Tips for painting over chrome?

**jake789** · 06-20-2009, 10:45 PM

I'll looking to paint some chrome grate to a black color. Do I just use regular Rustoleum metal paint?

Do I have to prep it?

Heres a pic similar of what I'm painting:

Thanks

**Curiosity** · 06-21-2009, 01:08 AM

adhesion promoter

**Bugbyte** · 06-21-2009, 11:37 AM

Simply painting over the chrome will look fine at first. However, the paint will scratch off very easily and the chrome will show through. You need some way to rough up the surface of the chrome so the paint will stick better and not scratch off as easily.

The adhesion promoter that Curiosity mentioned is designed for painting over chrome.

**KevinACrider** · 06-21-2009, 05:13 PM

Scuff it up with some low grit sandpaper first, then work your way up like you would do before painting anything else. Before painting, spray it with an adhesion promoter like another post said. Spray it in a lot of thin/light coats rather than heavy coats.

**TruckinMP3** · 06-21-2009, 08:14 PM

Or.... leave it chrome ?
I know you are interested in a specific look, otherwise you would not have asked. Something to consider though.

**stealinfool** · 06-21-2009, 10:35 PM

I know those are grill grates you've got there - if you're painting those, I know for sure they make them in black ceramic (coated, that is. will hold up better than paint) in various sizes. Not always cheap though. Speaking of not always cheap - powdercoat!

**Curiosity** · 06-22-2009, 03:17 AM

Oh that's true. There are local companies that specialize in resurfacing just about anything for a decent price depending on size. Powdercoat, chrome, bronze, gold, etc.

**Crinos** · 06-22-2009, 04:08 AM

powder coating leaves a thick finish. Not very nice, but suitable for areas where the paint need to withstand debries, road particle and such.

If you plan to use them as a subwoofer protection panel, stay clear or powder coating... (to ugly) hehe.

Sanding them down, and paint them, and add two to three layers of clear coat, should do the trick.

**jake789** · 06-23-2009, 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by stealinfool

I know those are grill grates you've got there - if you're painting those, I know for sure they make them in black ceramic (coated, that is. will hold up better than paint) in various sizes. Not always cheap though. Speaking of not always cheap - powdercoat!

Thanks for the replies everyone. Maybe I'll check around to buy a black grill and save myself the trouble, the only ones I could find at Home Depot was chrome. Otherwise I'll sand it down and see what happens.