Spray Chrome
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 885
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh
Spray Chrome
Does anyone have any experience they're willing to share with any type of spray on chrome paint such as dupli-color instant chrome or any other type/brand? I'm all ears. Let me know what your good and bad experiences are!
Personally I despise chrome and the care that it requires, most of the visual repairs on my truck I spray black, but I'm trying to keep the exterior as original as possible. I have a small amount of surface rust on my front bumper and I'm not wasting the money to re-dip the whole thing, at least right now.
Personally I despise chrome and the care that it requires, most of the visual repairs on my truck I spray black, but I'm trying to keep the exterior as original as possible. I have a small amount of surface rust on my front bumper and I'm not wasting the money to re-dip the whole thing, at least right now.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Save your money and don't believe the hype... the spray can stuff is just glorified silver metallic paint at twice the cost.
If the rust is light, use fine steel wool to remove the rust stains, then apply a polish, then a coat of wax.
If the rust is light, use fine steel wool to remove the rust stains, then apply a polish, then a coat of wax.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
As an alternative, consider strategically applying bed liner (spray or roll on). Make it look purposeful rather looking like you're attempting to hide something.
For example, if the rust is only on the upper surface a bumper, applying a non.skid coating makes sense since we have one time or another stepped on the bumper to climb into the engine compartment. Wet soles and a slick surface don't mix.... I had a bruised knee as a result on more than one occasion.
For example, if the rust is only on the upper surface a bumper, applying a non.skid coating makes sense since we have one time or another stepped on the bumper to climb into the engine compartment. Wet soles and a slick surface don't mix.... I had a bruised knee as a result on more than one occasion.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,140
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
X2 on save your money...maybe hit the local JY/Craigslist for one in better shape? Or hit up your local FTE state chapter members to see if someone has one for sell?
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Pennsylvania Chapter - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 813
Likes: 6
From: Up Nort Minnesota
As an alternative, consider strategically applying bed liner (spray or roll on). Make it look purposeful rather looking like you're attempting to hide something.
For example, if the rust is only on the upper surface a bumper, applying a non.skid coating makes sense since we have one time or another stepped on the bumper to climb into the engine compartment. Wet soles and a slick surface don't mix.... I had a bruised knee as a result on more than one occasion.
For example, if the rust is only on the upper surface a bumper, applying a non.skid coating makes sense since we have one time or another stepped on the bumper to climb into the engine compartment. Wet soles and a slick surface don't mix.... I had a bruised knee as a result on more than one occasion.
I just did that yesterday for my kid's truck. (because I was thinking the very same thing)
The silver on this one is a silver metallic base coat with a 2k urethane matte clear over it.
It was kind of a beat up old step bumper to start with so I figured I didn't have much to lose with this experiment.
(this was a spray on type, I was doing the whole bed)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 14
From: Bloomington, IN
Depending on "how" bad your surface rust is, BUT you might try to rub it down with a small tub of coke on some aluminium foil. I have had some luck removing "light" surface rust with this trick!! Like others have stated, don't waste your time and money on so called chrome spray. Chrome is plated, not sprayed!!
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New User
Joined: Jun 2011
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Just to echo what others have said, in my experience... EVERY single time I've ever had a rattle-can of Chrome spray paint, my expectations are never even close to being met. It doesnt matter how you prep the surface, how many coats you spray, it comes out a shiny silver color, and nothing even remotely close to being anything that resembles chrome.
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Senior User
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As an alternative, consider strategically applying bed liner (spray or roll on). Make it look purposeful rather looking like you're attempting to hide something.
For example, if the rust is only on the upper surface a bumper, applying a non.skid coating makes sense since we have one time or another stepped on the bumper to climb into the engine compartment. Wet soles and a slick surface don't mix.... I had a bruised knee as a result on more than one occasion.
For example, if the rust is only on the upper surface a bumper, applying a non.skid coating makes sense since we have one time or another stepped on the bumper to climb into the engine compartment. Wet soles and a slick surface don't mix.... I had a bruised knee as a result on more than one occasion.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,512
Likes: 3
From: Panama City
I think you should do this. The spray chrome is crap. A friend bought some so we tried it on some plating and it was really crappy. It wouldn't match the chrome on the rest of the bumper. As far as needing some traction on the bumper goes, I busted my ***** on the radiator support trying to get out of the engine bay once. Actually contemplated going to the hospital for awhile.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
I think you should do this. The spray chrome is crap. A friend bought some so we tried it on some plating and it was really crappy. It wouldn't match the chrome on the rest of the bumper. As far as needing some traction on the bumper goes, I busted my ***** on the radiator support trying to get out of the engine bay once. Actually contemplated going to the hospital for awhile.
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,140
Likes: 5,779
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I have a nice 6" bruise on my L/H rig cage and was about to the throw up stage as far as the twins begin taking out of the game.
Be safe folks these things can hurt ya! What does this have to do with spray chrome, not a dam thing, I just think it is funny and painful all in one. lol
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
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I have used Rustoleum spray chrome on small interior parts (eg dome light bezel) and is OK there. On a bumper, agree not so much.
If fine steel wool + chrome polish + wax won't do it maybe paint it. I have seen elbow grease + wax do wonders for rusted chrome.
If painting, clean well with grease and wax remover or lacquer thinner, scuff with 220, hit it with etching primer (Rustoleum works) and then color of your choice.
If fine steel wool + chrome polish + wax won't do it maybe paint it. I have seen elbow grease + wax do wonders for rusted chrome.
If painting, clean well with grease and wax remover or lacquer thinner, scuff with 220, hit it with etching primer (Rustoleum works) and then color of your choice.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 78
From: NE Texas
Or combine all the methods - try and remove as much rust as possible and use a small artist's brush like you can get at somewhere like Hobby Lobby etc. to touch up JUST the rusted bits - if the rust is minor, as you say, the bumper won't look new but you won't have dark spots all over it (and will help stop the rust from re-spreading as fast.) Yes, you'll be able o see the paint - but the contrast between rust and chrome is a lot higher than between silver paint and chrome.