Ill let you in on some secrets. Ive painted my chrome grille before. as well as my chrome wheels.

You will want to sand the **** out of it. Get as deep as you can where you will paint. I wouldnt touch the part you want to leave chrome. who cares if you have a step on it, and honestly there is no way around it if you do what you are wanting to do.

Sand it,
Clean it
SELF ETCHING PRIMER is a must at this point. that **** is BA 3 coats
regular primer 3 coats
black paint of ur choice 3 coats
clear 3 coats or more.


the self etching stuff is what makes the paint stick to chrome it works really well and do not paint without it...

 

Have you guys considered sandblasting instead of sanding? You get a more thorough job, it's easier, and ultimately will provide a better result. I recently took some chrome pieces in to our fab shop, blasted them, and used the Dupli-Color Truck Bed Liner and they came out great. I know not everyone has access to a blaster, but you could take it into any place that does powder coating, or maybe even some body shops.