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Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:11 am

Is there a special way (other than sanding and/or roughing of the surface) to prep chrome for paint? The door handles, trim, badges, headlight/blinker chrome, and the various other pieces of chrome on my bug are going to be painted and I was just wondering if there is a special method or type of primer.

Thanks in advance,
--Matt

Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:17 am

Media blast it or the paint won't stick.

Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:18 am

Zinc chromate primer as well.

Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:48 pm

Is media blasting the only option of stripping the chrome, or could I use the angle grinder?

Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:15 pm

You could probably sand it but chrome is ment to be hard and wear resistant. Blasting would be best, and it's not that expensive.

Might could powder coat? but you'd have to ask.

Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:59 am

paint or powdercoat, either needs a good surface prep, blast them, I do not recommend an angle grinder, it will be too rough, you will not be happy, now if you meant an angle sander, then maybe that might be OK.

Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:54 am

mattollila wrote: Is media blasting the only option of stripping the chrome, or could I use the angle grinder? I suggest you talk to a chrome shop and the proprietor can set you in the right direction; otherwise, you're going to destroy you parts.

Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:39 am

you need to leave the side grinder in the box, you will end up doing more damage then good in the long run.
this is what happens when someone doesn't know what they are doing uses a side grinder.

that's why i put a new nose on my 34, because of a previous owner and a side grinder.

Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:55 am

An angle grinder with a wire wheel or cup is what I would use if I were to attempt it. I'll check into media blasting prices in my area, thanks guys!

Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:13 am

I'd go with the blasting - had some chrome parts for the intake on my harley that I sand blasted, primed & painted. Looks good so far.

Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:34 am

There are adhesion promoters available that bond to chrome (House of Kolor has Adhereto), but I'd personally opt for media blasting and then paint or powder coat. I've powder coated quite a few chrome pieces, and I always media blast prior to powder coating, unless I am using a candy powder.

Sat Jun 21, 2008 7:13 pm

Why not take it to a chrome shop and have them chemically strip it.

Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:29 am

mattollila wrote: An angle grinder with a wire wheel or cup is what I would use if I were to attempt it. I'll check into media blasting prices in my area, thanks guys!

thats exactly what i used on mine then just etch primed
holding up well after 2 years

Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:32 am

I had a pair of SB12 headlight trim rings blasted and powdercoated.... they came out quite nicely....