If you’re looking at your Honda Civic and thinking it needs a sharper, more aggressive look, you might want to check this out. Adding Honda Civic Blacked Out Emblems is one of the simplest and most effective ways to change your car’s personality. This popular modification replaces the standard chrome badges with sleek black ones, giving your Civic a stealthy, unified appearance that many owners love.
It’s a project that can be done in an afternoon. You don’t need to be a professional. The result is a cleaner, more modern style that makes your car stand out from the crowd. Let’s look at how you can get this look, the different methods available, and what you need to know before you start.
Honda Civic Blacked Out Emblems
This specific mod focuses on replacing or covering the factory emblems. The goal is to eliminate the shiny chrome finish. Blacked-out emblems create a seamless look, especially on darker paint colors like black, gray, or blue. But they also look fantastic on white and silver cars, providing a bold contrast.
The main emblems involved are usually the front “H” badge, the rear “H” badge, and the “Civic” lettering on the trunk. Some owners also black out the model trim badges, like “Sport” or “Touring.” The process removes the brightwork that can sometimes look out of place on a sporty vehicle.
Why Do Owners Choose Black Badges?
The reasons are both aesthetic and personal. First, it gives the car a more premium and purposeful look. It’s a detail that shows you care about the car’s appearance. Second, it’s a relatively inexpensive mod with a high visual impact. You can completely change the car’s vibe without spending a lot of money.
Finally, it’s a form of personalization. In a sea of stock-looking Civics, your car will have a distinct identity. It’s a nod to the performance and tuning culture, where blacked-out trim is a common theme.
Methods for Blacking Out Your Emblems
You have three main paths to choose from. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of cost, difficulty, and final result.
- OEM Replacement Parts: Honda sells genuine black emblems as accessories. These are direct replacements.
- Plasti Dip or Hyper Dip: A spray-on, removable coating that covers your existing emblems.
- Vinyl Overlays or Covers: Pre-cut black pieces that stick directly over the chrome.
Your choice will depend on your budget, your comfort with DIY projects, and whether you want a permanent change.
1. Using OEM Black Emblem Kits
This is the most straightforward, but usually most expensive, method. You purchase a kit from Honda or an authorized dealer. The kit includes new badges that are factory-painted black. You simply remove your old chrome badges and install these new ones.
The big advantage is quality and fitment. They are designed specifically for your Civic model year, so they will clip in perfectly. The finish is durable and will last as long as your car. The downside is the cost, which can be over $200 for a full set. Also, installation requires removing the old badges, which can be intimidating for some.
2. The Plasti Dip Approach
Plasti Dip is a favorite in the DIY car community. It’s a rubberized coating that you spray on. If you make a mistake, you can peel it off and start over. It’s very forgiving and cheap. A can costs less than $20.
The process involves masking off the area around the emblem, cleaning the badge thoroughly, and applying several light coats. After it dries, you carefully peel the overspray off the car’s paint, leaving only the emblem coated. The result is a matte black finish. Some prefer the glossier look of Hyper Dip, which is a similar product with a shinier result.
3. Vinyl Overlays or Covers
This is the quickest and least invasive option. You buy pre-cut vinyl pieces in black. They are designed to stick right on top of your existing chrome emblems. You don’t need to remove anything. You just clean the emblem, peel the backing, and carefully apply the vinyl.
It’s low-cost and reversible. If you don’t like it, you can peel it off. However, the edges can sometimes be visible up close, and they may not adhere as permanently as other methods. Washing the car and car washes can sometimes lift the edges over time.
Step-by-Step: How to Plast Dip Your Emblems
Since this is the most popular DIY method, here’s a detailed guide. Always work in a well-ventilated area and on a clean, dry car.
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a can of Plasti Dip (or Hyper Dip), painter’s tape, masking paper or plastic bags, microfiber towels, and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.
- Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash and dry the emblems and surrounding paint. Then, wipe the emblems down with isopropyl alcohol to remove any wax or grease. This step is crucial for good adhesion.
- Mask Off the Area: Use painter’s tape and paper or plastic bags to cover the paint around the emblems. You want to protect a large area from overspray. Don’t worry about getting tape perfectly flush with the emblem; the dip will peel off the paint.
- Apply the First Coat: Shake the can well. Hold it about 6-8 inches away and apply a very light, thin “tack coat.” This coat might not fully cover the chrome; that’s okay. Its purpose is to give the next coats something to stick to. Let it dry for about 10-15 minutes.
- Apply Additional Coats: Apply 4-6 more medium, wet coats. Allow each coat to dry for 10-15 minutes before applying the next. The key is to build up thickness slowly. You should not be able to see any chrome shining through after about the 4th coat.
- Let it Cure: After the final coat, let it dry completely for at least 30-60 minutes. The longer you wait, the easier the next step is.
- Peel the Overspray: Carefully peel the masking tape off. You’ll see the film on the paint start to separate from the film on the emblem. Use a toothpick or your fingernail to gently score around the edges of the emblem. Then, slowly peel the overspray film away from the paint. It should come off cleanly, leaving a crisp line around your blacked-out badge.
- Final Touches: If any areas look thin, you can remask and apply more coats. For a glossier finish, you can apply a Plasti Dip Glossifier top coat.
Step-by-Step: Installing OEM Replacement Emblems
This method is more permanent and requires careful removal of the old badges.
- Get the Right Parts: Ensure you have the correct OEM part numbers for your specific Civic year and model. The front and rear “H” badges are often different sizes and have different mounting methods.
- Remove the Old Emblems:
- Rear Badges: Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the adhesive behind the badge. Be careful not to overheat the paint. Then, use fishing line or a specialized plastic trim tool to slowly saw through the adhesive. Work slowly and evenly.
- Front Badge: On many Civics, the front badge may require partial removal of the grille or be accessed from behind the bumper. Consult a service manual or forum guide for your specific model year.
- Clean the Surface: Once the old badge is off, you’ll need to remove all the leftover adhesive. Use an adhesive remover like Goo Gone and a plastic scraper. Follow up with isopropyl alcohol to get a perfectly clean surface.
- Test Fit the New Badge: Before peeling any backing, hold the new black emblem in place to check alignment. Some badges have alignment pins.
- Apply the New Badge: Peel the backing off the new emblem’s adhesive tape. Carefully align and press it firmly into place. Apply even pressure across the entire badge for 30-60 seconds to ensure a strong bond.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple projects can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Not Cleaning Enough: Any wax, dirt, or grease will prevent adhesion, whether for vinyl, Plast Dip, or new adhesive tape. The cleaning step is the most important.
- Rushing the Coats: Applying Plast Dip too thickly or not letting coats dry in between will cause runs, drips, and an uneven finish. Patience is key.
- Peeling Too Early: If you try to peel the overspray before the Plast Dip is fully dry, it can tear and leave ragged edges. Let it cure properly.
- Using the Wrong Tools for Removal: Never use a metal blade or screwdriver to pry off old emblems. You will absolutely scratch or chip your paint. Use plastic tools and heat.
- Ignoring Weather: Don’t apply adhesives or coatings in very cold, hot, or humid conditions. Ideal temperature is between 60°F and 80°F (15°C – 27°C).
Cost Comparison: Which Method is Best for You?
Let’s break down the approximate cost and effort level.
- OEM Replacements: Cost: $150 – $300+. Effort: Medium to High (requires removal). Result: Perfect, permanent, glossy finish.
- Plasti Dip/Hyper Dip: Cost: $20 – $40. Effort: Medium. Result: Matte or satin finish, durable but can be peeled off later if desired.
- Vinyl Overlays: Cost: $15 – $50. Effort: Low. Result: Good from a distance, edges may be visible up close, less permanent.
For a first-timer on a budget, Plasti Dip is often the best recommendation. It’s low-risk and teaches you a lot. If you want a guaranteed perfect look and have the budget, OEM is the way to go.
Caring for Your Blacked Out Emblems
Maintenance is simple. Treat them like your car’s paint. Wash them regularly with car shampoo. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes directly on them. For Plast Dipped emblems, avoid spraying strong bug or tar removers directly on the coating, as they can degrade the rubber.
If a Plasti Dip coat gets damaged, you can often just respray that one emblem. For vinyl or OEM, a gentle wash is all they need. Over many years, even OEM paint can fade slightly, but it’s covered by your car’s clear coat and is very durable.
FAQ Section
Is blacking out emblems legal?
Yes, blacking out emblems is generally legal everywhere. It does not obscure vehicle identification numbers (VIN) or change the essential make/model identification in a way that would concern law enforcement. However, always check your local regulations to be sure.
Can I black out the emblems on a leased Civic?
If you use a reversible method like Plasti Dip or vinyl overlays, you can return the car to stock before your lease ends. Removing OEM badges to install permanent black ones on a leased vehicle is not recommended unless you plan to buy the car at the end of the lease.
How long does Plasti Dip last on emblems?
Properly applied Plasti Dip can last 3+ years on emblems. It withstands weather and car washes well. The edges might start to lift before the main surface wears, but it’s easy to touch up or redo.
Do black emblems fade or turn gray?
High-quality OEM painted emblems are clear-coated and very resistant to fading. Plasti Dip is also UV resistant, but over many years in intense sun, any material can experience some fading. Vinyl overlays are most susceptible to fading over time.
Can I get colored emblems instead of black?
Absolutely. The same methods apply. You can find OEM red emblems for certain models, or use colored Plasti Dip or vinyl to match your car’s paint or create a custom accent color.
Will this affect my car’s resale value?
It can go either way. A clean, well-executed blackout mod often appeals to buyers looking for a sportier look and can be a selling point. A poorly done job might hurt value. Since it’s an easy and inexpensive mod, it’s not a major factor compared to mechanical condition or mileage.
Blacking out your Honda Civic’s emblems is a satisfying project. It personalizes your car and gives it a more aggressive, finished look. Whether you choose the DIY spray method or invest in factory parts, the change is immediate and striking. With the right preparation and patience, you can achieve a professional-looking result that makes your Civic truly your own. Just remember to take your time, especially during the cleaning and prep stages, as that is what ensures a long-lasting and great-looking finish.