How to Paint a Chrome Grill

You can identify painter's tape by its blue color.

You can transform the appearance of your chrome grill by refinishing it with the right kind of paint. Because metallic grills are nonporous, they are ill-suited for adhesion. Condition the grill to accept paint by abrading it. Unfortunately, chrome grills are too durable for the same friction-based abrasion methods used on vinyl and plastic surfaces. Instead, apply a special acidic primer that will etch the grill, otherwise you will ultimately end up with heavy chipping and peeling.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate cleanser
• Steel wool
• Water hose
• Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
• Professional painter's tape
• Galvanized metal etching spray primer
• Oil-based spray enamel

Instructions

1. Scrub the chrome grill with a trisodium phosphate cleanser, using steel wool. Rinse the grill with a water hose. Wait two to four hours for the grill to dry.

2. Cover portions of the chrome grill you do not want painted with painter's tape. Cover the surface beneath the grill with drop cloths.

3. Coat the chrome grill with etching spray primer. Hold the can about 8 inches from the grill as you apply. Wait four hours for the primed grill to dry.

4. Coat the primed chrome grill with oil-based spray enamel. Hold the can about 8 inches from the grill as you apply. Wait 12 hours before using the grill.

Tips & Warnings

• Painter's tape is ideal for protecting surfaces from paint. Don't use ordinary masking tape, or you might have bleedthrough. Don't use duct tape, as this might mar the grill with adhesive residue.

• Never paint a bare, unprimed chrome grill, or the paint will peel.

• Do not use an ordinary acrylic latex or oil-based primer on a chrome grill, or the finish will fail.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know