Painting chromed bridge black

[Don Kasper]

I had good results painting a BadAss chrome bridge back in the mid 90's.
I first lightly sanded and then cleaned the exposed surfaces and saddles before spraying (rattlecan) a primer coat of Zinc Chromate, (a yellowish color), then spraying (rattle.....) multiple light coats of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. (I despise GLOSSY finishes, FYI. TMI.)
It turned out just fine.
IMFO, of course.
Thx.

 

[MtManiac]

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[MPU]

Okay, here we go. Four stages of blackening. First one is stock chromed bridge base. Second one is chrome sanded off with 320 grit paper. Some copper is left but paint should stick to it fine. Took about an hour to sand the chrome off.
After careful cleaning with degreaser I warmed the bridge with heat gun and sprayed two coats of etching primer with 15 min flashing time as said on the spray can.
After the primer had cured for an hour I warmed the bridge again and sprayed two coats of matte black acrylic with 15min between coats. Again as said on the spray can. Now it’s time for 24 hours curing.
At least it looks very good. I believe the paint will hold on just fine. I’ve used same paints before with good results.

 

[MPU]

Here’s the bridge assembled and mounted on the bass. Looks like I wanted. Time will tell how well the paint holds on.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Here’s the bridge assembled and mounted on the bass. Looks like I wanted. Time will tell how well the paint holds on.

Looking forward to one, five and ten year updates.

 

[StevieMac]

Looks great, nice job.

 

[T_Bone_TL]

Not painting the saddles certainly improves the odds that it will keep looking good with just paint.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Looks great! I bet it will take a good long while to wear through, and even then only wear at the high points, in which case another coat of paint.