It’s safe to say that Kia has recently stepped up their game and improved the look and feel of their vehicles. The Kia Sorento X-line is a great example with its combination of space, versatility and appearance. This custom 2022 Kia Sorento showcases how you can create a chrome delete look using vinyl overlays to cover emblems and lettering. Paired with a few other customizations to make a unique look that sets it apart form others.
| PART LIST | |
|---|---|
| 3M Premium Window Tint | Roof Wrap |
| Kia Emblem Overaly | Kia Lettering Overlay |
| Painted Brake Caliper | Paint Protection Film |
Blackout Emblems and Lettering
We started altering this custom Kia Sorento by using precisely cut vinyl overlays to cover the face of the emblems and lettering. Normally chrome deletes are done by removing and painting all the chrome accents, which can be a bit expensive. They can also be done by wrapping these entire pieces with black vinyl or using an adhesive plastic cap. However, there are some useful benefits to consider when using overlays to change the look of the chrome accent features
What makes our overlays a good option is that they are really affordable and easy to install because of their low initial tac, which helps you save some money. Having that low tac allows the emblem to easily be moved around for perfect placement. In addition our overlays have air release technology makes it easy to smooth out bubbles for a cleaner look. Other overlays you might get from websites like etsy won’t have these benefits and can be tricky to apply. The best advantage of overlays is that can be easily removed if you want to change color, or get rid of them altogether. The best part is they won’t leave any damage or sticky adhesive making overlays a great modification!
Roof Wrap
To build off the blackout lettering and emblems we wrapped the roof with gloss black vinyl that extends down the pillars of the car. This style of vinyl wrap creates the look of a two-tone paint job popularized on SUVs by Land Rover. Custom wraps with this two-tone effect make the car feel more compressed and streamlined while adding some extra character. This vehicle upgrade helped add a darker demeanor, but we knew we still wanted more for this Sorento.
Window Tint
Our next addition was tinting the windows to add another layer of darkness on this custom SUV. Window tint gives the vehicle a new and more serious appeal while protecting you and your vehicle from harsh rays of sun. the best part is window tints are an extremely affordable mod for any vehicle. On this Kia Sorento we applied a 35% tint to the front windows and a 20% tint to the back windows adding a bit more privacy to the vehicle.
Window tint film is darker the lower the %. Typically the lowest people will go is 5%, but that’s pretty dark and can cause issues with visibility or law enforcement. The % is actually a measurement of Visual Light Transference (VLT). Keep in mind your local laws while selecting a tint so that you don’t get ticketed. We always recommend a professional install for window tint jobs. Poor tint application will bubble and discolor over time. Double check to be sure whoever installs your window tint has a good warranty on their work!
Paint Protection Film
After adding a window tint we wanted to boost the protection on this Sorento by applying a PPF to the front bumper area. Having this protective film over your paint keeps it from chipping which leads to costly paint touch ups or rust if left un-addressed. Protecting your car is always a good idea because it helps to save its value over time and extends life on the road.
Painted Calipers
The final modification on this Kia Sorento was made to highlight it’s performance. We chose to paint the brake calipers a racing red which for many is associated with speed. The bright red paint really stands out behind the wheels and adds a pop of color to the SUV.
If you want to safeguard your newly painted calipers then applying a ceramic coating like we did will get the job done. This coating helps reduce the build up of dirt and debris while adding another layer of protection for the paint. These coatings make cleaning ridiculously easy, so that you can wash away any kind build up over time. Ceramic coatings can also be applied to your entire vehicle’s paint to add another layer of protection and make the whole thing easy to clean.
Interested in customizing your Kia Sorento? We offer after market accessories internationally and services across the entire contiguous united states to help with modifications you’d like to make on your vehicle.
