Painting Chrome?

I drive a 2013 “Super White” TRD Off Road and I am not a fan of chrome, especially on a white truck. That being said, I am slowly, but surely, replacing all the chrome on the outside of my truck. The only thing left is replacing the chrome trim that goes around the grille and chrome Toyota logo on the grille. I haven’t been able to find a trim piece that doesn’t come with an entire grille attached. And to be honest, I’m not looking to pay $100-200 + shipping (I live in Georgia) for a grille and trim when all I need is the trim. I’m getting desperate here, and willing to take it off and paint them if needed. The only problem is that if I screw this one up, it’s the only one I have. I have experimented with the chrome Tacoma/V6 badges I replaced with black ones. I have tried painting over the chrome, bead blasting, sanding, buffing (scotch bright pad and buffing wheel), cleaning, and painting with several coats and a day of dry time in between. But after all that, I can still easily peel the paint with my fingernail. Not looking for black chrome, bc my new emblems are matte, and not really interested in plastidip. Has anyone had success with painting over chrome?

 

Yep. I used 60 grit to initially get the chrome off. Takes a little elbow grease. Then worked my way up to 400. Used adhesive promoter then Matt black and Matt clear.

 

I see we have infected the 2nd genners

 

Do this

 

@gotoman1969 did you use an automotive paint? I read using brake caliper paint works, but that’s what I used my first try and it was easily peeled using my fingernail

 

I used Krylon Fusion. It has held up really well.

 

I'm waging a war against chrome during my time in "highly recommended self-isolation/quarantine." To the OP, I just removed my stock grille guard (watch a quick YT vid from Tacomaholic if you have any questions), removed the emblem, scruffed up grille with 400 grit, and then gave it multiple coats of matte black and matte clear coat (both Krylon). Rattled canned the emblem with "matte fire red" (also Krylon) just to go with a red theme throughout the truck. I plastidipped the badges on the doors and tailgate and couldn't be happier with the results, all around. Last remaining bit of chrome on mine resides in the middle of the steering wheel but I don't feel like pulling that off as it requires destroying the plastic weld behind the emblem, and/or disassembling the steering wheel and d*cking around with the airbag, etc. I guess I'll just keep staring at that for another 11 years...

 

Try this combo (clean, scuff, clean, paint, wait, paint again)



Honestly I know you said you're not interested in plastidip but the stuff holds up and it's reversible. Plus you'll get the matte black you're looking for. I have several parts that i have painted with plastidip that has lasted for years. Bumper, emblems, grill surround etc, I hate chrome too haha

 

DTM is a primer with a catalyst. It will stick without issue to chrome and plastic, damn near anything, and then you put regular paint on top.

 

@RockyMtTaco check this website out
https://www.ajtdesign-llc.com/online-store/2016-c42623009%3Foffset%3D60
I found it thanks to a YT video. Go to 3rd Gen Tacoma, and on the 2nd page, they have overlays for the steering wheel emblem to change it to whatever color you like. 2nd and 3rd Gen steering wheel emblems are the same size. Just wipe it down with rubbing alcohol, and stick the new one over it

 

@theolee
I’ve just heard that plastidip is nearly impossible to keep clean. The videos I’ve watched say they hold dirt and it’s almost impossible to get it back to the “like new” look. Then again, a lot of people don’t know what they’re talking about I may give it a shot. But I can pick up a can of color match automotive paint at my local auto parts store for about the same price as a can of plastidip. I still have a few leftover pieces of chrome I’ve removed. May experiment with plastidip for the hell of it.

 

Thanks for tip! I didn't know AJT made emblem overlays, but I didn't dig too deep. $19.99 is not a bad price point either; I'd rather spring for that over breaking open the steering wheel or prying off the existing emblem.

Side note: I've been looking at the injection fob case by AJT for quite some time, but can't bring myself to drop $29.99 on a fob case [something about buying groceries, paying bills, being an adult, things of that nature]. https://www.ajtdesign-llc.com/online-store/2007-2017-Tundra-2005-2015-Tacoma-c35615006

 

@RockyMtTaco
I understand completely. I take the “Johnny Cash Approach” with modding my Taco. “One Piece at a Time”