It is difficult to paint a chrome surface, as the inherent properties of this material make it smooth and slippery. However, it can turn out to be a simpler task by using the right products and the right techniques.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Protect Your Health
Step 1. Understand that chromium has many negative effects on human health
Depending on how it enters the body, by inhalation or by skin absorption, it can cause irritation to the throat, nose, skin, eyes, with the risk of damaging the latter. It can trigger flu-like symptoms, asthma, allergies and even lung cancer when it comes in contact by air.
In addition to chromium, all the primers used in painting can not only generate the problems described above, but also negatively interfere with the liver, cardiovascular, reproductive and urinary systems leading to chronic disorders
Step 2. Organize your workspace in a well-ventilated area
Doing so reduces the chances of getting sick from inhaling dangerous substances. This type of repair is almost always carried out in the garage, in this way fresh air can freely enter the room and replace toxic vapors, dust and fumes.
Store paints and primers in their original containers tightly closed to keep the environment as clean as possible and limit exposure to chemicals
Step 3. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, plus an apron
This way you avoid direct contact with chromium and / or primer. Alternatively, you can use a mechanic overalls. This piece of clothing is a favorite of those who work in auto repair shops, because it is one-piece, provides ample coverage of the torso and limbs and is perfect for ensuring safety.
Step 4. Put on gloves and closed toe shoes to protect your hands and feet
Since you are going to work with corrosives, thin plastic gloves are not enough. It is therefore advisable to wear gloves made of PVC, rubber or neoprene. As for footwear, you can find chemical resistant safety shoes in specialized online stores. However, since you shouldn't handle anything dangerous with your feet, it is more important to use shoes that cover the entire skin.
Step 5. Don't forget safety glasses, a mask or other eye protection device
If you have decided to use an electric grinder, the glasses protect the soft tissue of the eyes from all residues spread in the air. They will also block paint splatters, primers and vapors rising from materials. Although in this case the protective device is a simple pair of glasses with temples, in reality when working with chemicals you should wear a mask that adheres around the eye area, also protecting them from gaseous particles.
Step 6. Wear a mask to avoid all breathing problems and internal tissue irritation
You should take an EN 405 compliant respirator. This device filters out all paint and primer particles that could cause lung infections. Particulate face masks, such as N95, which are popular in hospitals, are widely available, but do not offer adequate protection. You need something that not only blocks the particulates, but also the vapors and gases that are exhaled by the chemicals.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Surface
Step 1. Wash the chrome surface with soap and water until it is perfectly clean
Finally, rub it with a bleach-washed cloth and wait for it to dry completely. This step must be performed before sanding, to avoid the risk of foreign particles remaining on the metal and contaminating the work. The bleach-washed cloth allows you to keep the environment as sterile as possible, for best results.
You can use the sponge and bleach to get the same results
Step 2. Repair any dents and deformities with a body hammer
Also in this case it is an operation that must be completed before painting, in order not to ruin the color just applied. If you are working with a piece of metal that has an internal and an external side, remember that you must always hammer on the internal face and, for this reason, you should disassemble any element that prevents you from accessing this surface. Lay a hard material on the outside surface and hammer the dent from the inside, pressing on the hard material. Work slowly around the damage, starting from the edges towards the center.
Once the recess has been fixed, move the hard material to the inner surface of the object and gently tap the outer one to remove any irregularities
Step 3. Try sandblasting to clean the chrome piece
If sandpaper isn't enough to break up the chrome layer, know that many professionals switch to a sandblaster gun. This tool uses compressed air to "shoot" small particles (usually plastic granules, glass granules, chopped walnut shells and aluminum oxide), in order to eliminate the paint layer and smooth the surface of very resistant metals..
- To prevent the blasting material from spreading everywhere, a blasting chamber should be used. This limits the workspace, but will keep it clean.
- In addition to the normal personal protective equipment you are already wearing, you should also get hearing protectors, as the sandblaster makes a loud noise that could damage or cause hearing problems.
Step 4. Sand the chrome with sandpaper
Grinding is the least complicated and most used method to remove the chromium layer. Although it is a difficult material to remove, you should start with less than 160-grit sandpaper to remove most of it. After that, you can switch to a 320 grit to sand down the last residue and get an even surface.
- Sandpaper is more readily available than sandblasting gun. However, depending on the size and shape of the piece, it can also be the most difficult method.
- During this phase it is essential to be very precise and apply constant pressure on the entire surface, dedicating an equal amount of time to each section; doing so you get a perfect result. The resulting surface will allow the paint to adhere more easily and you will not notice any unevenness or roughness.
Step 5. Dust off the chromed object to remove all debris and traces of particles
Spray it with a degreaser and wax remover. Use a vaporizer bottle to make the job easier, and then scrub the item with bleach-washed rags.
Part 3 of 3: Paint the Chrome Surface with an Airbrush or Can of Paint
Step 1. Protect your workspace from unwanted splashes
Cover all surfaces such as windows, floors and fixtures with a tarp. Painter's cloths are perfect because they absorb paint well and allow you to work in peace.
At this point, you should remove all unnecessary and dangerous material from the floor so that the airbrush hose does not get trapped in it
Step 2. Mix the primer and filter it to prevent possible lumps from clogging the tip and internal filters of the airbrush
Typically, you can buy wooden sticks along with the paint that are perfect for mixing. Instead, you can use a scrap piece of a mosquito net to filter the liquid. All these tricks allow you to eliminate every foreign element, every lump and apply smooth layers.
Choose a two-component epoxy primer that is waterproof, corrosion resistant and offers the best level of adhesion to metal and industrial paints
Step 3. Hang or place all the pieces you need to paint on a metal stand
By hanging the object, you will have access to it from every angle, practically 360 °. This solution is perfect, even if you decide to use a spray can. However, if you don't have a support available, simply place the item to be painted on a piece of cloth.
Step 4. Apply an even coat of two-part epoxy primer using an airbrush
Wait for it to dry and then spray a second layer. If you have decided on a product in a spray can, then spray the primer on all metal parts as evenly as possible.
Step 5. Store any leftover primer by pouring it from the spray gun reservoir into the original container
Store the latter in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. Check that the lid has an airtight seal. The primer does not have an expiration date if it is stored well, but it may evaporate if the lid is not sealed. Also remember that it is a flammable product and should be stored away from open flames, possible ignition and temperatures above 38 ° C.
Step 6. Clean the airbrush properly before adding the paint of your choice
Remember to disconnect it from the compressor and air regulator before cleaning. It is vital that the instrument is thoroughly cleaned before using it with another substance, so follow the manufacturer's instructions or rely on these recommendations before continuing.
Step 7. Mix and filter all the paint you want to pour into the airbrush
Most likely the shop assistant will give you a wooden stick specifically for this purpose. Remember to ask them when making your purchase. Just like you did with the primer, use a scrap piece of mosquito net to filter the color and remove any lumps or foreign objects.
Step 8. Apply the vehicle paint
There are a couple of key details you need to remember. First of all you must keep the tip of the airbrush at least 15 cm from the object; also, you have to move the tool from side to side while you spray. When the airbrush is stationary, do not pull the trigger, otherwise you will get an uneven and smudged paint. Wait for the first coat to dry completely before applying the next ones. It will take approximately 20 minutes for each application.
Step 9. Give the chrome object a shiny appearance by spraying three coats of clear automotive paint
This product has a protective function, as well as an aesthetic one, it prevents the metal from rusting and attracting dust. For its application use the same procedures described in the previous steps.
Step 10. Wait a week for the clear coat to dry completely
At that point you can polish the object with a soft cloth and a special product.
