painting chrome

[John Boy]

I am wanting to paint my chrome door handles. What grit sand paper should I use to scuff the chrome? Then epoxy primer, scuff primer, paint with base coat, and last a clear coat. Tell me what I need to know to do this. Thanks John Boy

 

[TAZ]

JB,
Even though I wouldn't recommend it, I have had success painting over chrome. In fact I just finished a headlight housing for a chopper that had chips in the chrome and the customer didn't want to pay $400 for another one. He also wanted to keep the cost down as much as possible.
I used 80 grit to scratch up the chrome as much as possibly. If you see shine, it will *definately* peel on you, so scratch it up very good, then I simply epoxy primed it (catalyzed primer), resanded it, then painted it.
Worked great.
I also have done this before with no problem or any sign of peeling.

Although on my truck, I had the chrome bumpers sandblasted (to remove all chrome) before painting

 

[rex]

You can also sandblast them with with 30/45 (fine) sand through a siphon blaster or have someone glass bead them.If a pressure blaster is used back down the flow of sand so it doesn't get too agressive or you might as well strip it like Scott said.As long as it's a good chrome job and you just etch it it'll last a while.If you question the chroming,strip it off.

 

[Motornoggin]

Scuffing it up REALLY well will work in a pinch, but to truly get a durable result the chrome must be removed (reverse platting). Incidentally I have an Eastwood HotCote powder coating kit and I have gone over unscuffed fully polished chrome with absolutely NO peeling or chipping whatsoever! I am truly amazed at the adhesion that stuff has!

 

[John Boy]

Thanks Guys, not knowing the proper way to do this, I just assumed that my first post was the way to do this. I can sand blast the handles (never though of that). We are talking about factory chrome. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[rex]

Actuallly since it's factory chrome it'll come off easier than if a good plater did it.