Mods - Exterior Discussion related to the looks of the exterior of the HHR.

Painted Grilles

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 19, 2015 | 02:33 PM
  #1  
BQS4's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-10-2008
Posts: 239
From: Snellville, GA
Painted Grilles

Yes, I searched this, but, other than one member saying they peeled the metal off, those of you who painted their grille, did you just paint over the chrome/satin metal, or does it have to come off to paint the grille another color?
Old Apr 19, 2015 | 03:17 PM
  #2  
LawDog88's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: 10-02-2010
Posts: 5,933
From: Port Huron, MI
Have you considered plasti-dip?
Old Apr 19, 2015 | 04:40 PM
  #3  
BQS4's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-10-2008
Posts: 239
From: Snellville, GA
Originally Posted by LawDog88
Have you considered plasti-dip?
If plasti dip has a primer, that would work, but, what I want is the grille to match the body color, Summit White.
Old Apr 19, 2015 | 05:00 PM
  #4  
solman98's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 6,053
From: Dallas, GA
It's plated plastic, just sand, prime, & paint.
Old Apr 19, 2015 | 05:17 PM
  #5  
Oldblue's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,069
From: Welland,Ont Canada
I stripped the chrome off because the chips and divots were right thru to the plastic!
You can sand prime and paint the grille.

I sanded the plastic primed it with high solids and sanded smooth, then color sprayed 4 light coats with 20 minute flash time between coats.
Attached Images  

Last edited by Oldblue; Apr 20, 2015 at 01:58 PM.
Old Apr 20, 2015 | 09:10 AM
  #6  
MetallicBlue's Avatar
New Member
 
Joined: 04-08-2015
Posts: 13
From: Western NY
I plasti-dipped mine on Sat flat black. Unconfident in my painting skills or lack there of I figured if I messed it up too bad I'd peel it off. The only prep I did was a light steel wool and water. We'll see how long it lasts. I'd recommend at least two cans of dip if you go that route. I would have loved to do a nice 4th coat but I ran out. Was so easy when more arrives I may do it again but at the very least I have more if it chips or peels. I thought it looks good enough to paint the OEM wheel covers black to match as they were badly curb rashed anyway...looks good with the Metallic Blue body and no discernible chrome.
Old Apr 20, 2015 | 11:34 AM
  #7  
BlindLizard's Avatar
Premium Member
 
Joined: 08-26-2009
Posts: 237
From: Kansas
I had mine painted to match the car. Color match was good but the body shop didn't prep the grill well enough so I get flake off places. Rock chips are also a problem so touch up paint applications are continual. Give it a shot and sand, paint or plasti- dip. Should work better than what I paid for.
Old Apr 20, 2015 | 12:05 PM
  #8  
Twistedtat's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 09-18-2013
Posts: 277
From: Missouri
As mentioned above, I sanded, primed and painted mine. Been on there for almost two years with no chips etc.. Good Luck
Old May 21, 2015 | 10:35 AM
  #9  
henr1e's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: 03-17-2014
Posts: 30
From: Ga
Using adhesion promoter is a good idea also for the paint to adhere really well.
Old May 21, 2015 | 08:40 PM
  #10  
redridehhr's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: 01-13-2013
Posts: 78
From: Belvidere,IL
Plasti Dip first then rattle can over it. No need to sand. Just clean well. The rubber base is a little more flexible when it comes to rocks. I would paint it so it's easier to clean.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:27 AM.