I wish that I could afford to just change all my chrome parts to gloss black, but I can't. So I was thinking of painting the majority of them myself! How do I go about preparing chrome for rattle can paint?

Pete

 

Painted most of the chrome parts on my ride in process of blacking it.

First scuffed the chrome up completely (no shine left at all!) wi 400 grit paper, then hit it with 2 coats of Rustoeum etching primer from Wal Mart, then 2-3 coats of rustoleum sandable primer from Wally, then top coat (I use rustoeum truck bed liner - tough as nails).

Certianly not as tough as would be if chrome was removed & it was powdered, but not bad! & cheap.

 

Powder-coating really isn't that expensive.

 

I agree, it is pretty cheap to get powder coated... On the V-Star I used to have I rattle canned all the time. Won't be doing it to the Fat Boy. I think you have to look down the road a few years and what it may look like. Just my .02

 

we are a site sponser and can help you with the powder work. if yoiu paint you need a good profile on the part, then i sugest an etchin primer, then top coat and clear

 

I understand that cost of powder coating may not be as expensive as I might think, BUT when you are on a little to nothing budget!

After writing this thread I found this product:

http://www.duplicolor.com/products/shadow/

I am thinking of trying it for $20 on some inconspicuous parts to start like the chrome trim on the bottom of the tour pack.

P

 

I have has success with cleaning th part to remove any oil, grease or other contaminents. Then I wet sand it with 400-600 grit paper. Whipe it down with acatone and spray a coat of self etching primer on the chrome. This primer will bond with the chrome giving you a good surface to apply a sandable primer and paint on.

 

Do you need to remove the chrome to powder coat? I thought you could just powder coat right over the chrome but maybe I'm wrong on that one as I have never had it done.

 

+1 etch coat primer.....holds up great as long as parts are scuffed/sanded real well...

 

People pay good money for chrome engine take-off parts.