Gundo

I want to get my stock grill painted black to match my car. I thought about a big star grill but don't think I like the look all that much as of now.

My question is if you guys are just having them painted right over the chrome on the stock grill or are they being stripped somehow than painted. Anyone done it themselves?

Thanks a lot,

Gundo

Also how is the paint holding up if applied right onto the chrome? Thanks.

vizionclk430

I painted my car back in march and the grille is holding up well all though my car is not a daily driver. I didn't strip it but sanded it can't remember what grit paper I ended up using so the primer would stick to it. the next day i sanded the primer smooth with a 3m soft pad. then when I was painting all my parts bumper,mirrors etc... I sealed it then sprayed it black then clear. Hope this helps

Found my old post
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...797&highlight=

babyboigsxr

I had mine professionally done. it's literally so "perfect" you swore the grille itself came black from the factory. it all depends on the shop's ability to paint. some shop will definitely tell you.... we can't paint those, but we can try. either that or some shops will do a cheap quality job.

Gundo

Thanks guys, Babyboi- Did they bead or sand-blast yours prior to painting?

babyboigsxr

I believe it was sanded down first.

it's so immaculate that it matches the inner part of the grille, the part that's already black.

sick430

wow that looks great.

Gundo

Dam that does look great! Selling?

2PHAST

You said grill, so if you plan on doing the grill and the frame, keep in mind that the grill and the chrome trimming of the grill are plastic, and suitable only for sanding, no type of bead blasting as it would tear the plastic apart.

To do it correctly, the frame should be de-chromed prior to painting, but that is not always feasible or cost effective. Many have had good luck sanding the grill frame using 400 grit wet/dry paper and then using a metal etching primer before paint.

On my 500e, the grill frame was de-chromed before I painted it, as that was the preferred method.

fredyfunk

hey babyboi,

I've talked to you over at another forum.
I've gotta say your blacked out grill looks pretty sick.

I was wondering if you could tell me how much that cost you and where you got it done. I've been thinking that I'd like to get that done in the near future. Plus, you think it would look good on a silver clk?

VIPclk320

you welcome babyboi, lol. I told you my shop is the best quality work around. by the way i finished the exhaust you should swing by and check it out.

babyboigsxr

I got it done here locally in SoCaL. Where are you located at? Thanks to VIPCLK320, he hooked me up with a really good shop.

PM me anytime. if you're local or nearby, i'll send you out there.

babyboigsxr

Thank you sir!!! LoL.

By the way, go on the "other board" and check your message. i left you a message, not sure if you checked it yet.

But yeah man, call me up sometime. we'll grab lunch/dinner whenever you're free. I definitely gotta check out the finished tips.

GiZzO

oh ya? so cal?
Can one of you two hook me up with a reference, and how much did it cost?

babyboigsxr

Sent you a PM

JYOO

Same here, we need to do a sunday meet. With the economy the way it is I needs a free lunch.

newguy2008

Alright, at the risk of being flammed here. How about sanding the grill lightly to smooth out rough spots and then just applying high quality "plastic" compatible spray paint? There seems to be some really good spray paints around these days that may be able to do this.

Let me just say, that I would only try this on something like this grill as it it doesn't turn out well, you can always take it to the body shop at that point - you probably didn't do it damage so, it's no risk.

babyboigsxr

That's actually a good idea. as long as you have the skills to apply the spray paint evenly and smoothly, everything will turn out fine.