How to paint window trim black?

[jmarkha1]

Done a few searches - found loads of photos but no recommendations on best way to paint alloy trim.
I want to paint pop-out frames, quarter light and door trims satin black but want it to last.
Any recommendations on prep / paint - was thinking powder coat - any help appreciated...

[K-Roc]

This stuff works pretty good.

http://www.semproducts.com/Catalog.asp?prod=133

[jmarkha1]

looks like good stuff - wonder how well it etches to the vw trim.

[youngnstudly]

I think it'd be best to scuff and etch prime the trim first (If I recall, Sem also makes a killer etch prime). Most of the store bought paints have good etching properties, but I always etch prime when painting any bare metal...That's not an item that I would want to repaint later due to paint flaking off. In any event, you could always check the back of the trim paint can (in the link above) and see what method of prep they recommend. Good luck.

Andy

[jmarkha1]

thx Andy - good advice.
Now I need to figure out how to remove the chrome from the bumpers so I can paint them too...

[youngnstudly]

If you "roughen up" the chrome by sanding it with (say 80-150 grit) sandpaper, then put a coat (or 2) of etch prime over the top, the paint will stick well. You could also media blast them if you have access to a sandblaster. If the chrome is peeling anywhere, you need to strip it completely off. I used the "low buck" method of hand sanding my rusty chrome Lemmerz Porsche rims (years ago), as well as some cheap reproduction Mangels (in a different color more recently), and I etch primed both sets of rims before painting. It works well as long as you don't have chrome peeling underneath. Another option is to use a DA sander with a soft pad and 150-220 grit paper (only on your bumpers!), but be careful not to gouge the bumper or create flatspots. Good luck! 

Andy

[Neil Davies]

On my car, I used a red Scotch pad to key the handles, light and dash trims, before using just regular grey primer and then satin black, both aerosols. One thing I did was use thinners to clean all the residue off the parts, and also I made sure that I used thin coats, and lots of them. I had a little bit of trouble with one handle being too cold, and the paint micro-crazed, but I rubbed it down and repainted it and it was fine. I did this back in February and I've used the car a couple of tiems a week since then with no scratches or wear on any of the painted parts.
The popout frames were done when I got them off Roland, and I think they were done by the DiPlacido twins who had the car before him. They're a slightly shinier black than the bits I painted.