painting the grill
#1
painting the grill
HI guys
i just bought a black side steps for my white H3, universal black mud flaps (the flexible ones), and a black cover for the spare tire .. and next im thinking to paint the chrome grill white as same as the rest of the car and paint the stock rims black
just like that
but without painting the mirrors and the door handles
and that will finish my work on the exterior and then imma work things under the hood (^_^)
i just wanna know ur opinions about that and if u have any better ideas plzz share (^_^)
peace
i just bought a black side steps for my white H3, universal black mud flaps (the flexible ones), and a black cover for the spare tire .. and next im thinking to paint the chrome grill white as same as the rest of the car and paint the stock rims black
just like that
but without painting the mirrors and the door handles
and that will finish my work on the exterior and then imma work things under the hood (^_^)
i just wanna know ur opinions about that and if u have any better ideas plzz share (^_^)
peace
#2
Painting your grille
If you had a base grille i.e. not chromed or painted, you would have little problem in painting it white (body color) then clear coat
If you want to paint over chrome, that is another matter.
You could use a product called "Bulldog Adhesion Promoter" They claim this product can be used to paint over chromed plastic. I did use this product on a acrylic bug shield and then painted the bug shield body color, then clear coated and it worked out great. You can't even scrape the painted surface with your finger nail.
If you have the money you can order body colored grilles from GM accessories,
Link, http://gmaccessoriesstore.com/grille...th=426_427_439
If you want to paint over chrome, that is another matter.
You could use a product called "Bulldog Adhesion Promoter" They claim this product can be used to paint over chromed plastic. I did use this product on a acrylic bug shield and then painted the bug shield body color, then clear coated and it worked out great. You can't even scrape the painted surface with your finger nail.
If you have the money you can order body colored grilles from GM accessories,
Link, http://gmaccessoriesstore.com/grille...th=426_427_439
#3
If you had a base grille i.e. not chromed or painted, you would have little problem in painting it white (body color) then clear coat
If you want to paint over chrome, that is another matter.
You could use a product called "Bulldog Adhesion Promoter" They claim this product can be used to paint over chromed plastic. I did use this product on a acrylic bug shield and then painted the bug shield body color, then clear coated and it worked out great. You can't even scrape the painted surface with your finger nail.
If you have the money you can order body colored grilles from GM accessories,
Link, http://gmaccessoriesstore.com/grille...th=426_427_439
If you want to paint over chrome, that is another matter.
You could use a product called "Bulldog Adhesion Promoter" They claim this product can be used to paint over chromed plastic. I did use this product on a acrylic bug shield and then painted the bug shield body color, then clear coated and it worked out great. You can't even scrape the painted surface with your finger nail.
If you have the money you can order body colored grilles from GM accessories,
Link, http://gmaccessoriesstore.com/grille...th=426_427_439
thanxx for passing by and for the info
but are those just replacements for the grill ?
Last edited by 3bo0odi; 03-11-2009 at 01:42 PM.
#4
Those grilles listed on the web link I sent you are factory replacement grilles
You would buy a NEW white painted grille from them and install it yourself
You would hang onto the original chrome grille or try to sell it, like I did.
If you go back to the link I sent you and backup several steps you can see the pictures of the other grilles they have shots of
They just don't have pictures of the white grille
You would buy a NEW white painted grille from them and install it yourself
You would hang onto the original chrome grille or try to sell it, like I did.
If you go back to the link I sent you and backup several steps you can see the pictures of the other grilles they have shots of
They just don't have pictures of the white grille
Last edited by wfturner; 03-11-2009 at 01:59 PM.
#5
nice to know that .. thanxx
anyone who has another idea plzz share (*_*)
#8
if you paint the chrome grill, just be sure to scuff it up real good (even 400 grit) and use a good primer and the paint...works pretty good, but there's no going back should you choose to want the chrome; just have to replace. So, it's possible, just prepping is key so that it sticks.
#9
Chrome is technically a metallic finish, even when applied over plastic. That being said, it is a very thin layer of chrome on the original H3 grills. Instead of sanding all day with a high grit paper, start low, 80 grit. Do not press down as you will groove the plastic. Once things are scuffed well, work your way up with lighter sand paper. 80, 120, 220, 320, 400. Sounds like a pain, but this way is quick at removing the chromed finish or taking it down and keeping things smooth when finished.
Once done, Spray a light coat of metal etching primer that will "bite the residual chrome finish. Once that dries it may be necessary to add a buildable smoothing primer and sand with 600 grit. Then just paint away!
If you decide to use a single stage finish (no clear coat) stick with a named brand product like Krylon Premium, or Rustomleum. If you decide on two staging, Meaning a base coat then a clear. Spray the base coat with a flat black or semi gloss paint, let it dry for an hour or more, then clear coat over that. First coat tack only, then two medium wet coats and one heavy coat. All with at least a ten minute flash interval between coats. Following the paint manufactures directions is a must!
Once done, Spray a light coat of metal etching primer that will "bite the residual chrome finish. Once that dries it may be necessary to add a buildable smoothing primer and sand with 600 grit. Then just paint away!
If you decide to use a single stage finish (no clear coat) stick with a named brand product like Krylon Premium, or Rustomleum. If you decide on two staging, Meaning a base coat then a clear. Spray the base coat with a flat black or semi gloss paint, let it dry for an hour or more, then clear coat over that. First coat tack only, then two medium wet coats and one heavy coat. All with at least a ten minute flash interval between coats. Following the paint manufactures directions is a must!
#10
Chrome is technically a metallic finish, even when applied over plastic. That being said, it is a very thin layer of chrome on the original H3 grills. Instead of sanding all day with a high grit paper, start low, 80 grit. Do not press down as you will groove the plastic. Once things are scuffed well, work your way up with lighter sand paper. 80, 120, 220, 320, 400. Sounds like a pain, but this way is quick at removing the chromed finish or taking it down and keeping things smooth when finished.
Once done, Spray a light coat of metal etching primer that will "bite the residual chrome finish. Once that dries it may be necessary to add a buildable smoothing primer and sand with 600 grit. Then just paint away!
If you decide to use a single stage finish (no clear coat) stick with a named brand product like Krylon Premium, or Rustomleum. If you decide on two staging, Meaning a base coat then a clear. Spray the base coat with a flat black or semi gloss paint, let it dry for an hour or more, then clear coat over that. First coat tack only, then two medium wet coats and one heavy coat. All with at least a ten minute flash interval between coats. Following the paint manufactures directions is a must!
Once done, Spray a light coat of metal etching primer that will "bite the residual chrome finish. Once that dries it may be necessary to add a buildable smoothing primer and sand with 600 grit. Then just paint away!
If you decide to use a single stage finish (no clear coat) stick with a named brand product like Krylon Premium, or Rustomleum. If you decide on two staging, Meaning a base coat then a clear. Spray the base coat with a flat black or semi gloss paint, let it dry for an hour or more, then clear coat over that. First coat tack only, then two medium wet coats and one heavy coat. All with at least a ten minute flash interval between coats. Following the paint manufactures directions is a must!
thats alota work ..now u r making me think to drop my H3 in a paint shop .. and save time
but i have not decided yet weather painting the grill first or the rims ... cant do both at the same time .. coz im on very tight budget (college student) :P