Prepping Rear Chrome Bumper

I would like to paint the rear chrome bumper to match the my Taco (Timberland Mica). I plan on having a paint shop do the actually painting, but I would like to prep the bumper to save some cash.

How do I prep chrome? Do I need to bring it down to the original metal? Or do I just scuff and prime?

Any input is appreciated.

 

there have been some threads on this, but as far as materials, I think you just need to wash it, sand it down (not sure the grit) and then wash it again, prime it black (i would put at least 2 maybe 3 coats) of black, and then paint, and if you like, clearcoat on top.

oh yeah i think you just need to scuff it up to give it something to stick to, not all the way down. at least ive never read anything like that

 

i want to do the same with my timberland mica. what price did you get to have it painted??

 

I used a power sander with some rough sand paper (I don't know what number), then wiped down really good with acetone and use a self etching primer.

 

ive heard all different amounts on this, some 400 some higher, you can always try going to a junkyard to find a 5 lugger bumper thats stock black, or trying to order one online?

 

be sure to do this
great idea
i used self etching on mine. but then again... i got a base model black bumper first...then colormatched it haha
so i cheated...

 

Look here for how I did it, worked well
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/75172-i-hate-chrome-ii-bumper.html

 

Nice job. Any problems with sanding marks or gouges? What grit was your disk?

 

Rear Bumper & Front Grill: $125, provided I do all the assembly labor and prep.

 

150-200 grit. No sanding marks, chrome is hard

I did the painting with rattle cans. About $20, small surfaces like bumbers are easy to paint with rattle cans because you can easily cover the width of a bumper without over spray making a line in the paint

 

I would start with 180 grit and work up to 360 grit. Use the self etch primer and probably 2 coats of sandable primer just to make sure it hides any stray sanding marks. The body shop may not want you to prime it incase there is an issue with the paint they use and the primer you use.