Painting Surface
Chrome
Chrome plating creates a very smooth, hard metal surface with little natural tooth for paint. Painting it usually means covering the original chrome appearance and using a coating system designed to bond to a difficult surface.
Chrome paint compatibility
Spray and enamel paint can work on chrome only as part of a compatible adhesion system. Thorough cleaning is essential, and any abrasion or primer should follow the selected coating manufacturer's directions.
| Paint | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer or ground | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spray paint | Good only with a chrome-compatible adhesion system | Remove grease, wax, polish, dirt, and residue thoroughly; abrade the plating only when the selected system specifically directs it. | Use a bonding primer or adhesion promoter explicitly suitable for chrome or difficult metal surfaces. | Apply controlled coats and allow the complete system to cure before handling or exposure. | — |
| Enamel paint | Good with suitable adhesion preparation and primer | Clean and degrease completely, remove loose coating if present, and follow the enamel system's surface-preparation instructions. | Use a compatible high-adhesion or metal primer before the enamel unless the complete system approves direct application. | Allow the enamel and primer system to reach full cure before regular handling or cleaning. | — |
Sources: Sherwin-Williams Bulldog Adhesion Promoter, Sherwin-Williams Bonding Primer, and Rust-Oleum Universal Bonding Primer.