How to Paint a Chrome Bike

Sand chrome to stimulate adhesion.

If you would like to paint a chrome bike, you should consider a few important factors. Because chrome is not suited for adhesion, it requires special treatment prior to application or it will ultimately reject its new finish. The same friction-based abrasion techniques used to prepare vinyl, plastic and fiberglass are appropriate for chrome. However, when it comes to painting chrome, these methods are not enough. After abrasion, chrome requires a special type of primer, capable of etching hard, durable surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Crescent wrench
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Rubber gloves
• Wax stripper
• Coarse sponge
• Water hose
• Professional painter's tape
• Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
• Self-etching spray primer
• Oil-based spray enamel
• Respirator

Instructions

1. Remove the handlebars, chain, seat and wheels from the bike, using a crescent wrench.

2. Enhance adhesion by abrading the chrome frame with sandpaper. Scour the frame until it appears dull.

3. Wear rubber gloves. Clean the chrome with wax stripper, using a coarse sponge. Rinse the wax stripper from the bike frame, using a water hose. Wait 2 to 4 hours for the bike to dry.

4. Cover portions of the bike frame you do not want painted with painter's tape. Place the bike on heavy-duty fabric drop cloths.

5. Coat the chrome frame with self-etching spray primer. Hold the can 8 inches from the chrome as you apply. Wait 4 hours for the primed chrome to dry.

6. Coat the primed bike frame with oil-based spray enamel. Hold the can 8 inches from the frame as you apply. Wait 12 hours before using the bike.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a respirator if you are working in a poorly ventilated area.

• Never prime unsanded chrome, or the finish will fail

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

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

Resources

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