Zinc Chromate was always my choice on these. The factory used it, and it won’t peal off the chrome. 
Primer for 71 side grills
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Saline MI
Primer for 71 side grills
Anyone have a suggestion on what is the best primer to use when painting over the chrome diecast side grills on a 71? When I stripped the grills down it appeared GM used some black primer which was really tough stuff that required multiple stripper coats to remove. Anyone know what they used?
My local paint store recommended acid etch paint which I tried but it did not bite on the chrome and just flaked off in big hunks as I was prep sanding for the topcoat. I will be topcoating with lacquer.
My local paint store recommended acid etch paint which I tried but it did not bite on the chrome and just flaked off in big hunks as I was prep sanding for the topcoat. I will be topcoating with lacquer.
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Safety Car
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From: Gig Harbor WA
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Saline MI
I picked up the zinc chromate today from a local West Marine store and have a couple questions.
The directions only say you can recoat within 1 or after 48 hours which is clear enough for added coats of the zinc chromate. It does not say anything about topcoating. I will be spraying acrylic lacquer over the zinc. Should I wait 48 hours before topcoating? Should I wet sand it lightly or can you proceed with a lacquer topcoat without sanding.
The directions only say you can recoat within 1 or after 48 hours which is clear enough for added coats of the zinc chromate. It does not say anything about topcoating. I will be spraying acrylic lacquer over the zinc. Should I wait 48 hours before topcoating? Should I wet sand it lightly or can you proceed with a lacquer topcoat without sanding.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: New Hill NC
You want to spray that zinc very lightly, just enough to cover. It is a little slow drying, depends on temperature. You can recoat it directly with paint, or use just a little primer. You want to keep the undercoats to a minimum so it will not build up and look bad when you expose the chrome. You can actually recoat it as soon as it dries to touch, but I like to give it some time, overnight or so. No wet sanding required. Remember very thin, and wear a mask. Its some nasty stuff.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 121
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From: Saline MI
Thankyou Wombvette!!!
We are suppose to have a 70 deg day tomorrow so perfect for a little painting. I will spray outside and with a carbon cartridge paint mask. Thanks for the warning.
Bob
We are suppose to have a 70 deg day tomorrow so perfect for a little painting. I will spray outside and with a carbon cartridge paint mask. Thanks for the warning.
Bob