paint chrome
Sarah Parker
Updated on May 26, 2026
Yes, you can paint over chrome. But successfully doing so requires a bit of sanding and priming. You need to sand the chrome to create a rough surface for the paint to bond to. After priming and resanding, you can paint chrome using acrylic or latex paint.
What is the best way to paint over chrome?
To paint over a chrome surface, start by sanding it so the paint is able to stick to it. Then, wipe down the chrome surface with wax and grease remover so it’s clean when you paint it. Before you apply any paint, add 2 coats of two-part epoxy primer, allowing the primer to dry after each coat.
How do I blacken chrome?
If you want to change the look of your chrome, consider using black paint. Paint over your chrome items, such as car emblems, rims, and grill shells, with black paint to get a black chrome finish. If you want to make a black chrome finish on non-chrome items, use spray black spray paint with a shiny chrome finish.
Do you need primer for chrome spray paint?
If you are using spray paint or a spray gun, cover any surfaces that you want to protect from paint. Chrome should be painted with primer. Spray from about one foot away if you are using spray paint or a spray gun.
Does epoxy primer stick chrome?
Your average high build Automotive Primers and even Etch Primers will not stick to chrome surfaces. As always be sure to wear the correct safety gear because these primers are extremely dangerous to your health, especially Epoxy Primers with Chromate in them.
Can chrome be powder coated?
First and foremost, it’s important to realize that you can’t powder coat over chrome. The powder coating won’t stick to the chrome. In order to do the job properly, you must strip the chrome surface off of the parts and then apply the powder coating.
How do you spray paint chrome bathroom fixtures?
Once the primer is dry, apply an acrylic or latex metal paint in your color of choice, or automotive enamel if you’re coloring a faucet. Here, too, either spray-paint or painting with a bristled or foam brush work. When spray-painting chrome, remember to apply in a steady sweeping motion side to side or up and down.
Can you paint over chrome trim?
Spray the part with self etching primer. This primer sticks to the chrome and allows the regular primer to stick to the part. Regular primer and paint won’t stick to a chrome surface.
Can you spray paint chrome metal?
Chrome can generally be covered with a simple light coat of primer between two and three coats. Using spray paint or a spray gun, protect any surface that you want against paint. Rustproof the chrome by applying primer.
What is an etch primer?
Etch Primers are single pack metal primers formulated with a combination of resins to maximise adhesion to the various metal surfaces on which they may be used. A low level of phosphoric acid is present in these primers to etch the metal surface and improve adhesion.
Does chrome spray paint look like chrome?
The best chrome paint spray will look just like a shiny coating of metal, but what exactly is this paint really? It is what you call a front surface silver. This means that the silver in the paint is just seen at the top of the finish. You get a great shiny silver color, but the paint is not actually silver or metal.
Can you paint over plastic chrome?
If you want to paint over chrome plastic, you must remove the chrome and then paint on the plastic surface. That is the only way the paint will hold. You can decide to paint directly over the chrome plastic, but the finish will be terrible in most cases, and the paint should chip or peel off in months.
Is spray on chrome any good?
Spray chrome gives a highly durable, lustrous finish that can withstand the elements and the weather.
Is there a black chrome paint?
DNA™ Black Chrome represents the ultimate in chrome effect paints. Black Chrome™ uniquely rich black look has no equal and is applied using regular spray guns used in most paint shops. When applied as directed you will achieve a uniquely Black Chrome™ look with great adhesion characteristics.
Can you sand chrome?
Chrome Plating
Chrome finishes can also be removed by sanding the chrome off, either with a high speed sanding machine or by hand with sandpaper. Removing chrome by hand sanding it off is the best way to avoid damaging the surface that the chrome covers.
Can chrome be made black?
There are two methods for making chrome black. The desired finished look will determine which method you’ll use. The first method is painting the chrome and results in an opaque finish. The second method is electroplating the chrome and results in visible chrome that is tinted black.