VE Grill Badge How to paint it black

[amckiwi]

Am keen for the blackened grill badge look on my redhot VE ute

How do I do this?

My model car mates say strip of the chrome etch prime then paint

I want the badge to last but have no idea how to dechrome plastic

Some advice on how to do this and what paint to use would be greatly appreciated

I have used the search engine and have seen a few black badges but no real help on how to

Stu

I know there will be many opinions on this would prefer these kept to yourself :)

[AndrewMSS]

It's quite easy mate,

Pop the badge off the grille - a couple of tabs to push through - be careful not to snap them off if you can help it.

Use some sand paper to remove as much of the chrome paint as you can - makes you blank paint adhere better. On the final sand use can some finer grit to smooth it out a bit, but if you do a couple of coats with the spray can the sanding marks will be hidden.

Optional - you can get some prep solution for plastics to allow the paint to adhere better.

Get you black spray can - I grabbed a couple from AutoBarn in Phantom Black (GM Colour). Spray from 20-30cm onto the badge and remember not to over do the paint on each coat. You don't want the thing to run while drying. Do 4-5 coats to achieve nice finish.

You can the spray a clear coat over the top to give it some shine rather than the matte look.

I found however, that the clear coat started peeling off - so when I re-did the badge I left the clear coat off. Haven't had any problems since.

Once it's dry whack it back on the car!

Hope this helps.
Andy

[amckiwi]

I have a spare badge already

Have also beena dvised to soak the badge in a caustic soda solution to strip of the chrome

This sounds like an easier method than sanding

Your thoughts?

Stu

[SSV8TE]

I have a spare badge already

Have also beena dvised to soak the badge in a caustic soda solution to strip of the chrome

This sounds like an easier method than sanding

Your thoughts?

Stu

caustic soda and plastic maybe not a good option stu.....Im me.....lllting.....:lol:
I would try a small wire brush to scuff the surface then plastic prime and paint away. The badges are plastic if i remember right.
Good luck mate,

Andy.

[HYMEY]

rough it up with sand paper(something like 320 or even heavier)wipe over with thinners- etch prime 3 light coats, sand any highs-lows, then put colour on, 3 light coats. Not a bad idea will do mine in 2 pack satin black.

[VESS-VWagon]

I did mine in black to see what it would look like seeing as though I couldn't find an aftermarket grille other than than the chevy bow tie ones to replace it.

I managed to snap the top pin off the thing so I have ordered a new one off ebay. :doh:

I didn't peel any of the chrome off, just primed her up and then sprayed the black on. Came up pretty good, being that I'm not a painter, and was minimum fuss. Hasn't chipped, flaked or anything, yet.

In light of this thread, I will take the advise of those in the know and sand it before I paint it next time.

[Highway]

Going to black mine as well.

No after market options at all for the Calais V.

What colour black blends in best with the black grill colour !! Matt Black ?

[amckiwi]

My mate uses caustic soda for dechroming model car bumpers and other small parts

They are pretty flimsy compared to the badge i would think

He swears by it and has in the past been employed to make up the kits so they can photograph them for advertising

Stu

[NewVLT]

Yep, modellers use caustic soda or oven cleaner (Mr Muscle). It removes the chrome but will leave the glossy clear film attached to the plastic underneath it which paint shouldn't have a problem attaching itself to.

Oh, and I own a plastic model hobby shop so I can vouch for it being tried and true.

[Highway]

Do you dilute the caustic soda or just straight ?

Rinse/Dry,sand undercoat and Colour !!

[NewVLT]

Just dilute to the normal mix recommended on the bottle. Mix up the solution first though, then add the part, as it can get quite hot when mixing.

Chlorine bleach also works too apparently.

[2ajmanvell82]

with this process do you think would be fine to do voodoo blue i want to do my dad's for him but want it right. does anyone know can get voodoo in aerosol or best off getting it done in 2-pak at panel beaters?

[amckiwi]

Caustic Soda did not work just made the badge shinier

Nor does paint stripper

Stu