How to Black Out Chrome Trim with Paint
Customers ask how to black out the chrome trim on their cars and trucks in a way that will get great looking, durable, and long-lasting results. We recommend blacking out chrome trim with BlackTop in OEM Satin Black finish.
Why Do People Want To Paint Chrome Trim Black?
Blacked out chrome trim has become increasingly popular. Blacking out chrome gives a car or truck a custom, sporty, and aggressive look, and the contrast against the vehicle's paint color can be quite dramatic.
Painting chrome trim black is also a way to improve the appearance of trim that has been damaged or discolored. Chrome can become scratched, and airborne pollutants and road debris can cause discoloration. Corrosion can lead to pitting and oxidation can dull the shine. All of these blemishes can be hidden with paint.
The procedure to black out chrome trim is relatively simple and something vehicle owners can do themselves, making it a popular choice for DIY automotive projects.
What Automotive Trim Pieces Are Commonly Blacked Out?
BlackTop is used to black out chrome window trim, chrome grilles, chrome emblems and badges, chrome door handles, chrome bumpers and trim accents, chrome exhaust tips, and chrome interior trim.
Best Black Paint For Chrome Trim
BlackTop in OEM Satin Black is ideal for blacking out chrome trim. It also comes in Gloss Black and Flat Black when those sheens are desired. BlackTop is a 1K, moisture-cured, UV stable, single-stage exterior grade paint. It provides a deep and rich look and is specifically formulated to withstand dulling and fading caused by prolonged sunlight exposure. BlackTop adheres strongly and is rock hard yet flexible for superior impact resistance. It can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray equipment and has excellent self-leveling properties so it does not show brush marks. Most people prefer to spray when painting chrome trim black, and for this purpose a convenient aerosol version is available.
Ready to Black Out Your Chrome Trim?
BlackTop Aerosol is the easiest way to get a factory-quality blacked-out look at home.
Preparing Chrome Trim For Paint
Strong adhesion is the key to a successful result when painting chrome trim so the paint won't crack, flake, or peel. For the best adhesion, prepare chrome with a combination of KBS Klean and a dust etching coat of Fusion Self-Etching Primer.
KBS Klean
KBS Klean is a powerful, concentrated, water-based cleaner that removes dirt, grime, grease, and other contaminants. It does not leave a residue, which is vital for paint and coating adhesion.
Fusion SEP (Self-Etch Primer)
Fusion SEP is an all-purpose self-etching primer for direct-to-surface priming of bare surfaces such as chrome, steel, brass, aluminum, and most hard plastics. It is ideal for promoting adhesion between the chrome surface and BlackTop.
Surface Preparation Procedure
Follow this procedure for the best adhesion of paint to chrome.
Step 1 — Clean: Scrub the chrome trim with KBS Klean to completely remove dirt, grease, wax, and other contaminants. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Full instructions for KBS Klean can be found here.
Step 2 — Mask: Mask off all areas not to be painted with masking tape and paper.
Step 3 — Prime: Apply a single light dust coat of Fusion SEP to the chrome trim and allow to completely dry. Full instructions for Fusion SEP can be found here.
Shop the Prep Products
Proper prep is the difference between paint that lasts and paint that peels.
Application Of BlackTop To Chrome Trim
Once the Fusion SEP dust coat is fully dry, apply BlackTop as follows.
Aerosol application: Apply at least 3 light coats, waiting until each coat is dry-to-touch and does not leave a fingerprint before applying the next. Hold the aerosol can about 6 to 8 inches from the surface. Do not cover with a continuous spray. Move back and forth, releasing the spray head after each stroke, and overlap each stroke. BlackTop Aerosol is fully cured in 48 hours.
HVLP, brush, or roller application: BlackTop can also be applied by HVLP, brush, or small foam roller. Full directions can be found here.
Recoating after 24 hours: If additional coats are applied more than 24 hours after the previous coat, lightly scuff the cured coat with 320 grit sandpaper or a green Scotch-Brite pad before recoating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint chrome trim without removing it from my vehicle? Yes. Most chrome trim can be painted in place. Mask off the surrounding paint and glass carefully with masking tape and paper before applying Fusion SEP primer and BlackTop. |
Do I need to sand chrome before painting it black? Sanding is not required. Clean the chrome thoroughly with KBS Klean, then apply a single light dust coat of Fusion SEP. Fusion SEP chemically etches into the chrome surface to create a strong bond for BlackTop. |
Which BlackTop sheen looks best on chrome trim? OEM Satin Black is the most popular choice because it closely matches factory blacked-out trim on modern vehicles. BlackTop is also available in Gloss Black and Flat Black depending on your preference. |
How long does BlackTop take to fully cure on chrome trim? BlackTop Aerosol is fully cured in 48 hours. The trim will be dry to the touch much sooner, but allow the full 48 hours before washing or exposing the trim to harsh conditions. |
Can BlackTop be used on plastic trim as well as chrome? Yes. BlackTop bonds to both chrome and most hard plastics when properly prepped with Fusion SEP, making it a versatile choice for mixed-material trim pieces. |
Will BlackTop fade or dull in sunlight? No. BlackTop is UV stable and specifically formulated to resist dulling and fading caused by prolonged sunlight exposure, making it an ideal choice for exterior automotive trim. |
Have Questions?
Have questions about how to black out chrome trim with paint? Please reach out HERE!
Get Everything You Need
BlackTop, KBS Klean, and Fusion SEP — everything needed to black out chrome trim right the first time.