Kia Palisade LX3 Vinyl Wrap Review — Cost & Results

Transforming the Kia Palisade LX3 with a Chrome Delete Vinyl Wrap

Many owners of the new Kia Palisade LX3 find the abundance of chrome trim can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming or detract from a cohesive, sophisticated look. While the stock appearance is undeniably imposing, a color change wrap, specifically a 'chrome delete,' offers a refined solution. This process involves covering the factory chrome accents with a vinyl film, typically in a gloss black or satin finish, to create a unified and modern aesthetic. This review details a specific chrome delete installation on a Palisade LX3, highlighting the transformation, process, and considerations.

The Chrome Delete Transformation: Before and After

The Kia Palisade LX3, with its substantial presence, benefits greatly from a streamlined design. In this case, the owner opted to cover various chrome elements, including the lower front bumper trim, active air ducts, grille surrounds, window trim, lower door moldings, and rear trunk garnish. The chosen material was a 3M high-gloss black vinyl film, chosen for its ability to mimic the look of factory gloss black trim, providing a seamless and premium finish. The before and after results are striking: the vehicle gains a more aggressive, unified appearance, with the gloss black accents complementing the body color and enhancing the SUV's inherent grandeur. Even the silver accents on the factory side steps were included in the service for a complete look. The transformation is not just aesthetic; it provides a fresh, updated character to the vehicle.

Detailed Vinyl Wrap Installation Process

The vinyl wrap installation, performed at a specialist shop in Daejeon, South Korea, took approximately 7 hours. This extensive timeframe underscores the meticulous nature of a quality chrome delete. The process began with a thorough inspection of all chrome parts, noting any existing issues like glass coating that could affect adhesion. The installation involved precise cutting and application of the 3M high-gloss film to each individual piece. For instance, wrapping each slat of the large front grille required significant patience and skill to ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish without damaging the underlying trim. The window trim and other detailed areas were handled with equal care, ensuring clean edges and a factory-like appearance. The side steps and rear diffuser were also addressed, completing the comprehensive chrome delete.

Installation process:

1. Surface Preparation: Thorough cleaning and degreasing of all chrome trim pieces to ensure optimal adhesion. Any existing coatings are assessed.
2. Cutting and Application: The high-gloss vinyl film is precisely cut to size and carefully applied to each chrome element, using heat and specialized tools to conform to the contours.
3. Detailing and Finishing: Edges are meticulously trimmed and tucked where possible. For complex parts like grilles, each section is wrapped individually.
4. Inspection: A final check is performed to ensure a flawless finish, with no bubbles, lifting, or imperfections.

The cost for this type of comprehensive chrome delete on a large SUV like the Palisade LX3 can vary. In Korea, prices typically start around 300,000 KRW (approximately $220 USD, subject to exchange rates) and can increase based on the complexity of the vehicle, the specific parts being wrapped, and the grade of vinyl film used. While this review focuses on a specific chrome delete, a full color change vinyl wrap for a vehicle of this size in the US can range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the film quality and installer.