I did this demo on an '08 Ford Escape grille. But the process applies to all chrome dipped plastic parts.




NOTE: THIS WAS DONE WITH PPG PRODUCTS. THIS PROCESS CAN BE DONE WITH THE EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS OF A DIFFERENT PAINT MANUFACTURER

Thoroughly cleaning grille with wax and grease remover, I sanded it with 3m 400 grit sandpaper. Then finish scuffing it with a 3m red scuff pad.

Close up of the grill and the sand scratches



I then wiped the grill down with PPG's plastic adhesion promoter(left) sua 4902. Let it dry for about 5 minutes. Then i sprayed it with PPG's plastic adhesion promoter sua 4903(right), let it dry for about 10 minutes. This is the PPG process, a similar adhesion promoter can be used, such as Bulldog, or House of Kolors adhere to.




Mixed up some PPG DP 50 epoxy primer, layed a coat of that down. And let flash (dry) for 30 minutes.





I then followed normal paint procedure from there. Sealer. Basecoat, then Clear coat.

Here it is in basecoat(color) 3 coats, and a control coat were done because we use water based paint at my shop.






Then 2 coats of clear.

I used an elastic additive in the clear, to give the clear coat an added chip resistance. It will not be impervious to rock chipping, but will hold up longer.

Finished product




You may notice there's another piece in there, its a piece of grille i used from a prius, for a chip test i posted on YouTube. To show how well it holds up. Check it out.

Note: this chip test was done after an overnight drying of the paint, after it was baked. Testing it immediately, without giving it proper cure time, will result in peeling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK16...e_gdata_player

 

Tried and tested! I'll vouch for this method any day

 

Need to give most of the credit to you man. This method was just a variation on your method.

 

I heard of using a industrial oven cleaner to actually remove the chrome that you would find on the grill. Anyone?

 

Someone on here posted that brake fluid will do it too. I would never use that though the plastic could absorb it.

I've never heard of oven cleaner though. I know that takes off painted on truck lettering.

 

I use oven cleaner to remove chrome from plastic model parts, styrene, with no damage to the plastic. Brake fluid too.

 

Ive heard the same, but id rather just use the DA and some rough paper and not risk and contamination JMO

 

I used a power washer to remove the chrome on my grille surround. Just cut an edge and the pressure washer took it all off.

 

What about the chrome bumpers? Could this method be used for that too. I actually was looking for someone in my area who had an stx who would be willing to trade bumpers and grille. I hate chrome and want to make my xlt like the fx4 where everything is painted to match.

 

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