Painting Mirrors

Ted in NE-OH

Well-known Member
I want to add outside mirrors to my tractor cab and paint the chrome the same color as the tractor, do I need to do anything to the chrome surface to prep it for painting.
 
yes. The paint will peel off rapidly unless it has a textured surface to adhere to. using a flap wheel, or hand effort, (not a grinder) every painted surface should be roughed enough to be satin at least. Chrome is a very reactive metal, and the surface is really hare chrome oxide. Start with 120 grit, and end no finer than 250. Jim
 
I would use sand paper to scuff up the chrome, then get a good automotive primer. You should be good.
 

Thinking "out of the box" here, WHY not just seek out some replacement mirrors that are painted rather than chromed and avoid the issue entirely????????????????
 
If you have access to a glass bead or some type of fine blast media,tape the mirror with duct tape and blast the chrome finish,it will give you a nice texture to paint over,have done this several times over the years with good results.
 
painted motorcycle fenders several years ago. Couldn't get the primer to stick to the chrome. Had them sandblasted, wet sanded ect. The primer would lift and peel off. Finally used some acid etch primer and could finally paint the fenders without the paint or primer coming off in sheets.
 
After scuffing with scotchbrite pad wipe them down with vine gar then shoot a coat of primer with hardener.
 

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