Painting emblems - paint not sticking to hard edges - tips?

[CharlieS]

I'm painting some chrome bits including a rear emblem. I'm using SEM trim black, and following their procedure clean, sand with 400 grit, clean again, paint. 3 medium wet coats with 5 min in between.

I get good adhesion, but the chrome peeks through at the edges. Part of me thinks this is an interesting look, but another part of me wants good consistent coverage.

I'm tempted to try a few more coats, but before I mess it up too badly, wanted to check with the mud gurus.

After curing overnight:

Freshly sprayed:

Cleaner:

Paint:

I got good adhesion on the edges of the larger project I was doing with the same procedure/materials, at the same time (the edges are good, what you may see is the flash):

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

I typically use a self etching spray on plastic. I am not at the shop right now. It is the spray used on plastic bumpers before base coat is applied.

 

[luke27617]

I would ping Eric Sarjeant. He does trim painting on all of those great builds. I am sure he can get some tips from his paint guy.

 

[619TOY]

Hmm, I’ve had really good luck with SEM over the years. I think they also make an adhesion promoter specifically for plastic. I’ve never used the trim black, but I’ve probably gone through 100 cans of Landau Black (it’s my favorite color). Not sure if it’s a different formulation. But I can also say I don’t think I’ve ever tried painting chromed plastic.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I've always used primer (typically self-etching Rustoleum, the greenish color) when painting chrome emblems, and it has worked well.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Hmm, I’ve had really good luck with SEM over the years. I think they also make an adhesion promoter specifically for plastic. I’ve never used the trim black, but I’ve probably gone through 100 cans of Landau Black (it’s my favorite color). Not sure if it’s a different formulation. But I can also say I don’t think I’ve ever tried painting chromed plastic.

Could not think of the word. Adhesion promoter is what they use on bumpers and such.

 

[CharlieS]

I hit it with a couple more coats and hope it is good enough. It wouldn't pass professional muster, but my approach will be to keep it muddy, so nobody can tell.

Next time, I ignore the SEM specs and add the adhesion promoter.