I finally got my grill installed, I painted it with black and silver pearl, what do you guys think? I think I might smoke the corner lights now.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

 

Black always looks better than silver. I want to paint my chrome, 08' grill. Do you think the paint will stick?

 

Yeah it will stick if you scuff well, I used perfect match universal Black Metallic, make sure you give it adequate cure time, thats why it took me months to get mine done, I rushed it and it bubbled and made it hazzy, then i painted it later and couldn't find screws for it, what a PITA. making a 3 hour project last forever.

 

I was told to use a scouring pad, is that correct?

 

do you mean a scotch bright pad? I would use some 1000 grit sand paper, and wet sand it, you will remove any debris and tar and smooth and casting marks or imperfections and provide a smooth textured finish for the paint or primer to stick to. if it is plastic i would just shoot the paint.

 

Yes, it's just chromed plastic.

 

Definitely use a Scotch-Brite pad to scuff any surface you'll eventually paint. This roughs up the surface which breaks that ultra smooth finish which does not allow paint to adhere properly. In no time at all the paint would begin flaking off.

There are many materials useful for such a project but instead of the aerosol spray cans visit a professional paint/body supplier and have them mix your color of choice. They can then put it into a spray can that's similar to off-the-shelf stuff but much much higher quality. Also check into a good quality plastic primer which goes a long way in giving a nice apperance and long life.

Here's a photo of my '00 E250 with painted grill and headlight covers. Its quite raggedly looking now but will get all new parts and paint this summer----a nice look I think, certainly different than most we see coming and going. Keep in mind for pretty cheap prices you can find a gently used grill and refinish it off the van allowing it to cure over time.

 

orielly auto parts will mix dupont paint and put it in an aerosol for 24.95, some people prefer scotch-brite pads but I have always felt they don't hit every spot like sand paper does, one time with a piece of paper or several strokes with the scotch-brite to get the same dull even finish. thats just my opinion.

 

If your still around: How is the paint holding up on that grill? And did you use that same paint on the rims? Is there clear over....or just the paint?

 

Reviving an old thread but the black metallic looks exactly like what I used to paint my bumpers, headlight bezels and door handles. It holds up fairly well, the only thing I just repainted was my front bumper it was pitted no clearcoat.

My grill is a chrome billet grill.