How to Fix Peeling Chrome Car Door Handles

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.

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

1. Clean the car door handles

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

2. Spray water onto the car door handles

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.

3. Clean the car door handles

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

4. Apply several inches of masking tape around the edges of the car door handles

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.

5. Spray a coat of plastic primer onto the car door handles

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.

6. Spray a coat of chrome paint onto the car door handles

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.

7. Spray a coat of clear coat onto the car door handles

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.

8. Remove the masking tape

Remove the masking tape from the edges of the car door handles.

Tips and Warnings

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.

Wear a protective mask and goggles when handling spray cans.

Video: Quick Fix Peeling Chrome Plating on Car Door Handle

Helpful comments on this video:

• Thank you for the great tip. I was thinking the same thing. The chrome is peeling off on my 2014 Mercedes C250. I'm glad I found your video because it is a lot of work to install a whole new door handle. Heat shrink tube is the way to go.
• I suggest you properly repair the surface first. I use a single edge razor blade to trim away the loose curled up edges of chrome. The lightly sand with fine grit sand paper roll, clean away the dust and flakes, and finally apply the Heat Shrink Tubing.