I have chrome side kicker boards (side panels) on my jeep that are
silver chrome in color.  I would like to paint them black.  What
materials and instructions do I need to do this?

Greetings Therizzle:

The best step-by-step process I located for you is at
http://www.ripper1.com/tech/paint_over_chrome.htm (Ripper's Painting
Tips, Painting over chrome).  Ripper explains the process well and
includes product names.  I believe you'll find this information of
assistance.

Other references I found are:

"Painting chrome is no big deal.. ruff it up by lightly sandblasting
and then use a zinc phosphate primer.. Dupont makes a good one. #615s
and 616s.. it's a two part mix. Then use your preferred primer. I use
strictly urethane.. the paint won't come off..."
From http://www.bamph.com/rmh/painting.htm

"A 'chrome bumper' is actually a steel bumper that has been nickel
plated and then chromium plated...strip the chrome, and then roughen
the nickel with fine sandpaper..."
From http://www.finishing.com/267/77.html

A product called Easy Surface Prep (ESP) for prepping chrome or enamel
for painting is advertised at
http://www.igoe.ie/products/espchromeenamel.htm - it's from a company
in the UK.

A reply from a query about painting over chrome at
http://www.thegsresources.com/q_a/gs_qa_maintenance.htm reads "You'll
have to sand the chrome with 800 grit so the paint will stick, prime
them and then paint them.  Of course this means that once you sand
them you can't go back to chrome.  Stripper won't take of chrome."

"I later learned about the acid etching primer body shops use to paint
over chrome. First rough surface lightly with steel wool, clean with
some type of surface prep. Use the acid etching primer just as you
would regular primer, then finish as you would normally paint.  This
works for the lower rocker trim on the doors also, but use more thin
coats of paint and clear coat to help resist rock chips."
From http://www.impalasuperstore.com/naisso/forum2002/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4904&#153667

AIRBRUSHING OVER CHROME
An interesting article titled "A Study in Chrome and Reflected
Surfaces" by A.D. Cook (Airbrush Action Magazine, April 2001) is
located at http://www.adcookfineart.com/aa-article-indiansummer1.html
- it may not apply to your project but I found it very interesting and
thought you might, too.


Should you require any clarification of the links or information I've
provided before rating my answer, please request it and I'll be happy
to respond.

Best regards,
journalist-ga


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