Chrome Gloss Silver

3M Chrome Gloss Silver is a chrome film from 3M's 2080 range, catalogued as GC451.

This is color change wrap vinyl from 3M's 2080 line. It resurfaces the car in a new color and can be removed later without touching the factory paint underneath, which is why wraps hold resale value in a way a respray does not. Vinyl changes how the car looks; it is not impact protection, so if you also want the paint shielded from rock chips, the same kind of color exists as color paint protection film at a higher price.

The chrome finish

Chrome is a genuine mirror finish and the most demanding film in the catalog, both to install and to own. It shows every fingerprint, needs careful hand washing, and is unforgiving of pressure washers held close. Full chrome cars are rare for a reason; it is often used on a roof, mirrors or accents rather than the whole vehicle.

Living with chrome in the Pacific Northwest

A mirror finish takes on the color of whatever is around it, so the car looks different on a grey day than it does in sun and different again indoors. Dark colors show water spots, dust and wash marks sooner than light ones, and our rain leaves spots the moment it dries on a panel. Drying the car after a wash rather than letting it air dry is most of the battle.

Care: hand wash only, with a soft mitt and no pressure washer held close to an edge. Chrome shows every fingerprint and marks easily.