Wash the product thoroughly
Wet the chrome piece with cool water from a faucet or hose, then wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Spray the surface with an all-purpose metal cleaner and wipe off with the same cloth, just a clean one. After removing dirt, allow the product to dry.
If you'll be painting your car rims, use a heavy-duty cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to remove all the dirt collected from the roads.
If you want to paint a small object (for example, an emblem), first unscrew it from the machine, and then wash and clean it thoroughly.
Preparatory work before painting chrome parts
ATTENTION! A completely simple way to reduce fuel consumption has been found! Don't believe me? An auto mechanic with 15 years of experience also didn’t believe it until he tried it. And now he saves 35,000 rubles a year on gasoline! Read more". Chrome painting is carried out using various methods, the main ones being galvanic and diffusion
Moreover, the last method is the most accessible for doing chrome plating yourself, since, in essence, it is painting with special paint
Chrome painting is carried out using various methods, the main ones being galvanic and diffusion. Moreover, the latter method is the most accessible for doing chrome plating yourself, since, in essence, it is painting with special paint.
Part of the preparatory work necessarily includes a selection of materials and tools. The materials needed will be:
- chrome effect paint or another paint (if you just want to change the color);
- acidic primer or two-component phosphating primer;
- automobile soil;
- sandpaper of various adhesion;
- degreaser (anti-silicone);
- varnish
First you need to carefully and carefully dismantle the part. After this, the cleaning stages begin: everything should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, rinsed and dried. Then the surface is degreased with anti-silicone.
Protect your work area and other parts of the product from paint.
To prevent paint from getting onto your work area, cover the table with oilcloth, scrap fabric or sheets of newspaper. The area you need to cover depends on the size of the piece you want to paint.
Motorists were explained how to start a car after a cold night
Galkin had nothing to do with it: Yulia Menshova spoke about leaving the “Tonight” show
Inexpensive but effective: stylish trendy textiles in the interior 2021
Painting tape will help you hide from the paint those areas of the item that you did not plan to change the color of. This is especially true for painting wheels - just cover the entire inner edge of the wheel with pieces of tape and the paint will not get on it.
Chrome plating and maintenance technologies
There are 2 methods of applying chrome to parts:
The electroplating method is more durable and of higher quality. However, it is more technically complex. It is the introduction of chromium into the molecular lattice of the metal that makes up the car's wheels. This allows them to be moisture and heat resistant. This technique for chrome-plated cast wheels is considered more reliable due to the passivation properties of chromium - the formation of an oxide film that slows down the occurrence of corrosion. Chrome plating is especially useful for those who love high speed and use their vehicle frequently. It reduces the likelihood of premature failure of chrome wheels.
The diffuse method is, in fact, the usual painting of cast parts with powder paints. It costs less than electroplating, provides a thinner layer of paint and a mirror effect. However, with diffuse painting, the discs are not protected from corrosion and mechanical damage.
Diffuse chrome plating method
Despite the properties of chrome wheels described above, the chrome coating requires special care to avoid scratches and other damage. The rules of care are:
- Regular cleaning using products that do not contain ammonia or acetone . It is carried out using soft tissues. After applying detergents, you need to wash them off with water (under low pressure to avoid damage), and then wipe the discs dry (especially important in frosty weather). To maintain a mirror-like shine, experts recommend using polishing;
- If the discs are damaged, first treat the damaged area with chalk and then wipe with a dry cloth . It is also necessary to apply a clear varnish to the surface to prevent the destruction of the oxide film around the scratch;
- If dirt appears, do not try to remove it under any circumstances when it is dry . Remember that scraping and scrubbing away grains of sand will invariably damage the chrome. You must first wet the dirt, wait until it gets wet, and then carefully remove it;
- You should clean not only the discs, but also the surfaces adjacent to them.
Apply a primer coat of black paint
First, you need to shake the aerosol can of primer for 10-20 seconds. Inside the can is a small metal ball that helps the paint mix.
Applying a primer helps the paint “stick” to the chrome. This also ensures that the applied color remains preserved, for example from being washed off in the event of heavy rain. To apply the primer, hold the can 7-10cm away from the item and cover the surface in an even layer.
Don't worry if you get uneven spots or smudges while applying the primer - you'll apply several coats of paint on top. When applied correctly, you will get a dark matte surface without shine or metallic gaps.
Leave the primed surface for at least 20 minutes. If you do not allow the primer to dry, subsequent coats of paint will dry unevenly, which will negatively affect the outcome of your efforts.
In the 1960s, almost everyone was called this: in the Ukrainian village, 85% of men have the same name
Parents don't realize the danger: why children need to be prepared for the digital world
Mercedes EQS will be presented in the spring: first details
What is needed to paint over chrome elements?
To carry out this procedure, you should stock up on the following tools and materials:
- coarse sandpaper P800-1000, Scotchbrite;
- degreaser, you can even take regular acetone to remove nail polish;
- primer and paint, as well as clear varnish.
Abrasive sandpaper and degreaser For primer, it is best to take a two-component solution, which is considered more “professional”. It takes longer to dry, but the adhesion of the paint layers to the surface of the part will be more reliable and durable. Primer in a can will be more affordable, but you shouldn’t skimp on it; it’s better to buy a more expensive one. Also, when choosing a primer, do not buy into additional special effects such as anticorrosive, usually they are also not of very high quality.
Choose the right paint
If you are working on a chrome item, use plain black spray paint. However, there are specialized varieties, and you should opt for them. For example, if you are painting your rims, be sure to get automotive paint because it will have a strong formula that can withstand moisture, dirt, and extreme conditions. If we are talking about painting craft metal, you will need a paint that is safe for soft metal surfaces.
Creating a chrome surface on plastic and other materials
Chrome paint finish
Using chrome paint, you can paint plastic, wood and stone to resemble a metal mirror with your own hands. To do this, you need to clean the surface from dirt, degrease it and remove dust. The primer should be selected according to the type of material and in contact with the nitro base. When painting for chrome and creating mirror surfaces for other metals, only black composition is used.
An acrylic or similar liquid two-component varnish is applied to the base covering the surface of the plastic. After mixing with the hardener, it is diluted with solvent. Apply varnish to a surface that has not completely dried. It is aged for a day, polished and washed. Then chrome paint and varnish are applied again.
Plastic does not tolerate elevated temperatures in the drying chamber. Therefore, the materials were left to crystallize for a day. Choose durable items. The coating will not last long on the surface of flexible plastic.
Add color to the product
When spraying paint, shake the can periodically. This will allow you to achieve an even application of color without smudges or unevenness. Hold the paint can 7-10cm away from the item and press down on the spray nozzle to release the paint. Move the jet slowly back and forth to completely cover the object.
For the next coat, again let it sit for at least 20 minutes, as with the primer. This will need to be done for each subsequent layer, so if you are limited in time, set a timer so as not to miss the next moment of painting.
The duck decided to hatch eggs in the guy's flower pot, and then stole 11 ducklings
Scientists have discovered how harmful radiation from smartphones is
The storage room had been empty for a long time, and the guy turned it into a real “den” for men
Even if time has passed, it is necessary to check whether the previous layer has dried before applying a new one. Don't be afraid and just touch the surface with your fingertip. If there is a mark (even a small one), wait another 5-10 minutes, then repeat.
see also
Comments 19
I read somewhere in an old book how to care for chrome. The technology is such that we clean off the rust with baking soda or chalk, but without fanaticism (you don’t need to scrape the whole bumper with chalk, use a rag and carefully where the rust is) and then without colored varnish. Old technology
Turtle wax for chrome and all...
The polish is sold in a can called nano polish (what would that be for?), and so it creates a transparent dirt-water-repellent film for a month, it seems to be enough, then you wash it with white spirit and again
for the winter we rub it, clean it properly of any dirt and apply Movil on top... we periodically update the procedure... the Movil film saves from rust, in any case it will extend the life of chrome parts in the winter with salt, dirt and reagents.
You might want to consider a clear protective film. maybe a reservation one.
yes, this is only on flat surfaces on glass, and maybe a bumper and a grille...
and they offered me, at a company where they wrap cars, to wrap my grille.
do you mean cleaning off the varnish?
I want the chrome to not lose its brightness, not to fade, and the “dots on the chrome” not to crumble, and of course not to rust!
You can prime the inside “already done that”, but the front part?
The varnish will sooner or later turn into g..., it will need to be cleaned off = hemorrhagic. Use auto chemicals.
Well, let’s say, besides polishing “a polishing wheel and a drill)),” how can you keep chrome in good condition? examples of chemistry or folk remedies?
I won’t tell you any examples; this question didn’t interest me and won’t interest me for a long time. Consult with specialists (in decent stores). A friend rubs his Mazda with something so that water and dirt roll off - the car stays clean for a long time. This thing should also protect chrome.
Well, let’s say, besides polishing “a polishing wheel and a drill)),” how can you keep chrome in good condition? examples of chemistry or folk remedies?
Goyim pasta used to be like this
She polishes the goyim, but does NOT protect; on the contrary, she has formed
do you mean cleaning off the varnish?
I want the chrome to not lose its brightness, not to fade, and the “dots on the chrome” not to crumble, and of course not to rust!
You can prime the inside “already done that”, but the front part?
I also tried to save my chrome grille, cleaned it and varnished it. a couple of months and that's it. Of course, the varnish was cheap and may not have the technology. I think the chrome is too smooth for varnish. Now there are 2 grilles for winter and summer.
The number of layers depends on how dark the color you want to get in the end.
For a shade close to gray, two or three layers of paint, in addition to the primer, will be sufficient. However, if you want to make your chrome piece look bright black, it may take five to ten coats. Keep this in mind when purchasing the required amount of paint. Remember that each layer will lighten slightly as it dries. So if immediately after painting you realize that you have got the desired color, after the layer has dried you will need another one.
Don't forget about the protective transparent coating
Once the last coat of black paint has dried, you will need to apply the clear coat. This also needs to be done correctly.
Shake the spray can for about 20 seconds and then apply a light, even coat over your painted item. As before, keep the can 7-10cm away from the point of application. Start from the side and work your way towards the front to make sure you are completely covering the painted area. If your product turns out to be slightly shiny from the paint, you may not understand where the protective coating has already been applied and where not. Be extremely careful.
A security expert gave advice: what to do if you are attacked on the street
Snake and other 5 signs of the Chinese horoscope that will be successful in 2021
Save the climate: Bill Gates named humanity's greatest challenge
Only thanks to the protective coating, the black color of your chrome product will remain for many years.
When 20 minutes have passed, apply a couple more light coats of protective coating and leave the product for a couple of hours.
Priming chrome parts
The most common mistake in the next step is to immediately apply automotive primer or paint to the surface, which will peel off immediately after washing with strong pressure. Therefore, the following rules must be observed:
Firstly, it is impossible to completely remove chrome; it is better to rub the surface with P2000 sandpaper for subsequent good adhesion to the metal. Matting the surface increases adhesion, which prevents the paint from peeling off under any external load.
Secondly, it is necessary to use an acidic or two-component phosphating primer. Its use improves adhesion, since such a primer penetrates into the metal by about 0.5 microns.
Next comes standard priming. Do not forget to allow the surface to dry between layers of primer, with obligatory degreasing between the various components.
Automotive primer is applied in 1-2 layers, thereby smoothing out small cracks. The last layer, after complete drying, is sanded, cleaned of dust and degreased. We proceed to the actual painting of the chrome parts.
Apply final coat
After two or three light coats, it's time to apply a solid protective layer. It is needed not only for beauty, but also to enhance protection. First of all, it will save the product from extreme moisture. After shaking the can thoroughly, hold it at a distance of about 5 cm and move it more slowly than before. Try to give each area at least five seconds of continuous spraying.
Now it will take at least half an hour before the next “heavy” transparent layers. There should be three more, and take half an hour between each one. When you apply the final coat, leave the product for one to two hours. You can set the timer again.
Be sure to touch the product when the time is up. As with black paint, if you feel sticky or see a mark on your finger, no matter how minute, it is best to let the product dry further, checking every 20-30 minutes. If you have time, it is better to leave the product overnight. The next morning you will be sure that it is thoroughly dry and ready for use. If you are limited in time and this is not possible, you will have to rearrange the timer and check. Otherwise, you risk starting to use an item that is not yet ready for this, and as a result, all the paint will simply be damaged and peel off after the layer of transparent protection.
Characteristics of chrome chameleon
Particularly noteworthy is thermochromic paint, which changes shade when exposed to temperature. Like other types of chrome paints, chameleons are heat-resistant.
Compositions are classified according to two criteria:
- According to the type of color change, different tones are provided for heating and cooling, usually room temperature is selected as the zero point, dyes essentially act as a thermostat.
- Irreversibility or reversibility of thermal changes.
Reversible paint changes shades throughout the life of the surface layer. In irreversible compositions, structural changes occur when heated. Thermal paints “chameleon” are more expensive than usual ones with a chrome-plating effect; they are more often used for making souvenirs - mugs with hot or cold drinks coated with this paint change color.
“Chrome effect” compositions that can change shade under different conditions must be labeled. The type and type of thermal dye is indicated on the packaging.
Reversible paint changes shades throughout the life of the surface layer.
Enjoy your freshly painted product
If it was a car part, you can finally remove any protective items such as masking tape and reinstall it. Enjoy the new black shade of your chrome product! Be sure to properly dispose of any spray cans left over from painting because they are pressurized and can be dangerous.
Although these instructions assume black, you can use absolutely any paint using the same procedure. The main thing is that the paint, regardless of the shade, matches the type of product and can paint chromed metal.
You can also create a chrome effect if you purchase paint designed for this purpose. Thus, absolutely any metal can look as if it is chrome-plated.
Found a violation? Report content
Liquid chrome in cans
In most stores, mirror effect paint is sold in liquid form. This is the best option for those who want to quickly transform the appearance of individual parts at home: wheels, headlights, insert elements, as well as decorative and interior items.
The base is acrylic resin. When using a quality product, you can get such a bright and strong reflection that it will seem as if real chrome was used. If you buy cans, you don’t need to bother with diluting the mass.
The powdery product is inconvenient to use PHOTO: i.simpalsmedia.com
