How to Paint Black Chrome

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

If you want to change the look of your chrome, consider using black paint. Paint over your chrome items, such as car emblems, rims, and grill shells, with black paint to get a black chrome finish. If you want to make a black chrome finish on non-chrome items, use spray black spray paint with a shiny chrome finish. All you need is primer, paint, clear coat, and a steady hand to transform your items into gleaming black chrome.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning and Priming Your Item

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1
Wash your item thoroughly if it has dirt, grease, or grime on it. Wet your item with cool water from a faucet or hose, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe it down. Spray an all-purpose metal cleaner onto the surface, and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Rinse away any dirt and dry the surface before you apply paint.^{[1]
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- To remove stubborn residue, use a heavy-duty car cleaner and a soft scrub brush.
- If you are painting an item such as a car emblem, unscrew it from the car so you can easily clean it.
2
Protect your workspace by using painter's tape and a drop cloth. To prevent getting paint on your workspace, lay sheets of newspaper across the table, or cover the surrounding areas with a drop cloth. This will depend on what exactly you are painting. You can use painter’s tape to cover any surface you don’t want to be painted. Rip 4–6 in (10–15 cm) of tape, and place it anywhere you’d like.^{[2]
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- For instance, if you are painting the rims of your car, remove the rims from the tires, stretch out a plastic drop cloth, and place the rims on top.
- You can also cover the back of the rims with painter's tape to keep the inside silver.
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3
Shake up the paint can for 10-20 seconds. To help mix up your primer, move it back and forth quickly for a few seconds. There is a small metal ball inside the paint can that helps mix up the paint.^{[3]
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- If you don’t mix up the paint before you spray it on, it may spray unevenly at first.
4
Spray on a solid coat of black paint primer. Applying the primer helps the paint stick to the chrome. It also ensures the paint stays on if exposed to a car wash or heavy rainfall, for instance. To apply the primer, hold the can about 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) from your item, and cover the surface in an even layer.^{[4]
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- If you are painting an automobile, ensure you have auto primer, rather than an all-purpose primer.
- Your chrome will look matte and dark instead of silver and shiny.
- It is okay if there are some uneven patches, as you’ll apply several layers of paint.
Before you apply the next layer of paint, let your primer sit for a few minutes. If you apply paint while the primer is wet, each coat may not dry evenly.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Spraying on the Black Paint

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1
Pick the correct paint based on the item you are covering. If you are painting a chrome item, use black spray paint. If you are painting a non-chrome item, use a black spray paint with a chrome finish. In addition, ensure you use the correct paint for the type of material you are painting.
- For instance, If you are painting black chrome on your car, be sure you have auto spray paint. This is specially formulated to stick to cars and withstand the elements.
- If spraying craft metal, use an all-purpose spray paint safe for metal surfaces.
- Be sure to shake up the paint can before you spray it. This way, you can apply a smooth, even layer of paint.^{[5]
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Hold the can of paint about 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) from your item, and press down on the spray nozzle to release the paint. Move the paint can back and forth slowly to cover your item.^{[6]
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Let the paint dry for about 20 minutes. To ensure your paint dries consistently and smoothly, wait about 20 minutes or so before you apply your next layer of paint. You can set a timer if that is helpful.^{[7]
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- If you spray your next layer immediately after your first, the paint may not dry properly and you may have uneven sections.
- You can touch the tip of your finger to the side of your item to check if the paint is dry. If any paint comes off onto your fingertip, let the paint sit for another 5-10 minutes.
The more paint you apply, the darker the chrome will look. Just be sure to wait about 20 minutes in between each coat.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Applying the Clear Coat

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1
Apply a light, even layer of clear coat. When your last layer of black paint is dry, shake up your clear coat for about 20 seconds, and spray a light, even layer over your item. Hold the can about 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) away from your item. Start on the side and work your way across to the right side to ensure you cover each spot.^{[8]
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- It may be a bit difficult to see exactly where you apply the paint, as your black paint may look slightly shiny.
- The clear coat protects the black chrome layer so the color doesn’t rub off over time.
2
Let the paint dry for about 20 minutes. After you apply 1 layer of clear coat, set a timer for about 20 minutes. The first coat should dry completely within this timeframe. When the first layer is dry, you can spray another light, even layer over top of your item.^{[9]
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- To check if the paint is dry, touch 1 of your fingertips to the side of your item.
Once the first coat is dry, repeat the process to apply another 2 coats of paint. Let each coat of paint dry for about 20 minutes before adding another one.
4
Spray a heavy, even layer of clear coat after your light layers. To apply a heavy coat, hold your can about 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm) from your item, and move the can even slower than you did before. Aim to cover each spot for about 5 seconds or so.^{[10]
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- The heavy layers help evenly coat your item, creating an impenetrable barrier against moisture.
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Let the heavy coat of paint sit for 20-30 minutes. The heavy coat may need a few minutes longer to dry, as you are applying a higher concentration of clear gloss. Ensure the clear coat is dry completely before you apply any more paint.^{[11]
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- You may need multiple cans of clear coat depending on the size of your item.
Once your first heavy coat of paint is dry, spray another heavily-saturated layer to cover your item. This helps add another layer of protection.
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Put on 1 more final, heavy coat of clear paint. After you apply 2 heavy coats, you are ready for your final heavy coat of paint. Hold your clear paint can about 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm) away, and press down on the spray nozzle.^{[12]
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- Once you cover your item entirely, replace the cap on your paint and/or properly dispose of any empty bottles.
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Leave the paint to dry for 60 minutes. Set a timer for about an hour so your paint can dry and all layers can set to your item. After about 1 hour, check to see if your paint is dry. Place your fingertip onto your item towards the side.^{[13]
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- If any sticky residue comes off, let your paint dry for another 20 minutes or so.
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Replace your item after it is completely dry. At this point, you can reassemble your items and show off your new black chrome finish!^{[14]
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- For instance, screw your emblems back onto their posts on the front of your car. You can also put the rims back on the tires and mount them on the car.

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Things You’ll Need

Item to paint
Black primer
Black paint (or black chrome paint, depending on the item)
Clear coat

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Warnings

Avoid sanding your chrome items. This can damage the chrome and result in a rough finish, rather than a smooth and sleek appearance.

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