Is the factory chrome on your G 550, G 55, G 63 AMG, or 4x4 step stand running board an aesthetic mismatch? You are in the right place. The desire to swap bright chrome for an aggressive, blacked-out finish is the top modification for Mercedes G-Wagon owners today.

As a former G 63 AMG owner and a 25-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, I’ve personally explored every route to achieve this look. Here is the definitive breakdown of all your options for blacking out those running boards—permanently or semi-permanently—complete with the pros, cons, and estimated costs for each.

 

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Option 1: The Premium, Permanent Solution—Powder Coating

Powder coating is a professional, multi-step process. A dry powder is applied electrostatically and then cured with heat, causing the finish to bond permanently with the metal surface. This results in the most durable, non-textured finish available.

 

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Option 2: Best Value & Easiest DIY—23 Mil Textured Armor Vinyl Wrap

This option strikes the ideal balance between protection, ease of use, and cost. Its 23-mil thickness offers significant protection (far exceeding standard vinyl) and creates a tough, protective, textured layer that mimics a spray-on bed liner.

Product Example: This is the material used in the TOProtect Black-Out Side Step Running Board Chrome Delete DIY Vinyl Wrap Kit.

 

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Option 3: The Flawed Alternative—Automotive Painting

Painting the running boards requires the same full disassembly as powder coating but uses automotive-grade paint. While it may offer a slight initial cost saving, the lack of durability makes it an economically unsound choice for an area that receives heavy foot traffic.

Verdict: We DO NOT recommend this option. The high likelihood of immediate chipping and scratching compromises the finished appearance, making the cost unjustified.

 

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Other Options: Less Durable & Highly Problematic

These two methods are often considered for their low material cost but are strongly advised against due to significant durability or installation issues on G-Wagon running boards.

Option 4: Standard Wrap Vinyl (2 mil Thickness)

Option 5: Colored Paint Protection Film (7 mil Thickness)

 

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Conclusion: Finding the Right Black-Out Path

Your ideal choice comes down to budget, time, and finish preference:

1. For the Smoothest, Most Permanent Finish (No Texture):

• Choose Option 1: Powder Coating. This is the undisputed champion for a solid, long-term, chip-resistant black finish. Be prepared for the highest cost and a 1–2 week turnaround.

• Need a professional? In Los Angeles County, contact a reputable shop like Stickercity at 818-905-5678.

2. For the Best Combination of Value, Protection, and Speed:

• Choose Option 2: The 23 Mil Textured Armor Vinyl Wrap. This is our strongest recommendation based on the balance of all factors. It delivers extreme durability, an easy DIY installation, and can be reversed later—all for a fraction of the cost and zero downtime compared to a permanent solution. Get the tough, blacked-out look your G-Wagon deserves without the two-week wait!

To purchase the recommended DIY kit and have it shipped worldwide, follow the link below:

Most Common Interchangeable Terms

These are the most popular names often used to mean the same thing:

• Side Steps

• Step Bars

• Side Rails

• Side Bars

• Truck Steps

Terms for Specific Styles

These terms generally refer to a step that is more tubular or focused on off-road function, though they are often still grouped with or sold as a type of running board:

• Nerf Bars: Typically refers to a round or oval tubular step that often has designated, individual step pads (rather than a full-length flat platform). They may stick out slightly more than traditional running boards.

• Step Rails: Similar to side bars, often referring to a tubular design.

• Hoop Steps: Small, individual steps, usually tubular, positioned directly under each door opening.

• Drop Steps/Drop Step Bars: Steps that use a secondary bar or drop from the main rail to provide a lower stepping surface, especially useful on lifted vehicles.

• Rock Sliders / Rocker Bars: While these can function as steps, their primary purpose is structural protection for the vehicle's rocker panels during aggressive off-roading. They are much more heavy-duty and are typically mounted tighter to the frame.

Other Functional Names

• Footboard: An older, more general term for a step along the side of a vehicle.

• Step Pads: A term sometimes used to describe the traction surface of the step, but occasionally used to refer to the whole side step assembly itself.