How Do I Get a Steel Grill to Have a Dull-Shiny Aluminum Look?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
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How Do I Get a Steel Grill to Have a Dull-Shiny Aluminum Look?
Okay, obviously the chrome paint either sucks or is very expensive (for example the Alsa or HOK stuff), and I don't have the kind of money to get it properly chromed. However, I just picked up a nice and straight '62 steel grill (originally painted white) from the junkyard to replace the bashed up aluminum grill that is currently on my truck.
Here's a pic that shows the current bent up grill and valence panel:
And here's the straight grill I picked up:
This is no concours show vehicle or anything like that by any means. All I want to do is paint the grill to look something similar to the original aluminum finish. It's not high luster at all, in fact, it would be TOO shiny compared to the rest of the truck if it were minty fresh chrome or polished aluminum. Are there any reasonable paints out there that will provide a decent dull-shiny looking grill from a 10' viewing distance? Nothing fancy or expensive, if it exists.
Too bad I didn't just find an aluminum grill instead... but you can't have everything, so I'll have to make do with what I have.
So, any ideas or suggestions on how to get a dull-shiny aluminum look?
Thanks --Matt
Here's a pic that shows the current bent up grill and valence panel:
And here's the straight grill I picked up:
This is no concours show vehicle or anything like that by any means. All I want to do is paint the grill to look something similar to the original aluminum finish. It's not high luster at all, in fact, it would be TOO shiny compared to the rest of the truck if it were minty fresh chrome or polished aluminum. Are there any reasonable paints out there that will provide a decent dull-shiny looking grill from a 10' viewing distance? Nothing fancy or expensive, if it exists.
Too bad I didn't just find an aluminum grill instead... but you can't have everything, so I'll have to make do with what I have.
So, any ideas or suggestions on how to get a dull-shiny aluminum look?
Thanks --Matt
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,651
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From: Hemet ca.
Looks like your going to have to get some hood work done to make it shut with the new valance. Nows a good time to learn a little body work. After reading some of your post's I'm sure you can tackle that too. good luck your truck is getting there.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Mddl A MexCans
Well there are a few options I'd think. but as a budget thing maybe the best option is sandblast and clear coat with clear matte. Sandblast and paint with a chrome paint the overcoat with clear matte.. just some off the top of the head.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Davenport, IA
If you have no money and a lot of free time, you can take your original grill off and probably bend it back into shape. It is only thin aluminum. Easily pliable stuff. Don't know how the chrome will take it, but take your time and it would look decent.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Elizabethtown, PA
Your truck will age a few years if you use that new grille. 
It may cost you a few bucks to experiment, but Krylon makes a couple different silvers, and one called aluminum, that may work for you. I personally like their 'bright silver'. I've found it replicates the silver paint on steel wheels really well. I'd prime the grille with gray first, as the silver doesn't always cover as nicely as regular colors. I think the paint is a little thinner because of the metallic content. Krylon usually comes out nice and holds up well.
It may cost you a few bucks to experiment, but Krylon makes a couple different silvers, and one called aluminum, that may work for you. I personally like their 'bright silver'. I've found it replicates the silver paint on steel wheels really well. I'd prime the grille with gray first, as the silver doesn't always cover as nicely as regular colors. I think the paint is a little thinner because of the metallic content. Krylon usually comes out nice and holds up well.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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If you cant powder coat them, I would take ddavidv's advise and I think it will look great! I would paint the upper valance body color.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Davenport, IA
How about that "Hammer Finish" paint? I've seen that silver - might give it a interesting look.
Maybe paint the rims to match, to help blend in better with the the rest of the truck that way.
Maybe paint the rims to match, to help blend in better with the the rest of the truck that way.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
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It may cost you a few bucks to experiment, but Krylon makes a couple different silvers, and one called aluminum, that may work for you. I personally like their 'bright silver'. I've found it replicates the silver paint on steel wheels really well. I'd prime the grille with gray first, as the silver doesn't always cover as nicely as regular colors. I think the paint is a little thinner because of the metallic content. Krylon usually comes out nice and holds up well.
I don't anything about paint, so is this what I should do:
1. Wirebrush the grill. (duh, get it down to where the paint will adhere)
2. Prime it with some gray primer (any suggestions of brand?)
3. Spray a light coat of the silver paint
4. Scotch brite it.
5. Repeat steps 3-4
6. Clearcoat it and call it a day.
I just want it to look decent from a viewing distance, and also hold up against the elements.
_____
Thanks to all you guys for the advice!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Davenport, IA
I'm no paintman, but any one who is will tell you 900% of a good paint job is prep work. Use a rust converter/treatment/whatever to make sure the rust is dealt with and also use a degreaser/cleaner before shooting paint at the least. I think a light sanding before primer to rough up the old paint might help it stick too. Again I'm not a paint man.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Davenport, IA
About your aluminum grille - It should be fairly easy to bend/hammer/dolly back into shape. If it isn't chromed, it is very easy to buff out any scratches from the beatings and really make it shine.
Use the steel one and keep the other for a winter project.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
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I spent the entire day wirebrushing, sanding, and cleaning the grill. There wasn't very much rust at all. After that came the bondo. I filled the little holes that used to hold the letters on the valence panel, and all the little dents in the grill/valence panel. Tons of sanding later, the first coat of primer went on. It adhered to the metal really well. No bubbles or defects. After that dried, I used the scotch brite and went over the entire piece to rough it up just the slightest bit. Then, the second coat of primer went on.
That was two hours ago. I just was down in the garage about 5 minutes ago to check out the drying, and it was pretty much dry. This primer dries very quickly. I gave the primer a test in an inconspicuous area by scratching it with my fingernail. It didn't flake off and I could barely even see the line I scratched!
Like you said Sam_Fear, prep IS everything.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 152
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Looks like you don't mind using a lil elbow grease. Nice work. Rattle can paint usually doesn't last very long if left out in the elements. The clear should help some. If you find that it starts to degrade in the near future, there are automotive paint stores that can mix custom automotive paint in spray cans that holds up much longer. SEM also has better quality paint than krylon or duracoat, etc.. You can also find online paint places that do automotive grade paint in spray cans if you don't have a paint store near you. All of them are usually a little more expensive than normal rattle cans, but you get longer better results from them.
Powder coating the grill would also be another option.
BC
Powder coating the grill would also be another option.
BC