How to Dye a Chrome Finish

Chrome paint is often applied to cars.

A chrome finish can be applied to many different objects to give it that natural chrome look. This look is applied with a certain type of chrome paint. Using chrome paint is more involved than painting with regular paint. It is most often used on cars or motorcycles around the rims on the tires, but it can also be used on other metal surfaces that you want to look shiny and brand new without having to spend a lot of money.

Things You'll Need

• Clean rag
• Medium-grade sandpaper
• Clear base paint
• Paintbrush
• Spray cleaner
• Chrome paint
• High-volume, low-pressure spray gun
• Lint-free cloth

Instructions

1. Wipe down the surface you are going to be applying the chrome paint to with a clean rag. Move the rag in a circular motion over the area until all of the visible dirt and debris has been removed from the surface.

2. Sand down the surface with medium-grade sandpaper. Move the sandpaper in a circular motion from one side to the other and buff out any uneven surfaces that are on the metal you will be painting chrome. Continue until the surface is smooth and even throughout.

3. Apply a base coat of paint over the entire surface with a paint brush. Open up a can of clear base and dip in a paintbrush. Add a coat over the entire area with the brush, using smooth, even strokes over the entire surface, and let it dry for 30 minutes.

4. Add a second clear coat in the same manner and let it dry for 24 hours. Clean the surface thoroughly with spray cleaner and a rag. Rub the rag in a circular motion over the surface to buff it before applying the chrome paint to dye the surface.

5. Pour the desired color chrome paint into a high-volume, low-pressure spray gun. Position the gun 6 inches away from the surface of the area you will be painting and cover the entire area with paint. Pull the trigger and move the gun back and forth until the surface is completely dyed in chrome paint. Let it dry for 30 minutes.

6. Add a second coat in the same manner and let it dry overnight. Wipe down the area with a lint-free cloth and remove all dust and overspray from the surface.

References

• YouTube; Chrome Paint; March 2007
• Kustom Rides: Mirra Chrome paint