Remove chrome finish and paint - Harley Forum

botzman · #1 08-09-2009, 10:12 AM

Hey guys,

Trying to remove the chrome finish on this windshield trim and paint in a Matte black finish. Problem is the unit cannot be taken apart. The lights and wiring are sealed in the unit with some kind of epoxy. Its just globbed in to keep everything in place. Any suggestions how to remove the chrome finish without damaging the plastic lenses? I can tape them off but removing the finish with a dremel/sandpaper/etc. seems like a nightmare. Botz

HarleyCruiser · #2 08-09-2009, 10:26 AM

You don’t necessary need to remove the chrome, but just rough it up for the paint to stick.
Tape off the plastic, anywhere that you don’t want damaged with the sand paper and then just sand it.
I would use 320 or 400.
If you sand it wet do not let the paper tape stay on to long as it will be hard to remove when it dries.
Always re tape to paint after you sand, as the tape will get damaged when sanding.

botzman · #3 08-09-2009, 10:33 AM

Thanks Steve...thought I had to take all the chrome finish off.

grndpndr · #4 08-09-2009, 10:38 AM

You might take and carefully tape all the places you don't want messed up and then put silicon sealant over the tape. Then bead blast the chrome lightly. the silicon will protect any ares that you don't want blasted and the tape will make it easier to get the silicon off after your done. Just a thought...pndr

lightning · #5 08-09-2009, 10:47 AM

post the pics when you finish, i have some battery covers ive been threatening the same punishment....

Bigincher · #6 08-09-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grndpndr

You might take and carefully tape all the places you don't want messed up and then put silicon sealant over the tape. Then bead blast the chrome lightly. the silicon will protect any ares that you don't want blasted and the tape will make it easier to get the silicon off after your done. Just a thought...pndr

Hey, I don't really have anything to add to the thread, but--- Hey Pndr! How ya been?! Long time no see......

unclepsycho · #7 08-09-2009, 11:48 AM

Good idea for bead or sand blast... did that to do my gas tank lid. Worked perfect. I didn paint it, but it does rough it up good for painting.

As you can see when you look close at the detail, where there is no tape, or silicone, as suggested above, you will get sand blast effect.

HDDon · #8 08-10-2009, 07:57 PM

You can buy the same tape that head stone makers use then they sandblast marble. It has a rubberized backing and the sand bounces off.

botzman · #9 08-11-2009, 08:26 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I decided to put it on chrome and see if it grows on me. If not, off it comes in the fall for paint. Botz

sgtcowboyusmc · #10 08-12-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by botzman

Thanks for all the suggestions. I decided to put it on chrome and see if it grows on me. If not, off it comes in the fall for paint. Botz

I think it looks good the way it is. Not that you care about my opinion but if you look at it the light bar and mirrors are level with each other and looks symmetrical (I guess that would be the word). I think you made a good call.

Cowboy