How to Fix Peeling Chrome Car Door Handles

by Clayton Kim

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If your chrome car door handles are peeling, it is a sign that they are painted chrome and not original metal. You do not have to replace your handles. After a few steps of preparation, you can apply a fresh coat of chrome spray paint to refinish the car door handles.

Step 1

Clean the car door handles with a de-greaser and sponge.

Step 2

Spray water onto the car door handles. Rub the surface by hand to remove the peeling paint. Smooth the surface using 80-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper. Rub the surface until the entire layer of chrome paint is removed.

Step 3

Clean the car door handles to remove paint residue, dirt and debris with dish detergent, water and sponge.

Step 4

Apply several inches of masking tape around the edges of the car door handles. Any area that is not covered can get scratched or painted accidentally.

Step 5

Spray a coat of plastic primer onto the car door handles. Let the primer dry for six hours or as recommended by the manufacturer. Spray a total of two coats of plastic primer.

Step 6

Spray a coat of chrome paint onto the car door handles. Let the chrome paint dry for two hours or as recommended by the manufacturer. Spray a total of four coats of chrome paint.

Step 7

Spray a coat of clear coat onto the car door handles. Let the clear coat dry for three hours or as recommended by the manufacturer. Spray a total of three coats of clear coat.