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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs Chrome - how to make it satin?
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      03-30-2018, 03:15 AM   #1
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Chrome - how to make it satin?

Has anyone tried dulling down the chrome grilles on their cars?
I wanna give it a satin finish using some abrasive medium, like 3000 wet sand or scotch brite pads. I dont know which is frankly better as it must be least agressive, may be wool pads is better even.

I have some spare OEM chrome grilles, in not so great shape and ok to take some experiment on them. I have this idea to make the chrome bits in satin aluminum kind of look and I wonder if this would work without looking like crap.

Any advice appreciated. Have a look in mind for my car, and it involves no chrome. I also dont want the murdered out look as wheels now will be silver.
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      03-30-2018, 10:14 AM   #2
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I'm not sure about the whole sanding method but another way to do that is to paint it. and seeing how these grills are so small, I would just mask off what I didn't want painted and just use some high quality spray paint.
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      03-30-2018, 11:40 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
I'm not sure about the whole sanding method but another way to do that is to paint it. and seeing how these grills are so small, I would just mask off what I didn't want painted and just use some high quality spray paint.
Yes, this would be my "fix it" method, if I mess up sanding it by hand. Need to find a strong, proper satin aluminum paint laquer that will stand up to daily abuse..
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      03-30-2018, 04:14 PM   #4
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usually with metal chrome like wheels/trim it's easy to wetsand but because our grills are plastic i don't know if wet sanding will work. since you mentioned it's an experiment give it a try. Honestly you can just order a set off ebay for cheap if you're looking for that satin finish. but if the DIY side of you likes stuff like this than i'd do it
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      03-31-2018, 12:24 PM   #5
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usually with metal chrome like wheels/trim it's easy to wetsand but because our grills are plastic i don't know if wet sanding will work. since you mentioned it's an experiment give it a try. Honestly you can just order a set off ebay for cheap if you're looking for that satin finish. but if the DIY side of you likes stuff like this than i'd do it
Happy to report that the results are sh.t and not worth bothering. The level of chrome on slats are microns, so thing that they came right off. Get them painted next!
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      04-04-2018, 02:24 PM   #6
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Satin clear or satin vinyl.
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      04-04-2018, 11:48 PM   #7
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I've seen pics of clear plastidip on chrome. Should be the look you are looking for. I was going to do these on a set of chrome Alpina wheels but the seller backed out.
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