Has anyone figured out a way to eliminate the piano/glossy black interior trim? It's impossible to keep clean... and constantly cleaning it is creating swirls and scratches! Wondering if there is a wrap, overlay trim, or something we could use.
Piano/Glossy Black Trim Elimination?
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gerryniro
21 - 40 of 47 Posts
I did a quick and dirty experiment last week with a piece of clear matte Con-Tact adhesive film, applying it across the area just ahead of the shifter. I've been using this stuff for years as a protective film on laptop computers and similar devices. It sticks well, but leaves no adhesive residue when removed — even if it's been in place for a year.
I deliberately did not cover the entire center console because this was a proof of concept, and I wanted to compare the film with the OEM piano black in a driving situation.
Today I had that opportunity. Afternoon sun reflection was blinding from the untreated plastic, while the film barely reflected anything. Based on this experience, I plan to cut film to cover the entire center console, except for buttons and transmission selection display. If that works out, I will probably order some opaque matte black for a final job.
![Image]()
If it doesn't, I'll probably go with a stick-on, such as described by TheAirman — but only if I can find something without a fake pattern and with a matte finish. Paying $50 for a piece of plastic, then having to wet-sand it to get rid of the gloss, or spraying it with flat black paint isn't an appealing option.
I deliberately did not cover the entire center console because this was a proof of concept, and I wanted to compare the film with the OEM piano black in a driving situation.
Today I had that opportunity. Afternoon sun reflection was blinding from the untreated plastic, while the film barely reflected anything. Based on this experience, I plan to cut film to cover the entire center console, except for buttons and transmission selection display. If that works out, I will probably order some opaque matte black for a final job.
If it doesn't, I'll probably go with a stick-on, such as described by TheAirman — but only if I can find something without a fake pattern and with a matte finish. Paying $50 for a piece of plastic, then having to wet-sand it to get rid of the gloss, or spraying it with flat black paint isn't an appealing option.
Update: I found this on Amazon last night:
![Image]()
I had some unused rewards points, which brought the price down to $20. At that price, it's not worth the hassle of trying to fabricate my own with adhesive film. Delivery promised for July 26. After it arrives (assuming it fits) I'll decide if I want to dull the finish with 0000 steel wool, and/or spray it with flat urethane varnish — possibly both. I inherently dislike the idea of faux carbon fiber ABS, but it is what it is.
I may still use some of the clear matte film on parts of the dash that catch reflections.
I may still use some of the clear matte film on parts of the dash that catch reflections.
Attachments
I have the round dial shifter with LEDs, so wanted something translucent. I ended up buying some Vvivid matte taillight tint. It's a dry application, so no fears of damaging the electronics. It has enough transparency to still see the RND LEDs and eliminates all of the glare. I didn't cover the buttons, so will still occasionally have a blind moment, but nothing like before.
![Image]()
Nice work! I'm curious why you didn't follow the groove on the right side of the console. A very sharp blade (such as an X-acto scalpel) should have been able to slide through the film while barely touching the plastic of the console.
That groove is also gloss black. I wanted as much coverage as I could get, so went all the way to the seam.. I'll redo it at some point. A lot of first timer errors. Especially on that area and around the shift knob.
I keep a slight layer of dust... seems to resolve the issue. Saw that carbon cover on AMZ awhile back, almost considered getting it, but I stopped caring since I'm always covered in cat fur anyways. I would imagine more options will come available as vendors start catching up with such a new model release.
Delivery is supposed to be Wednesday. Assuming it fits, as a first pass, I think I will use 0000 steel wool to knock down the sheen. If I'm not satisfied with that, flat spray varnish, or if steel wool partially destroys the faux carbon fiber, flat black spray paint. I will apply transparent matte vinyl film to annoying parts of the dash.
Begone piano black!
I saw this console cover on Amazon last week: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYZLLW1D
I had some unused Amazon rewards, so my out-of-pocket cost was $20.33, and I didn't have to deal with AliExpress
Based on this photo in the product description, I was pretty sure it would fit my cityscape green 2023 Niro, although I didn't know if I would like the glossy faux carbon fiber pattern.
![Image]()
The cover arrived today, one day ahead of schedule (thanks, Amazon). The first thing I did was to check the fit. Perfect. As expected, the glossy faux carbon fiber was not to my taste.
A pad of 0000 steel wool reduced the glossy finish to a silky smooth, matte finish in about 5 minutes. My biggest worry was the depth of the carbon fiber pattern, but this was not a problem. In fact, after burnishing the surface, the color was very close to that of the shifter boot and the dark gray matte plastic in the console. I also noticed for the first time that there is a diagonal pattern in the pad at the base of the cubby below the dash. It's too bad that the makers of the cover didn't run the carbon fiber pattern in the other direction, because the pattern complements the pattern around the start button. For installation, I moved the driver's seat back to its most rearward and lowest position.
![Image]()
The end result far exceeds my expectations.
I saw this console cover on Amazon last week: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYZLLW1D
I had some unused Amazon rewards, so my out-of-pocket cost was $20.33, and I didn't have to deal with AliExpress
Based on this photo in the product description, I was pretty sure it would fit my cityscape green 2023 Niro, although I didn't know if I would like the glossy faux carbon fiber pattern.
The cover arrived today, one day ahead of schedule (thanks, Amazon). The first thing I did was to check the fit. Perfect. As expected, the glossy faux carbon fiber was not to my taste.
A pad of 0000 steel wool reduced the glossy finish to a silky smooth, matte finish in about 5 minutes. My biggest worry was the depth of the carbon fiber pattern, but this was not a problem. In fact, after burnishing the surface, the color was very close to that of the shifter boot and the dark gray matte plastic in the console. I also noticed for the first time that there is a diagonal pattern in the pad at the base of the cubby below the dash. It's too bad that the makers of the cover didn't run the carbon fiber pattern in the other direction, because the pattern complements the pattern around the start button. For installation, I moved the driver's seat back to its most rearward and lowest position.
The end result far exceeds my expectations.
Similar covers are available now on Amazon for 2023 HEV, PHEV, and EV Niros:
Amazon.com : gear shift panel cover 2023 niro
Amazon.com : gear shift panel cover 2023 niro
That's really nice! How much did it cost?
Joined
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2 Posts
Did you pull this trim off and do that job? or while it was on?
While it was on. The hardest part was cutting out for the buttons and shifter. It got a little messy, but I haven't taken the time to do it over yet.
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