn't feel like spending any more time that particular day re-doing the other ones.

All of the above will make a lot more sense once you get started working on it. Summary of tools needed:

* Trimbrite T9005 black tape
* Small hobby knife with at least two brand new blades handy (because the sharp tips tend to be delicate and break off)
* Credit card or some other type of dull, thin plastic with a straight edge
* A steady hand, a little bit of patience and ~30 minutes

Here is how mine turned out. For a half hour of work and ~$10 worth of materials for this result and being fully reversible to boot, I'm pretty pleased:

http://i.imgur.com/bP58YbG.png

http://i.imgur.com/hKNafcP.png

http://i.imgur.com/hAL5672.png

[rulaxin12]

The TrimBrite tape you need is part number T9005 (1-3/8" thick). I just installed mine yesterday. I didn't get mine perfect...I'd say it's a "good from far, but far from good" job, although it looks very good until you get up very close and inspect it. As far as installation tips - line up the tape between the chrome cross-bars of the grille on the front section of the gray plastic right at the "corner" where it angles back toward the border of the grille. Leave a couple inches sticking out beyond the corner. Slowly work your way across the grille watching that the tape is going on straight and not leaving exposed gray plastic at the top or bottom. You will find that this tape is almost a perfect fit for the space allowed.

When you get to the "corner" on the opposite end of the grille, keep applying your tape sort of gently stretching it around the corner. It gets a bit tricky here because the grille doesn't just angle back, but it also angles slightly upward. However I believe the gap between the chrome cross bars also decreases, so you will find as you apply the tape that you have excess material sticking onto both the upper and lower cross-bars. Keep applying tape until you have ~1" extra beyond the edge of the grille. Now go back to the first end and wrap the excess tape around that corner following the same method you used on the opposite end.

The reason for the excess tape beyond the ends is so you can unstick/re-stick the tape as needed to get it to lay the way you want it to, i.e. it gives you an easy way to grab the tape for repositioning.

Now grab a credit card or some other plastic object that is relatively thin but not having a sharp edge. Use the credit card on the two far ends of the grille to push the tape into the corners. You may need to unstick/restick the tape a couple times to avoid puckering it. You should find that the tape conforms pretty well to the corners when using this method. Keep working it gently with the credit card into the corners. Double check that you are covering the gray plastic top and bottom. You will see after working it that the tape conforms nicely into the corners, which gives you a clear visual guide for trimming the tape.

Take a brand new hobby knife blade, e.g. Exacto knife (and I recommend using a small hobby knife as opposed to a larger, more clumsy utility knife) and GENTLY cut the tape in the now visible corners between the front facing grille surface and adjacent chrome cross-bars and chrome grille surround. A brand new exacto blade is key because you can go at the tape with very light pressure without having to dig into it, which helps to avoid gouging into the gray plastic or adjacent chrome trim.

You will likely notice some air bubbles under your tape. First, try to press them out using your credit card /plastic scraper like a squeegee. If they don't go flat or just move around on you, grab a small point pin or needle and poke a small hole in the air bubble, then squeegee it out. You'll never see the tiny holes that you poked, but your tape should now be nice and flat. Repeat for all air bubbles you see.

Full disclosure, the far ends of mine don't look great, specifically where the tape meets the chrome grille surround. Some jagged cuts, a little bit of exposed gray plastic...but luckily that edge is pretty much hidden by the shadows cast in that area, so you would have to be right up on top of it within 5 inches to see it. My technique got better by the time I reached the third section, but I didn't feel like spending any more time that particular day re-doing the other ones.

All of the above will make a lot more sense once you get started working on it. Summary of tools needed:

* Trimbrite T9005 black tape
* Small hobby knife with at least two brand new blades handy (because the sharp tips tend to be delicate and break off)
* Credit card or some other type of dull, thin plastic with a straight edge
* A steady hand, a little bit of patience and ~30 minutes

Here is how mine turned out. For a half hour of work and ~$10 worth of materials for this result and being fully reversible to boot, I'm pretty pleased:

http://i.imgur.com/bP58YbG.png

http://i.imgur.com/hKNafcP.png

http://i.imgur.com/hAL5672.png


SteveYem! Thank you for the detailed write up! It came out great and will be doing this next week!

[Dr GP]

Having seen your previous posts about this, I ordered a roll of the flat black Trimbrite tape and attempted this. I agree that the width of the Trimbrite tape is just about perfect for the spacing between the chrome bars on the B8.5 grille; however, what I couldn't figure out was how to properly install the tape where it wraps around the "corners" of the gray filler area of the grille. There is an angular change there and I think the gap between the bars narrows a bit as well (or that could just be an effect of the angular change). Can you provide any more detailed of a tutorial on how you we able to make that work?

For the time it will take me to get it right (assuming I can even get it right), I'm thinking the $16 spent at grfxp for pre-cut strips would be money well spent.

You just need to trim the tape slightly with a razor knife. Its not hard to do. But the vinyl is a viable low cost option.

[Mrmar23]

http://grfxpstore.com/store/product/885037488. DIY takes 10 minutes to install.

I assume the "black" option is gloss as the other says, "matte"... Correct?

[WVBBS4]

I have Matte Black grill strips for sale for $20 (regular $30). I bought them, then decided to get the RS4 grille instead. just PM me for info.

***item sold***

[chopz33]

anyone know where i can buy the vinyl strip for the B8?

[SteveYem]

anyone know where i can buy the vinyl strip for the B8?

I don't think there is anywhere on the grille to apply vinyl strips on the B8. There is the center bar with the two chrome strips but the more practical route for changing the color would be to apply Plastidip. I did mine in flat black and it turned out pretty nice IMO.

http://i.imgur.com/v9FUL.jpg

[Dr GP]

I don't think there is anywhere on the grille to apply vinyl strips on the B8. There is the center bar with the two chrome strips but the more practical route for changing the color would be to apply Plastidip. I did mine in flat black and it turned out pretty nice IMO.

http://i.imgur.com/v9FUL.jpg

He's talking about the B8.5 not the B8. BTW, I had my filler plate painted the body color on both my B8s

[14S4GWM]

He's talking about the B8.5 not the B8.

Chopz has a 2012 which is B8

[Dr GP]

Chopz has a 2012 which is B8

Ok, then. You can buy a black filler plate From ECS for the B8 but I believe the horizontal trim pieces are also black. Other option would be to plastidip or paint it.

[chopz33]

For some reason I can't post the picture. Will try again this evening

Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk

[yjypm]

If you feel like a project, grab a black optics grille and swap the trims so it's consistent throughout!

PITA to do. Looks amazing though.

http://i.imgur.com/1GdGpPJ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xrM53pM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uNhowx4.jpg

I feel you. I did it twice (swapping trims between stock grille and a BO grille with screw holes and later a BO grille without holes) and it was a real PITA.

[chopz33]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170105/234f35ac556678fe2e963495b91a5fb0.jpg

Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk

[14S4GWM]

^ You want the red piece?

[chopz33]

Correct

Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk

[14S4GWM]

Correct

Sent from my LG-H820 using Tapatalk

Haven't seen any for B8

[switchedstance]

I was able to shave and smooth my plate holes with bondo before applying the GFX kit. Can't tell they were there. To that end, a $56k car should not have a front plate attached with self tapping screws. Looks like they misaligned mine initially, as there were 6 barbaric holes to fill. The plastic was so deformed around the screw holes, I had to open up them to 1/4" to clear all the distorted material.

https://scontent-sjc2-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/12501646_801524586620895_875096616_n.jpg?ig_cache_ key=MTIxNTI2NTkzNjgyNTc2Njk5Mw%3D%3D.2

[s4ve]

heads up, all the stuff at grfxp.com is 15% off for cyber monday!

[quickglx]

I had some matte vinyl on the center bars. It looked decent but the imperfections under the tape showed through and the other parts of the grille still being grey really bugged me. So I dismantled the grille and had it painted. It was quite a bit of work but it turned out great
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh223/QuickGLX/Mobile%20Uploads/20170728_232412_zpsw8dopwo9.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/QuickGLX/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170728_232412_zpsw8dopwo9.jpg.html)