How to Paint a Chrome Plated Steel Wheel
Chrome is a shiny metal that is highly resistant to rust. It is often used as plating on steel wheels for cosmetic purposes, and many vehicle owners choose to paint their chrome plated steel wheels. The primary part of this procedure is preparing the wheels for painting.
Items Needed:
- Bucket
- Soap
- Sandpaper
- Screwdriver
- Cloth
- Self-etching primer
- Primer
- Automotive paint
- Fill a bucket with soap and water. Wash the chrome plated steel wheels with a sponge and soapy water to remove the surface debris. Rinse the wheels with clean water and allow them to air dry.
- Obtain sheets of sandpaper in the 220- to 320-grit grain. Wrap the sandpaper around the head of a screwdriver and scrub the wheels to remove any rust. Ensure you sand the entire wheel to ensure the paint will adhere to it. Dip a dry cloth in lacquer thinner to remove any trace of dust and oil from the wheels.
- Apply a coat of self-etching primer from a spray can according to the manufacturer's instructions. This generally involves holding the nozzle of the primer at least 8 inches from the wheels. Apply the primer for no more than a few seconds at a time to avoid dripping. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.
- Apply a coat of regular primer from a spray can, using the same technique you did with the self-etching primer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly, and repeat this step to apply a second coat of regular primer.
- Sand the wheels with sandpaper, especially any bumpy areas. Dip the cloth in lacquer thinner and wipe the wheels with it to remove any oil from the surface of the wheels.
- Paint the wheels with automotive paint from a spray can. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, and apply a second coat of paint.