Applying Paint to Chrome

I hope I can shed some light on your project, I`ve been looking in to this myself. Not freshly chromed pieces, actually some pretty raunchy pot pieces. Sounds like your doing mid grade pot. I spoke to a shop that used to do some work for me a few years back, they plated monkey metal for me, like pot, but closer to slag. They did an extraordinary job even though there expertise is new metal and plastic. According to them there`s only two methods of painting a chromed piece that will last. The objective is to get rid of the chrome plating, either thru chemical bath, or sandblasting. The chromium layer is, I can`t remember the average thickness, but lets say "finer than a frogs hair" (that`s finer than the other hair your thinking of) It`s the final protective cover that protects the polished nickel layer which is quite soft and susceptible to oxidation. Once the chrome film is removed apply a zinc phosphate primer, sand with 800 grit, then apply whatever primer you normally would use, and paint. Sounds like your going to have some delicate work, if you use acid, if I remember right it`s muratic acid for chrome at about a 40% dilution with water (acid in to the water, not water in to acid) I tried blasting my parts in the blast cabinet, didn`t feel comfortable, used my one quart speed blaster, liked that alot, peeled the chrome right off, dulled the nickel, hit with a scotch brite red, a little filler for the pock marks, more primer and paint. Now sense I`m de chroming my car, the pieces are larger and being completely de chromed, except for the side scoops where I`m going to leave only the outer edge chrome. There I`ll mask with a couple layers of heavy duct tape to protect the chrome. One other thing, chemical wont work if cold, both part, and chemical must be warmed and part must be totally cleaned and degreased.

Stuff like emblems dont need anything. As Mike likes to say you are over thinking this one. Get some model paint and paint away.

If anyone has ever taken a close look at the side scoops, the chrome is as nice as "day one' when the paint peels off. That's why you see so many chrome ones. I usually clean them with lacquer thinner and spray away, with no problems.

I agree... I think I'll try Ramz/Bro's approach, and worse case I have to touch it up every couple years. Some clear will probably help. I'm sure Postcar's approach we be by far the longest lasting... just not sure I could pull that off.

I also have to give some thought to what I want to do with the grill. It's all pretty and shiny, but I know that there is supposed to be quite a bit of Argent Silver on it...

There is supposed to be argent silver, BUT IT ALL FELL OFF cuz someone just wiped it down with solvent and buzzed it.

Grills are a pain to paint. Ive tried using adhesion promoter with mixed results. I usually spray them with primer and paint. Use low stick tape to tape off the silver. (this goes for 442 grills). I dont tape off the small bars. I use a good shop paper towel dipped in thinner and swipe the paint off with my finger. Works every time. I do the same for the letters. So far the paint has held up nicely.

Here's the link to a previous discussion about this;

ultra-hi-comp.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=2214&page=1

The pics of a freshly painted grill are no longer there, but Jasen can repost them.

that's a cool little tool ya got there...

Which color Testors paint did you use for the hood and tail panel rocket emblem?