How to Fix Peeling Chrome Car Door Handles
by Clayton Kim
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.
Step 8
Remove the masking tape from the edges of the car door handles.
References
Tips
- If you want to remove the car door handles before painting, use the instructions provided by the car manufacturer.
- Gemini Chrome System, ALSA’s MirraChrome and Krometics are all chrome paints that can be sprayed on plastic and fiberglass materials.
Things You'll Need
- De-greaser
- Sponge
- Water sprayer
- 80-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper
- Dish detergent
- Masking tape
- Plastic primer spray can
- Chrome paint spray can
- Clear coat spray can
Warnings
- Wear a protective mask and goggles when handling spray cans.