Can you paint over chrome??

[Switch_knuckles]

I want to paint these exhaust tipe, but I dont want it to flake or scratch off. Can I use self etching primer and then paint them? Would this help at all?

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/Switch_Knuckles/momoexhausttip002.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/Switch_Knuckles/momoexhausttip004.jpg

[bigjim350]

If you sand them really good, until there is no shine at all, then paint them with high heat paint you should be good to go.

[Switch_knuckles]

So sand them down and high heat paint. Self etching paint wouldn't work?

[bigjim350]

So sand them down and high heat paint. Self etching paint wouldn't work?

Even with the self etching paint you would still have to sand them, and im not sure if that paint can handle the heat

[Switch_knuckles]

Okay, Cool. Thanks!

[4.3LXJ]

Self etching paint does not have what it takes chemically to etch chrome which does not oxidize. As said, sand it down so it is a dull finish.

[Switch_knuckles]

I saw this stuff at Checker called "Paint Stripper" it is awesome for taking off paint. I used it to remove the paint on my VW. Wipe it on, let it sit and in 5min you can scrape the paint off. Took it right to bare metal. I know that chrome is a plating and not a paint but would something like this make it a little easier?

[Punisher]

I saw this stuff at Checker called "Paint Stripper" it is awesome for taking off paint. I used it to remove the paint on my VW. Wipe it on, let it sit and in 5min you can scrape the paint off. Took it right to bare metal. I know that chrome is a plating and not a paint but would something like this make it a little easier?

no, chrome is a polish and the only way to paint chrome is to sand it really good til you cant see yourself on it...
what i would do is use a really rough sand paper and then use a fine to smooth it out then paint it with high temp paint...

[Switch_knuckles]

Thanks guys for ALL the info. When it comes to paint, I am a moron!

[Punisher]

Thanks guys for ALL the info. When it comes to paint, I am a moron!

Nah... better to ask if your not sure about something than messing up the job...
Thats what we all are here for, to help out..
A dumb question is not asking any...:thumbsup:

[TeXJ]

which grit of sand paper would you use/start/finish with?

[oderdene]

what about sandblasting? easy on time and labor, somebody near you definitely have one.

[LizardRunner]

sand blasting will actually work better, sanding works but sand blasting can actually remove the plating. For the best adhesion of paint or powder coating, having the chrome removed by reversal is the absolute best method, pricey but you don't have any worries at all. for tail pipe tips, you may want to call a powder coating company, that will last the longest.

[Punisher]

which grit of sand paper would you use/start/finish with?

I would use to start with no less than 120 grit and finish it off with 250 or 300 fine grit or maybe wet sand it with some 500 or better

[bigjim350]

sand blasting will actually work better, sanding works but sand blasting can actually remove the plating. For the best adhesion of paint or powder coating, having the chrome removed by reversal is the absolute best method, pricey but you don't have any worries at all. for tail pipe tips, you may want to call a powder coating company, that will last the longest.

True that would be the best way. But before I spent all that money, I would just sell the chrome one and buy a black one.

[Switch_knuckles]

All good ideas. I never thought of sand blasting. I will have to call around. And powder coating way better than high temp rattle can. Thanks guys!!

[modestmar00xj]

hmm good info here....

[LizardRunner]

True that would be the best way. But before I spent all that money, I would just sell the chrome one and buy a black one.

Ditto there my friend.