So i have a second set of door handles that i want to paint to match my car color are there some steps i should follow befor i add paint.?
jeff

 

Are these the high polish chrome, or the brushed chrome like used on the LS models?

If they're the high polish chrome, you'll need to use sandpaper to "scuff" the chrome for proper paint adhesion. Start with 300 grit, then finish with either 600 or 800 grit, prime and then paint.

For the brushed chrome handles if you have those, scuff sand them with either 600 or 800 grit paper, prime, then paint.

Priming is optional, but I'd recommend it for better adhesion to the chrome even with scuff sanding.

 

Totally agree...almost, lol! I would say primer is mandatory on the door handles. They get a lot of use and could really benefit from the extra adhesion given by the primer.

I tested out the primer / no-primer situation on a piece of scrap when I did my grill. I started out with the satin finish, scuffed the surface well, taped it, laid down primer on one side, then painted the entire scrap. The surface with the primer was much more smooth after paint (especially if you sand your primer back to smooth before painting). It also stood up really well to attempted scratches (quick swipes with my keys) and the side with no primer scratched really pretty easily. Also, once a scratch started it was super easy to peel. Just my .02 cents, but I would definitely primer.

 

I'm curious to know.

Also. How do you remove the door handles? I want to do so to either paint or tint the chrome.

 

Here you go Kev, give this thread a read.....

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/replacing-exterior-door-handles-30380/

 

3M makes a special adhesion promoter primer for plastic parts, and it works well from what ive read

 

I have the shiny chrome type and these are chrome covers that fit over the original covers with 3m tape.