Chrome Grill to Black
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 740
Likes: 101
You should look into a product called AutoDip. I feel like im always whoring it out on here, but it's a great product similar to plastidip, but it finishes glossy...it'll look just like your paint pretty much. Like someone else said, the thing about plastidip is that the matte looks crappy, especially after time. It's significantly nicer looking if you use glossifier, but not anywhere near as nice as Autodip. Plastidip IS a brand. Personally, I'd use black Autodip for the surround of that grill, and then regular plastidip (maybe with glossifier) for the center to give it some contrast. Then if it sucks you just tear it back off
A great cost savy way to make plastidip look more shiny w/o glossifier is to use a good water-based trim product. Chemical Guys G6 Hyper Coat works great!
Spray on wax does wonders on it too. Using these products will keep PD from getting that dried out dull look...and since its for a grille it's just like doing the rest of the trim on the truck
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 650
Likes: 144
From: Lakemoor IL
Haha! OK here it goes...
First thing, I worked for Ford for 6 years painting.
The 2nd truck is mine, 2010 stx. The 1st truck was a customer truck, 2014 lariat eco. He brought it in for warranty. He got a rock chip in the chrome grille. He bs'ed my manager into believing it was defective chrome. So my manager warrantied it for him. We replaced the grille. And had his original one left over. Asked my manager what to do with it. He said keep it. So I got a free grille. And I painted it. Using my "how to paint chrome" process, I posted in the paint and body section. https://www.f150forum.com/f116/how-p...203305/index6/
So 2 different truck's. First one was the "donor grille" for mine, the 2nd one.
I work in MN, but live in WI.
First thing, I worked for Ford for 6 years painting.
The 2nd truck is mine, 2010 stx. The 1st truck was a customer truck, 2014 lariat eco. He brought it in for warranty. He got a rock chip in the chrome grille. He bs'ed my manager into believing it was defective chrome. So my manager warrantied it for him. We replaced the grille. And had his original one left over. Asked my manager what to do with it. He said keep it. So I got a free grille. And I painted it. Using my "how to paint chrome" process, I posted in the paint and body section. https://www.f150forum.com/f116/how-p...203305/index6/
So 2 different truck's. First one was the "donor grille" for mine, the 2nd one.
I work in MN, but live in WI.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and post the link! I will have to take a look and paint some scrap chrome exhaust pipes I have laying around the garage. If it turns out well then I can move up and do the PTM bumpers and grill surround.
Again, love the truck, she looks like a beast.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and post the link! I will have to take a look and paint some scrap chrome exhaust pipes I have laying around the garage. If it turns out well then I can move up and do the PTM bumpers and grill surround.
Again, love the truck, she looks like a beast.
Again, love the truck, she looks like a beast.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 650
Likes: 144
From: Lakemoor IL
Kidding, kidding. I will check out your link and my material options in my price range. I painted a couple of motorcycles a few years back using mid grade 2 part paints that ended up only setting me back around $300. So I have a fair idea how to use a paint gun and get the results I want. But that was sanding down previously painted surfaces and repainting them. Not trying to cover up chrome. I am far from an expert and more of a jack of all trades.
If I end up running into any good questions while I am reading your how to, I may end up sending you a PM. One I have learned while doing random house fixing and auto repair, its don't be afraid to ask for advice from someone who has done it many times before you. They may not always be right, but they obviously got it done and know something you don't.
OG
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 245
Autodip is nice, it's more like a sprayed vinyl wrap while plastidip is a rubber. Auto dip is more pricey and harder to get. Plastidip is sold at some auto parts stores and Home Depot.
A great cost savy way to make plastidip look more shiny w/o glossifier is to use a good water-based trim product. Chemical Guys G6 Hyper Coat works great!
Spray on wax does wonders on it too. Using these products will keep PD from getting that dried out dull look...and since its for a grille it's just like doing the rest of the trim on the truck
A great cost savy way to make plastidip look more shiny w/o glossifier is to use a good water-based trim product. Chemical Guys G6 Hyper Coat works great!
Spray on wax does wonders on it too. Using these products will keep PD from getting that dried out dull look...and since its for a grille it's just like doing the rest of the trim on the truck
Thanks for the tip on the plastidip, i'll have to try that out! Is there any similar products that I could find locally that will work? Will standard tire dressing products accomplish the same thing?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 740
Likes: 101
Yeah i paid 80 dollars shipped for 3 cans from their site. Very pricey, but the finished product shows why. Thanks for the tip on the plastidip, i'll have to try that out! Is there any similar products that I could find locally that will work? Will standard tire dressing products accomplish the same thing?
