De-Chrome Abrasive Blaster Questions

tdragger

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Jul 8, 2007
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Fredericksburg, VA
I have several chrome parts that I would like to paint or have coated so I'm checking into prep methods. One that I see a lot of is using an abrasive media blaster. Is this a good method for prepping a chromed item for painting? What is the appropriate media type? glass bead? aluminum oxide? soda?

For example, I had the exhaust headers painted on my wife's Speedmaster. Just a few months later the paint is flaking off and it looks like the chrome underneath was not prepped. If a bead blaster is appropriate, I'd like to pick one up and prep them myself and repaint with VHT.

Looking to do other chrome pieces as well like handlebars, foot control mounts, etc.

What are your recommendations?
 
Had a lot of chrome bits powder coated/painted black. All I've done on all the non-exhaust bits is scuff them up with an industrial-type brillo pad. Stayed on and intact for years. Never had any chrome bits blasted. Did have my wheels blasted before powder coating. Always had exhaust bits or anything that gets hot ceramic coated. The brillo thing was advised by my powder coater.
 
I'm having a hard time finding a place to do the ceramic coating of the headers. Jet-Hot is one that comes up on google searches but they require the headers to be de-chromed before you send them. I would prefer a true ceramic coating if I could find a reputable shop.
 
Chrome is best chemical removed and I'm not sure if the chemicals are available for home stripping . I would not reccomended blasting chrome as altho this will remove it , the whole component will then need re polishing before the copper base coat , nickel coat and then chrome coat is applied thru electrolysis ! Blasting with fine medium is ideal for painted surfaces tho as it provides the perfect key for your paint ! Most platers will prep and plate reasonably inexpensively !
 
If you are removing chrome just to repaint then a blaster is fine but consider powder coating rather than paint as this will last much longer !
 
I had my chrome radiator grill powder coated black as I think it looks better. We have a guy nearby who does sand blasting and he blasted just enough to etch the surface. He said that's all it would need for powder coating. He does a lot of prep work for the powder coat guy. So far so good. If I were you, I would do the same.
 
Hello my good friend yes you have to scuff up the surface to be coated it needs something to stick to, when you say headers are you talking about the pipe straight from the head(sounds like it) if so yes that will have to be ceramic coated if you are refering to pipes covered by heat shields then powder coating will do, best to find a place that will do it all from what I believe it is not very expensive.
 
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