Black Rubberized Window Trim

During the first year of the GLI model production (2006) the trim around the windows was made of plasticized stainless steel. Arguably, this detail was supposed to give the GLI a more Audi-like, upscale look. However, it did not really contribute to the sporty-ness that the GLI (like the GTI) are supposed to portray. While the metallic trim gave the car’s profile a bit more depth, I always found it somewhat “jumpy” (for lack of a better term) against a dark colored car such as mine. And while I enjoyed the coordination between the trim and my current wheels, I was always curious as to what a blacked out window trim could do for the car as a whole. After 2007, Volkswagen then inverted the cars in which the stainless steel trim is found to regular Jettas while GLIs are the ones to come with rubberized black window trim; One of the many running changes that have taken place during the three years these cars have been available.

After some consideration between pros and cons, I decided to black out my window trim. I wanted to use a material that could be removable yet provided a durable and rubberized finish. I evaluated several types of material, including vinyl, truck bed liner spray and spray paint, none of which combined both of the attributes I needed (reversibility and durability). After some searching around, I found the product I needed to carry out this project: Plasti-dip spray.

Because of the nature of the project, I knew beyond shadow of a doubt, that the outcome’s quality would be entirely dependent on two things: Surface preparation and quality of masking. With this in mind, I paid especial attention to these two steps, ensuring the stainless steel trim was correctly prepared and painstakingly masked. Masking alone took over 4 hours.

First, I covered most of the car in newspaper secured with painter’s tape. Then I worked my way around the windows with thicker painter’s tape, and utilizing an Xacto knife to trim the excess and leave only the window trim exposed. After that, I lightly sanded off the stainless steel trim with 500 grit sandpaper and dusted the areas with canned air followed by a cotton ball saturated with alcohol. I then gave all the areas a quick wipe with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust left behind by sanding. It was only after this lengthy process that the trim was ready for coating.

Plasti-dip spray is much different than the traditional dip-in stuff. It goes on a lot lighter so I applied thick, heavy coats against the instructions in the can. I did a total of three thick coats per side letting dry approximately 15 minutes between coats (this stuff dries relatively quickly). Then let the whole thing dry overnight.

Removing the masking is a tricky step. If you do it too early you run the risk of peeling some of the Plasti-Dip with it (when it’s not fully dry it has the texture and consistency of liquid latex) and letting it dry too much makes the masking bond to it and peel even more. Therefore, the only thing to do is to go over the lines of the trim with an Xacto knife to make sure the plastic spray separates from the masking. You’re still bound to have some accidents here and there so I recommend buying a can of the dip-in Plasti-dip for retouching if necessary.

I don’t recommend washing the car or allow it to come in contact with water for at least a week in order to allow the plastic finish enough time to cure and bond. From start to finish this process took me well over 6 hours so if you plan on undertaking this project, make sure you have enough time to spare and don’t plan to use your car for at least a full day afterward.

The material is supposed to be “removable” in a sense that finding an area where to pull from should allow you to peel it off. Thus far it has endured quite a bit in terms of weather and direct hard rubbing without any damage to the trim. I can also re-apply it or retouch it at any time if necessary. I think the results speak for themselves. The pillars, which are shinny piano-black on 2006 GLIs are covered in outdoor-grade vinyl cut to size.