Chrome elements on Skoda Octavia A7 (2013–2020) give the car a presentable appearance, but over time, many owners want to get rid of them. The reasons are different: from the desire to get a more aggressive or sporty look to the banal peeling of the coating. **Antichrome** is the process of masking or completely removing chrome parts, and today we will analyze all the nuances of this procedure specifically for Octavia A7, including Octavia A7 FL (facelift).

In this article you will find not only step-by-step instructions, but also recommendations for choosing materials, comparison of methods (painting vs. vinyl wrapping), as well as unique data on the durability of coatings in Russian climatic conditions. We analyzed reviews from owners and the experience of workshops to create the most practical guide possible - without fluff or boilerplate advice.

Which elements on the Octavia A7 are most often subjected to antichrome?

On Skoda Octavia A7 chrome parts are located both outside and inside the cabin. The most popular areas for antichrome:

  • πŸ”Ή Radiator grille - central and side parts (especially on versions Elegance and Laurin & Klement).
  • πŸ”Ή Door handle covers - often peel or fade after 3-4 years.
  • πŸ”Ή Bumper moldings β€” lower and upper chrome strips.
  • πŸ”Ή Window edging β€” a thin chrome strip around the perimeter of the doors.
  • πŸ”Ή Emblems Skoda and Octavia β€” they can also be darkened or replaced with black ones.
  • πŸ”Ή Internal elements: gear lever, air duct trim, climate control buttons (on versions with chrome interior).

It’s interesting that on the restyled Octavia A7 FL (2017+) there are fewer chrome elements - the manufacturer took into account the trends towards minimalism. However, even here, owners often remove chrome from radiator grilles and door handles.

πŸ“Š Which elements on your Octavia A7 do you want to antichrome?
  • Radiator grille
  • Door handles
  • Bumper moldings
  • Window edging
  • Emblems
  • Internal details
  • I don't plan on antichrome

Methods for removing chromium: comparison of methods

There are three main ways to get rid of chromium on Octavia A7:

  1. Pasting with vinyl film - the most popular method due to its simplicity and reversibility.
  2. Painting - durable, but requires a professional approach.
  3. Complete removal of chrome parts - a radical method that is not suitable for all elements.

Let's look at each in more detail.

1. Pasting with vinyl

Vinyl film (for example, 3M 1080 or Oracal 970RA) allows you to quickly and relatively cheaply disguise chrome. Pros:

  • βœ… Reversible - the film can be removed without damaging the original chrome.
  • βœ… Large selection of colors: matte black, gloss, carbon, even β€œaluminium-look”.
  • βœ… Protection of chrome from corrosion and fading.

Cons:

  • ❌ Service life is 3–5 years (in Russian conditions it is often less due to temperature changes).
  • ❌ On complex surfaces (for example, a radiator grill), professional pasting is required.

2. Painting

Painting chrome parts in body color or matte black is a more durable solution. For Octavia A7 often used:

  • πŸ”˜ Powder painting - durable, but requires removal of the part.
  • πŸ”˜ Airbrush β€” for complex elements (for example, emblems).
  • πŸ”˜ Liquid rubber (for example, Plasti Dip) is a temporary solution, it can be removed like a film.

Important: before painting chrome it is necessary degrease and matte (for example, sandpaper P800–P1200). Without this, the paint will peel off in a few months.

3. Complete removal of chromium

Some parts (for example, door handle trims) can be removed and replaced with non-chrome analogues. For Octavia A7 on sale are:

  • πŸ”§ Black plastic handle covers (item no. 5E0 837 615/616 for front doors).
  • πŸ”§ Radiator grille without chrome (for example, from the version RS or tuning options).

However, this method is not suitable for all elements - for example, it is almost impossible to remove window trim without damaging the body.

What happens if you just paint over the chrome without preparation?

Without preliminary matting and primer, the paint will not adhere to a smooth chrome surface. After 1–2 months, chips will appear, and after six months the coating will begin to peel off in β€œflaps.” This happens especially quickly in winter due to temperature changes and reagents.

Step-by-step instructions: anti-chrome vinyl film

Let's look at the pasting process using an example radiator grilles Octavia A7 - one of the most difficult elements. You will need:

  • πŸ“Œ Vinyl film (we recommend 3M 1080 G12 - matte black).
  • πŸ“Œ Vinyl cutting knife (or a utility knife with a new blade).
  • πŸ“Œ Construction hair dryer (for heating the film on bends).
  • πŸ“Œ Squeegee (plastic spatula for smoothing).
  • πŸ“Œ Isopropyl alcohol (for degreasing).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for pasting

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Step 1. Dismantling the grille

On Octavia A7 the grille is attached to 4 plastic clips from the bottom and 2 bolts from the top (under the hood). Carefully pry up the clips with a flathead screwdriver, then unscrew the bolts with a wrench T25. Do not pull the grill towards you - first disconnect the temperature sensor connector (if equipped).

Step 2. Pasting

Heat the film with a hairdryer and gradually glue it to the grill, smoothing it with a squeegee from the center to the edges. Heat the vinyl more on bends - it will become more elastic. For the ribbed surface of the lattice, use the β€œdry glue” technique: after gluing, heat the film and carefully pierce the bubbles with a needle.

Step 3: Trim the excess

After complete gluing, trim off the excess with a knife along the contour. For accuracy, use a new scalpel - a dull blade can pull the film. Tuck the edges under the grill or glue them 3M Edge Sealer to protect against peeling.

πŸ’‘

If you are covering door handles, first remove them (instructions in the service manual Octavia A7, section "Body β†’ Doors"). This will avoid sloppy joints at the ends.

Chrome painting: technology and nuances

If you choose to paint, preparing the chrome surface is the most important step. On Octavia A7 often painted:

  • πŸ”Ή Door handles (after removal).
  • πŸ”Ή Bumper moldings.
  • πŸ”Ή Window edging (requires masking tape and precision).

Materials:

  • πŸ–Œ Primer for metal (for example, PPG DP40).
  • πŸ–Œ Matte black paint (eg. R-M Onyx HD).
  • πŸ–Œ Varnish (two-component, for example, Sikkens Autoclear).
  • πŸ–Œ Sandpaper P800β†’P1200β†’P2000.

Step by step process:

  1. Remove the part (if possible) or carefully cover adjacent surfaces with masking tape.
  2. Sand the chrome with sandpaper until smooth. Don't overdo it - just remove the gloss.
  3. Degrease Antisilicon or isopropyl alcohol.
  4. Apply primer in 2 layers with interlayer drying for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Paint in 3 layers, drying between coats for 15–20 minutes.
  6. Apply varnish in 2 layers.

Complete drying time is 24 hours. Avoid pressure washing for the first 3 days.

πŸ’‘

For edging glass, use spray paint with a fine nozzle (for example, Motip Matt Schwarz). Apply 4-5 thin layers from a distance of 20-25 cm to avoid smudges.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced owners Octavia A7 make mistakes when using antichrome. Here are the most common:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Poor surface cleaning before gluing The film peels off after 1–2 months Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth
Applying paint without primer The paint is peeling off in patches Be sure to prime adhesive primer for smooth surfaces
Pasting in the cold (below +10Β°C) The film does not stick, bubbles form Work in a warm garage or use an infrared heater
Using cheap film Burns out within a year, glue remains on the part Select films 3M, Oracal or Avery Dennison

Pay special attention door handles β€” they are often painted without removing them, which causes the paint to get on the seals and jam the mechanism. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to remove the handle (instructions are in ELSA for Octavia A7).

πŸ’‘

Before painting the emblems Skoda or Octavia stick masking tape on them and cut out the outline with a knife. This way you will get a perfect border and will not stain the body.

Caring for parts after antichrome

After antichrome, the care of treated parts changes:

  • 🚿 Vinyl film: wash only with a soft sponge and car shampoo (for example, Karcher RM 539). Do not use brushes or detergents containing abrasives.
  • 🎨 Painted parts: Avoid automatic car washes for the first 2 weeks. Apply protective wax once every 3 months (for example, Collinite 845).
  • β˜€οΈ UV protection: on sunny days, cover the treated elements with a cover or park in the shade - this will extend the life of the vinyl and paint.

For cleaning chrome parts that you not processed, use specialized tools (for example, Sonax Chrome Cleaner). They remove oxides and restore shine, but are not suitable for matte vinyl or paint!

πŸ’‘

If small scratches appear on the film after antichrome treatment, they can be removed with vinyl polish (for example, 3M Vinyl Restorer). For painted parts, use an abrasive polish. Farecla G3 followed by ceramic protection.

Antichrome cost: DIY vs. workshop

Antichrome price for Skoda Octavia A7 depends on the method and scope of work:

Method DIY (on your own) Workshop (Moscow/St. Petersburg)
Covering grilles with vinyl 500–1,500 rubles (film + tools) 3 000–5 000 β‚½
Painting door handles 1,000–2,000 rubles (paint + primer) 4,000–6,000 rubles (with withdrawal)
Full antichrome (grille + handles + moldings) 3 000–6 000 β‚½ 15 000–25 000 β‚½
Replacing chrome parts with black ones 5,000–12,000 rubles (spare parts) 8,000–15,000 rubles (with work)

You can save money by buying materials in bulk (for example, vinyl at AliExpress cheaper, but takes longer) or by negotiating with workshops for β€œpartial” antichrome (for example, only the grille + handles).

Where to order:

  • πŸ“ Moscow: CarStyling Lab (Molodogvardeyskaya St.), VinylPro (m. Tushinskaya).
  • πŸ“ St. Petersburg: BlackOut Studio (Sedova St.), AutoVinyl (m. Kupchino).
  • πŸ“ Regions: look for workshops with reviews on Drive2 or Yandex.Services (filter "Body tuning").
πŸ’‘

Before ordering, ask the workshop to show examples of work on Octavia A7 β€” the chrome on this model has a specific texture, and not all craftsmen can handle it.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to apply anti-chrome to the window frames without removing them?

Technically it is possible, but extremely difficult. You will need:

  1. Carefully cover the glass and body with masking tape (the width of the strip is at least 3 cm).
  2. Use liquid rubber (Plasti Dip) - it is easier to apply with a brush.
  3. Apply 4-5 thin coats with 15 minutes drying time between coats.

The risk of staining the glass or body remains high. In workshops they charge from 8,000 rubles for such work.

Which vinyl is better to choose for antichrome on Octavia A7?

For Russian conditions we recommend:

  • 3M 1080 G12 (matte black) - the most resistant to temperature changes.
  • Oracal 970RA-010 (glossy black) - if you want to maintain shine, but without chrome.
  • Avery Dennison SW900-200 (satin) - the golden mean between matte and glossy.

Avoid Chinese films without a brand - they turn yellow and peel off after a year.

How long does antichrome last on door handles?

Service life depends on the method:

  • Vinyl film: 2–4 years (with proper care).
  • Painting: 5–7 years (if high-quality primer and varnish were used).
  • Liquid rubber (Plasti Dip): 1–2 years (requires updating).

On door handles, the coating wears out faster due to constant contact. To extend the life, apply to them silicone grease once a month.

Is it possible to return original chrome after antichrome?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • If used vinyl film β€” it can be removed without leaving any traces (provided that the glue has not β€œeaten into” the chrome).
  • If there was painting β€” it is not possible to return the original appearance, only replacing the part.
  • If chrome removed mechanically (for example, it was ground) - the part will have to be replaced.

Before antichrome, take a photo of the original parts - this will help return it to stock when selling the car.

How does antichrome affect the selling price of the Octavia A7?

Depends on the quality of work and trends:

  • πŸ“‰ Minus 5–15% β€” if the antichrome is made crookedly (uneven edges, peeling).
  • πŸ“ˆ Plus 3–7% - if done professionally and in trendy colors (matte black, carbon).
  • πŸ”„ Neutral - if the parts can be quickly returned to their original form (for example, remove the vinyl).

On Drive2 and Avito cars with neat anti-chrome sell faster - especially in black or dark gray.