Blackout Grill question

Nov 16, 2006 | 04:33 PM

OceanView

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W212 & W210

Blackout Grill question

I want to blackout my front grill but don't know if Painting or Powdercoating is the best method.
I have used the search feature and but no concensus on what is the best method. Some people have stated that the front grill is made of plastic and therefore cannot be powdercoated. I am not sure what the W210 grills are made of.

Can anyone comment on the best method?

Thanks

Nov 16, 2006 | 05:43 PM

mike430sport

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From: San Jose, CA

2000 E430 Sport

powder coating is wayyyyyyyy stronger!

Nov 16, 2006 | 06:12 PM

OceanView

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I have to check to see if it is possible.
Apparently powdercoating is not possible on plastic.
Anyone know if the grill on a 96 E320 is plastic or not?

Nov 17, 2006 | 12:53 AM

Alexbenz

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Sean's Sister--

powder coating is the best way to go, it might cost more but it lasts longer and won't chip like paint..........some have done it.....

Nov 17, 2006 | 10:41 AM

OceanView

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Hi Alex,

Can you tell me where you got yours done?
I am being told that my grill is plastic therefore it can't be powdercoated.

Thanks

Nov 17, 2006 | 12:29 PM

JKA

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What about color-keyed instead of black?

Nov 17, 2006 | 12:34 PM

OceanView

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JKA

What about color-keyed instead of black?

I am not familiar with that process.
Can you elaborate?

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Nov 17, 2006 | 02:04 PM

OceanView

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W212 & W210

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKA

Not a process.

Color-keyed means to paint it (or powder coat it) the same as the car's body color.

My Car is black so the black out grill would be perfectly matched for my car.
My main question on this thread is to determine if I can powdercoat my grill or not. I know that I can paint it but I am trying to stay away from that as I have heard that the paint will chip and peel off much easier than if I was to get it powdercoated. Since I believe the grill is made of plastic it cannot be powdercoated. There seems to be some people that have had thiers powdercoated as Alex above has mentioned.
I am just trying to get the correct answer so that I can get it done.

Nov 17, 2006 | 03:18 PM

#10

X55

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From: Chicago

2001 E55

The factory grill cannot be powdercoated as it is plastic under the chrome finish. I checked with the guy who does my powdercoating and he confirmed the grill would melt during the curing process which involves heat. I ended up sanding the chrome off mine and priming/painting it. Took a very long time to get the chrome off by hand.

Nov 17, 2006 | 04:49 PM

#11

OceanView

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Quote:

Originally Posted by X55

Do you know if you can sandblast the chrome off?

Nov 17, 2006 | 05:23 PM

#12

X55

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From: Chicago

2001 E55

Quote:

Originally Posted by OceanView

Do you know if you can sandblast the chrome off?

It would probably be too harsh on the plastic and leave an uneven surface for paint

Nov 17, 2006 | 06:22 PM

#13

my E430 rocket

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From: Naples, FL

BMW X3. R33 skyline

what about spray paint?

Nov 17, 2006 | 07:04 PM

#14

OceanView

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Quote:

Originally Posted by my E430 rocket

what about spray paint?

That is the last option.
Painting it is prone to chipping.

Nov 17, 2006 | 10:14 PM

#15

Alexbenz

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From: Los Angeles, Ca

Sean's Sister--

Quote:

Originally Posted by OceanView

Hi Alex,

Can you tell me where you got yours done?
I am being told that my grill is plastic therefore it can't be powdercoated.

Thanks

i just had it painted.......i don't drive the car much and never really on the freeway so i'm ok from rock chips....

mario, with the e55 had his powdercoated and also a guy i knew had his e-class one powdercoated and it was great......paid around 100-150 i think but you can.......i've been to powdercoaters before and some don't know jack about things but ask mario55 , i think thats his screen name, he has a silver 1999 e55........if i find anymore info about a shop that does it i'll let you know