Making Chrome hardware black

Eilif · #1 05-12-2006, 07:38 AM

Hello all,

I have a Chrome jazz pickup cover and control plate that I would like to make Black. Gloss black is preferred, but flat black would be fine also.

Obvously the finish must be farily resistant to scratching, but I'm not too hard on my instruments.

How would one go about doing this?

BurningSkies · #2 05-12-2006, 07:41 AM

You're better off finding new hardware.

It would be fairly expensive to find someone who can do a plating process for you...not to mention the final product wouldn't be as nice as new hardware.

Eilif · #3 05-12-2006, 08:06 AM

Anyone know where to find a black Jazz bass control plate and pickup cover without breaking the bank?

fender_mod · #4 05-14-2006, 11:27 AM

basspartsresource.com

Jazzin' · #5 05-14-2006, 01:30 PM

The easiest and cheapest way is to just spraypaint it. I don't see anything wrong with paint.

Vic Winters · #6 05-14-2006, 03:16 PM

Sand. Primer. Paint. Clear coat. Simple as that. A few coats of each, maybe some wet sanding inbetween coats if you're meticulous. The clear coat will definetly keep it from flaking, scratching. Dupli-Color or Rust-Oleum work best IMO.

Eilif · #7 05-16-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic Winters

Sand. Primer. Paint. Clear coat. Simple as that. A few coats of each, maybe some wet sanding inbetween coats if you're meticulous. The clear coat will definetly keep it from flaking, scratching. Dupli-Color or Rust-Oleum work best IMO.

Thanks, A few more questions

Should I sand it until all the chrome is gone?

When I sand it, do I want to leave a rough surface or a smooth surface?

Are the paints you recomended for the paint or the clearcoat?

FL Knifemaker · #8 05-16-2006, 10:54 AM

I would find a powdercoating shop in your area. It will cost < $50 to do the parts you mentioned. It will look proffessional and be very durable.

Vic Winters · #9 05-18-2006, 01:12 AM

http://www.mnpctech.com/case-mod-pai...od-how-to.html

It's for a computer case, but the process should be identical. Though I don't think it's necessary to put a coat of wax on your hardware.

RyKnOw · #10 05-18-2006, 02:24 PM

This is all you need to know....
1. Sand with 220 grit (your not sanding off chrome, just scuffing it up).....than rinse and dry it.
2.Spray THIN even coats of Rustoleum Satin, flat, or gloss black. Let dry about 5-7 mins in-between coats.
3.Do about 5-7 coats (THIN COATS). Let it dry for about 30 mins.
4.Spray the same amount of coats of your clear coat and repeat the procedure for the paint.
5. If you take you time you wont need to wet sand it. Its so small that you wont see any mistakes. If you do make a mistake, just wetsand with 2000 grit under some running water and respray that area.
hope this helps. take my word, I do this type of stuff all the time to items that take way more abuse that any control plate will ever see and it holds up great. You can put it back on in about a daym but its no fully srcatch resistant unntil about 7 days later.

Eilif · #11 05-19-2006, 09:56 AM

Thanks RyKnOw!

What kind of clearcoat do you use?

brandonwong · #12 05-19-2006, 12:23 PM

It takes too much effort and time to sand it off and then re-spray.
You will take hours on it.
Also take into consideration its your first time doing it and might not be your best shot at it.
You wouldn't save a lot of money by not buying a new one.
If you are building basses or re-finishing a project bass, it might be a different story.

Let the people who do this best do it. Be it a luthier or "Buy a gloss black replacement".
You can spend the rest of your time practicing, listening, and playing.

Vic Winters · #13 05-19-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandonwong

It takes too much effort and time to sand it off and then re-spray.
You will take hours on it.
Also take into consideration its your first time doing it and might not be your best shot at it.
You wouldn't save a lot of money by not buying a new one.
If you are building basses or re-finishing a project bass, it might be a different story.

Let the people who do this best do it. Be it a luthier or "Buy a gloss black replacement".
You can spend the rest of your time practicing, listening, and playing.

True. But doing it yourself carries a sense of accomplishment that buying a part can't match. My Squire 5 string wasn't anything special (still isn't) but I like it more now that I've done what I have to it. I could have searched for a pickguard that would fit (j-bass pickups, p-bass shape, 5 string neck size) but it was easier, cheaper and more enjoyable to paint it. Yea, it's not perfect, but it still looks nice, and the tiny air bubbles give it a uniqe looking texture when it's up close IMO. I defretted it as well. Cost of a pro job would probably close to what I paid for it. Again, not perfect, but I still feel a sense of accomplishment for pulling it off. Same with all the pickups & pots changing. Not difficult at all, but it's my work. It makes my equipment my own.

RyKnOw · #14 05-19-2006, 10:21 PM

Krylon clear coat.... to answer what was said above. its not hard at all. you dont have to sand anything off. and the ONLY reason it might take a couple hours is becuase of drying time. GO FOR IT..... Screw Buying crap. PM if you need something else. Peace.