Chrome vs Paint

Crazypontiac03 · March 7, 2019

Opinions needed! I’m looking for opinions on either repainting my road rashed front bumper or replace it with Chrome. Cost wise it’s $250 difference. I’m just not sure how it would look on a all White LT2 Z71 and Black Rims/lights/Running Boards and a chrome front bumper.

Long term Chrome is probably the better route with all the salt and shitty IL roads, just not sure if it would look right from a appearance point of view.

bc-chris · March 8, 2019

oh oh .... the old chrome vs painted bumper debate.

my personal preference is chrome, but honestly, i think painted looks great too - it all depends on what you prefer.

wforrest08 · March 8, 2019

If you repaint it after it’s good and cured wrap it in a clear paint protection film such as 3m or Xpel. If you use a quality film it will be hardly noticeable and will save you from at least 95% of those chips. The Xpel even has a film that will fix itself. There’s several threads on here about the pros and cons of all these films.

I live on gravel so I bought a LT with the “chrome” bumpers to start with. Mines white and I have to come to like the look of the chrome bumpers but I also have the chrome grille/headlight surrounds. I think only a front chrome bumper and painted rear would look odd. But maybe that’s just me?

Crazypontiac03 · March 8, 2019

I’ll have to check on the 3M/Xpel. My biggest problem is my own OCD ass! I like the Chrome in the fact it holds up better. However the Painted looks better atleast in my opinion.

EpicLT · March 8, 2019

I think it would look weird to have the only chrome on the whole truck to be the front bumper. And I like chrome.

SSchup · March 8, 2019

I just today had my chrome bumper wrapped with white vinyl. If you have the white LT Z71 front end then I would do the painted one again and have it wrapped with the Xpel. Have it done before you install it and they may give you a better price.

STRMTRPR · March 8, 2019

I vote for paint .. but then I live in a No Chrome Zone

TXGREEK · March 8, 2019

Opinions needed! I’m looking for opinions on either repainting my road rashed front bumper or replace it with Chrome. Cost wise it’s $250 difference. I’m just not sure how it would look on a all White LT2 Z71 and Black Rims/lights/Running Boards and a chrome front bumper.

Long term Chrome is probably the better route with all the salt and shitty IL roads, just not sure if it would look right from a appearance point of view.

Here’s my 2018 Z71 CC, hope it helps a bit, never a day goes by without a compliment.

I was going to actually order a sport package with white trim replacing all chrome but I’m very glad I chose the standard premium package chrome.

Sent from above

martha3065 · March 8, 2019

I vote for paint, but I don't like chrome. I removed most of it from my LZ2, so it looks very similar to yours. I've got Xpel on my front, 18" back, and mirror caps. I had lots of chips in the bumper before Xpel. None in almost 3 years after. Pics were taken to intentionally show the edge of the Xpel film. Most people don't notice it unless I point it out.

TXGREEK · March 8, 2019

I vote for paint, but I don't like chrome. I removed most of it from my LZ2, so it looks very similar to yours. I've got Xpel on my front, 18" back, and mirror caps. I had lots of chips in the bumper before Xpel. None in almost 3 years after. Pics were taken to intentionally show the edge of the Xpel film. Most people don't notice it unless I point it out.

Great idea to help protect the paint, does it ever yellow?

Sent from above

wforrest08 · March 8, 2019

14 minutes ago, TXGREEK said:

Great idea to help protect the paint, does it ever yellow?

Sent from above

The old stuff years ago would yellow and maybe some of the film from the cheaper companies still will? Xpel & 3m both warranty against yellowing, peeling, fading, ect. Supposedly with some of the higher quality films you can even ceramic coat over them. Most of the Xpel films are a 10 year warranty for defects.

TXGREEK · March 8, 2019

The old stuff years ago would yellow and maybe some of the film from the cheaper companies still will? Xpel & 3m both warranty against yellowing, peeling, fading, ect. Supposedly with some of the higher quality films you can even ceramic coat over them. Most of the Xpel films are a 10 year warranty for defects.

Good to know, thank you for posting it

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kennerz · March 8, 2019

My opinion but... monochromatic schemes, painted bumpers, all black wheels (black with machined accents is really hot right now cause it does look good.) are coming full circle. chrome is making it's way back in, The blacked out and paint matched look has seen about a 10 year trend now. Chrome has always been good looking just not fashionable as of late. Cars/trucks have trends that usually don't last permanently. That's why it's such a tough choice cause you don't want it to look totally played out in a year.

Bl\\

another vote for chrome.

SirenRed16 · March 8, 2019

If you decide to go with chrome front bumper then I think you should also buy a chrome rear bumper, imo it won't look good with a chrome front and colored rear. My truck currently has chrome bumpers and I dont hate the chrome but given the opportunity to have colored bumpers I wouldn't hesitate a bit.

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