Home Garden

How to Paint a Chrome Faucet

Chrome is a very attractive material to use because of its luster and its resistance to corrosion. Chrome cannot be painted over directly because it has a very smooth surface, but with some preparation it is possible to color over the chrome to create an attractive new fixture without the expense of buying a new one.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench
  • Bucket
  • Screwdriver
  • Chrome cleaner
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Goggles
  • Face mask
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off the water at the mains and turn on the faucet to drain the water out of the system.

    • 2

      Place a bucket underneath the pipes leading to the faucet, unscrew all connecting pipes and remove clips using a screwdriver.

    • 3

      Unscrew the bolts holding the faucet in place using a wrench and remove the faucet.

    • 4

      Clean the faucet using a heavy-duty chrome cleaner and then sand using 220-grit sandpaper.

    • 5

      Cover the faucets in a layer of automotive primer. This is commonly found in aerosol form and should be sprayed on from a distance of 12 inches. Read the primer manufacturer's guidelines for specific instructions. Leave the primer to dry overnight.

    • 6

      Sand the faucets again so the paint will adhere better and leave a smoother finish.

    • 7

      Paint the faucet using an automotive spray paint or similar metal paint. Leave it to dry and apply a second coat.

    • 8

      Replace the faucets, tighten the bolts and clips holding them in place and reattach the pipes to the bath or basin.