Board logo

Painting chrome?
Chippy - 22/2/10 at 11:28 PM

Hi, have done a search, as sure this has been talked of before, but no luck. Anybody know what I need to do to paint a couple of chromed items. The chrome has bubbled in places, (chrome on ally), and I really dont want the hassle of having them polished and re-chromed. Thanks Ray

bbwales - 22/2/10 at 11:42 PM

Hi,

How about having them bead blasted and powder coated? worth considering.

Regards

Bob

James - 22/2/10 at 11:58 PM

Can you de-chrome with electrolysis?

snapper - 23/2/10 at 05:29 AM

you have to remove the flakey stuff then use a roughish wet and dry to key the surface before priming and painting, etch primer would be best.
The chrome is only plated over brass so you could use a sanding wheel on a dremil and take it back to brass before painting

afj - 23/2/10 at 08:17 AM

quote:
Originally posted by snapper
you have to remove the flakey stuff then use a roughish wet and dry to key the surface before priming and painting, etch primer would be best.
The chrome is only plated over brass so you could use a sanding wheel on a dremil and take it back to brass before painting


if its chrome on ally it maybe chromed over a thin layer of nickel dont matter either way sand etch and paint

skinned knuckles - 23/2/10 at 02:56 PM

use a stiff wire brush attachment on your drill to get the lose stuff off and provide a key. then use a good acid etch primer (try acid 8) and be sure to use a good mask as this stuff is nasty if inhailed.

once this is done, just spray as normal.

you could use some of the new metal effect paints and still retain the chrome look. see these guys.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1LTR-METAL-CHROME-ALLOYS-AIRBRUSH-MODEL-GHOST-CHROME_W0QQitemZ270426166700QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Body_Shop_Supplies_Paint?hash=it em3ef6a7d5ac

skinned knuckles - 23/2/10 at 03:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by James
Can you de-chrome with electrolysis?


any attempt to de-chrome with electrolysis will create a toxic chromium solution. not worth it. this stuff is nasty....

iank - 23/2/10 at 05:11 PM

A chrome plater can strip them off (BIL had some golf clubs stripped a while back).
If you can do the 'lunchtime beer money' negotiation then it shouldn't cost much.

As said don't try electrolysis, the chromate you'll make can kill you in unpleasant and painful ways.

Chippy - 23/2/10 at 10:51 PM

Thanks for all the advise, looks like sand, etch, and top coat is my easiest option. Cheers Ray