For those with Painted Chrome vs Powdercoat

hardcore-gm · April 11, 2017

Hey guys Im looking for some answers or even opinions of those who've been there with really being tired of looking at all the chrome on the truck. My 14 Summit White Sierra came with SLT chromed out package, and I'm finally looking to make some changes to colormatch. A buddy of mine has found the paint and clear I need for my bumpers, door molding, mirror caps, and grill surround for $175. I know I'm gona have a tough time beating that with powdercoating=D I've heard alot of good about the powdercoating but I'm just not convinced its gona be a perfect match to the summit white. But I am also concerned about painting over chrome even if its scuffed up quite a bit for adhesion. Anyone with input would be greatly appreciated thanks!

tmo · April 11, 2017

I was quoted 175 for each bumper. The guy explained that I would have to come in with the truck to match to the white "because white isn't just white". I'm probably going to do this when I fix my bumper (fender bender). He also said I would have to dismantle them and bring them in because they won't take them off. I don't know if it's like that everywhere, but something to consider.

As for chrome handles and mirror caps, I was quoted 500 to paint them by a shop in Houston. Would have left them but ran across a good deal on white ones.

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SirenRed16 · April 11, 2017

I was quoted $75 for each bumper and had to be removed from truck along with all plastics. The price sounded good until I started thinking why so cheap, I thought it would be more expensive. The problem with mine is I have a Siren Red and matching it would be hard.

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hardcore-gm · April 12, 2017

Thanks for the input guys! Ya i definitely wont be doing handles just because of all the wear. I would have to find a set of summit white ones. I know you can get em powdered decently cheap but its a lot of dissasembly work. I also read somewhere that if its not parked inside, it will fade quite a bit quicker. I'm guessing prep would be the same for paint or powder, just blast it and make sure prep is done right. I think paint will always be a better choice in sunlight.

thewhitestallion · April 12, 2017

I bought pull off mirror caps and door handles for my truck and they were super easy to install. I have had my door handles on for 3 1/2 years and they have not faded or chipped. The bumpers on the other hand are different. I was quoted by my paint guy $1,000 for both bumpers to be taken off, sand blasted to bare metal, powdercoated white and then painted white to match the color of my truck. He said even with sand blasting the bumpers and painting them, they chip too easily and will look terrible after a few months. He said the powdercoat is much stronger so even if the paint chips it wont be as noticeable. Also the paint adheres to the powdercoat better than the bumpers.

Moral of the story, do it right the first time and you won't have any problems. The only problem is initial cost.

Ozer · April 12, 2017

What about wrapping them in vinyl? Maybe not white, blacking out the chrome will look much better than everything all white in my opinion.

Wrapping is more forgiving, can fix small mistakes during installation or get it done at a tint shop.

jimmyboy8301 · April 12, 2017

I've had several chrome bumpers and grilles painted and it's all in the prep work TBH. If you have a great painter who truly knows the craft you have nothing to worry about with paint

This was my '11 LML and the whole front end was chrome at purchase.

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hardcore-gm · April 12, 2017

I've had several chrome bumpers and grilles painted and it's all in the prep work TBH. If you have a great painter who truly knows the craft you have nothing to worry about with paint

This was my '11 LML and the whole front end was chrome at purchase.

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Thanks wildchevy- does it still look good ? Was the chrome sandblasted off? I'm leaning towards getting it powdered then paint on top..

jimmyboy8301 · April 12, 2017

Thanks wildchevy- does it still look good ? Was the chrome sandblasted off? I'm leaning towards getting it powdered then paint on top..

it looked good when I got rid of it lol. And it was sandblasted

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hardcore-gm · April 14, 2017

I didn't know there's different quality powders to use but apparently that makes a difference on looks. I was hoping to get paint OR powder not both but apparently since there is no definite answer the absolute best way to get matched and stay that way is powder with paint on top:P

rosyod96 · April 16, 2017

First time on here but as someone else mentioned I would look into vynle wrap. Had my Summit white '15 done and it looks great for a reasonable price. Nice thing is if later you don't like it it can be peeled of with a little work.