How to paint chrome or stainless trim, properly!

Painting the stainless window trim on a 2011 BMW 128i. I show you the necessary steps and materials to black out bright trim work on your vehicle.

[@benlong8690]

Great video! I have a 2012 328i that I'm "blacking out". This was very helpful. Love the comments about the kids these days and being into this kind of stuff. I'm sure your daughter was very happy.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thank you, glad you found the video helpful 👊🏼

[@classicclinic]

As usual, great job on the video ! A hardworking down to earth craftsman, working his trade. Thanks for the content !

[@Smokey-mt6ye]

Great video! And you are working on your daughter’s car. Win win situation! You’re a good man and great dad! Thanks for sharing!

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks, she has since sold it and bought herself a Jeep, but in the shop as speak doing brakes with my son👍🏼

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

Awesome video. 90% professional prep work, 10% painting with the best stuff, as it should be. Got a new sub!

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thank you, appreciate it!!

[@Andy_T79]

Professional... what a joke! Call that prep? No primer, crappy soft and easily sun weathered acrylic rattle can paint.. paint overspray on bodywork! 🤦‍♂️ The correct way is to remove the trim, prep sand / key, then etch primer, 2 part solvent / epoxy based top coat.. as manufacturers do with gloss painted trims and plastics... before finally reinstalling.

[@Wooley689]

An actual working shop, and for me the colors on the walls just scream nostalgia. Luv it.

[@verticalchallenger]

My word, these critics are a mess. Great job on this! And way to not be trolled by the haters🙄

[@Johnnymidnight]

It keeps it interesting 😁

[@millersmr294]

Cool dad alert. I'm sure your daughter was pumped. This is a great video, I feel ready to do all the chrome on my Volvo. thanks again!

[@_Rustodian]

Brilliant video. And the Canadian accent to explain the process! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇦 👍

[@sweetkatie]

It looks great! Good job dad 😊

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thank you 🍻

[@CindyGodwin-qv5qp]

I’ve watched so many videos…Yours the best ! I’m saving and going to do it!

[@veganinvesting1111]

Great video. I’m going to be taking what I’ve learned here to paint the chrome trim of my sofa legs matte black.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks! That’s really cool, never really thought of applications outside of automotive!

[@heybeerdan1820]

Thanks! Excellent advice and video. This will be my "Christmas project" on my '06 BMW 330i.

[@heybeerdan1820]

"Christmas project" 2006 BMW 330i update: Followed the step-by-step very carefully, including using the recommended paint, tape, plastic covering, etc. BE SURE you tape VERY carefully, especially on bright trim where it borders body-color painted surfaces. The overall results were OUTSTANDING! I only had to re-visit a couple of small places, and I, too, had some unintended overspray, easily corrected with solvent. I had never before painted on a car, so if a geezer newbie like me can achieve excellent results, you can too! I can't thank Midnight Paint & Body enough. A Merry Christmas indeed.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Very cool! Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for the update on your project 👊🏼

[@bugzx6r800]

Class job, this is the way I’ll be doing mine. Thanks for the video and tips amazing how painting a trim can transform the look of a car 👍🏻

[@samkuhn1010]

Terrific job. I will be doing this to my 2019 BMW F36 Gran Coupe.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks, check out the follow up video I did on this one, I explain the process a little better 👍🏼

[@Ryan-yi6su]

So you did all that work. Making sure you don't get any overspray on the vehicle, but you didn't use any etching primer on the Chrome or any type of primer whatsoever and you used only trim paint with no 2K clear coat for protection. How many days did this last? Do you plan on driving it outside?

[@Johnnymidnight]

It’s a direct to metal product. Stainless is non corrosive, so it doesn’t need primer to protect against rust/corrosion. If it was regular spray paint it would need etch primer first.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Check out the follow up video on this car a year later, I explain the product in more detail. I don’t understand why everyone brings up clearcoat. This is a matte finish paint. Basecoat paint requires clear coat. Single stage paint is just that.

[@Ryan-yi6su]

@@Johnnymidnight Wow! That was a fast reply If you're located in the prairies, can you do my front grill?? Would this sem product work on a chrome bumper? I have a black bumper except for the two corner caps that are Chrome. Unfortunately same with the back. I also have a chrome grill Which is plastic Chrome. Do you have any suggestions for an sem product?? Thanks

[@Johnnymidnight]

I have had success with chrome bumpers, sanding it really well with 180, epoxy primer and paint, but typically on a customer vehicle i recommended just getting a paintable bumper. For plastic chrome, make sure to use a plastic adhesion promoter.My shop is in BC

[@neshyyy63]

Awsome job and the video! My Q7 came with the chrome trims and I wanted to replace them but it's apparently a huge job so I'll paint them same way as you did

[@danielrunge7294]

Kudo's to you for answering all these repetative question's and also showing the reality of what happens with the jobs sometimes with the leaked masking. No big deal to clean up. Keep up the great work on the channel!

[@JPalex8791]

Thank you for the video! Really needed help doing this to my car.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Cool, glad you found it helpful 👍🏼

[@gregoryblair9810]

Good job. Looks better IMHO! I prefer black stainless steele for a one of finish.

[@doinmanut]

Look 100 times better to match the rest, good job 👍

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks 👍

[@jacobh4236]

Amazing tutorial I will def try this on my car soon

[@Z28mulletmaker]

Looks way better now! Good choice. Thanks for the tips.

[@franciscomaldonado6860]

SEM Trim Paint is awesome!!! Great Job !!!

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks you, I’ve always found SEM products to be top notch 👍🏼👍🏼

[@bigmeandog849]

Nice - I'll remember the SEM Trim paint - looks great - Thanks for the Vid

[@stevemathews81]

Major improvement. Well done. I definitely don't trust myself to do this.

[@jamesoren2128]

Exactly the look I'm going for! Nice job.

[@racheltoby9648]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@brucebarth248]

Looks good way nicer than chrome and good on you for working on a holiday

[@paulchilton9409]

Great video, made it seem very simple

[@Johnnymidnight]

Glad it helped

[@Baron-hd8ex]

Looks awesome buddy great job 👍🏾😊

[@ttv.mike_wavy]

I like how u people criticize , but have not one video on KZbin . With any helpful relatable information.

[@robertmonaco5720]

Looks good and trim black is a great product 👌

[@chrisg164]

How much would an Auto Body charge to do that? Just ballpark it. TY

[@RickMCook]

Nice job! Looks very good.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks !

[@workoutz5991]

Nice job. Looks really good!

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@highlandhoneyfarm5852]

Looks great. Thanks for the tips!

[@thecemeteryguy]

Nice work, thanks for sharing

[@connievoigt3228]

very nice, glad i found your youtube channel :>)

[@SotoAdvert]

Looks really good

[@ivanramos7162]

That looks amazing

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks, I just put out another video showing how it’s holding up

[@southron1861]

Wow! Amazing how much a small change can make such a big difference. The paint really does look factory. Have you done any videos on painting trim with chrome paint? Would the principles be basically the same as what you did here? And any recommendations on a particular brand?

[@Johnnymidnight]

I’ve never used chrome paint, but you just need to be sure what it’s formulated for, this trim paint is a direct to metal product, but if it’s not then it would require an etching primer first

[@TasneemKhan-h1r]

Nice work, better than wrapping the trim. where do you buy this high quality paint?

[@Johnnymidnight]

I buy SEN products from Lordco auto parts

[@PreetSingh-ji7ey]

Good job man

[@rali2thousand]

I did this and prefer the chrome rather than the paint (which I also clear coated). I used Duplicolor bumper black and duplicolor clear over it. Any tips on how to remove the paint and get back to original chrome trim?

[@Johnnymidnight]

If it’s aerosol, then it’s reversible. Paint that isn’t chemically activated can be softened with solvent, but it’ll be messy

[@tommydennen9563]

Dude hell yeah. Great vid

[@Johnnymidnight]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CR_JeepLife]

Looks way better!

[@real100talk5]

Looks smooth.

[@Dr.HeatherFlores]

Amazing job!!

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thank you!!

[@jthiel0711]

Much better. One question though. Why no clear coat? (I'm looking to paint some chrome running boards on my new truck. I'm thinking I should probably use a clear coat as its going to be getting dinked by rocks and other debris as well as people stepping on them to get into the truck.)

[@Johnnymidnight]

Always depends what product you’re using, single stage paint is designed to be that, a single stage, but adding clear might add a bit of durability. Typically if it’s going to be taking a lot of wear, painting chrome isn’t the best option.

[@ian9764]

Thanks for the vlog.

[@evangelenethomas1174]

Love it I needed mines done

[@bloo2005]

Thank you for uploading this. I was quoted around $200 to do this to my SUV but now I am getting closer to being confident enough to do it myself. Id like to change my front bumper trim (chrome) to a matte black. Do i just sand it the same as you did here? When I googled it some sites said to put chemicals on it to strip the chrome first. Is that really necessary?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Front bumper is a tough one, they take a lot of abuse, painted bumpers are prone to chipping regardless. I usually tell people the best route is to buy a paint to match bumper instead of painting the chrome

[@donaldredline975]

First time I’ve seen it done that way.

[@Americafirst-i8q]

Here's my take on chrome trim chrome trim looks nice on old muscle cars from the 1960s and '70s but on Modern cars my opinion is they should be satin black, satin black trim just looks more refined and not cheap looking

[@Johnnymidnight]

I would have to agree, I think it modernized this particular car, and the product I used on it has held up perfectly as well .

[@marcchantal5016]

You are a good dad. I will be doing that on my son car. What was the paint you used?

[@Johnnymidnight]

It’s SEM trim black. Just be sure you’re using a direct to metal product, otherwise it will require an etch primer first

[@mrss.s.bee.3413]

Wow this looks beautiful 😍 can I use a gold paint instead? My car is black and I hate the chrome, I was thinking either black or gold trim , what do you think?

[@Johnnymidnight]

If you’re using a different paint, it will require epoxy primer. The trim paint I used is formulated to be direct to metal

[@swedishhousemfia]

Hello Johnny: just subscribed! Been trying to remove/ repaint trims. Wondering what specific scour pad you used, as well as the exact SEM trim paint you used? How is it holding up now? Thank you

[@Johnnymidnight]

I use the 3M red scotch brite, that’s the coarse one. Paint is SEM 39143 trim black, still, after going through 2 winters, it’s holding up beautifully 👍🏼

[@swedishhousemfia]

@@Johnnymidnightthank you. You're in Canada, like me - where did you buy the paint and the pad from?

[@Johnnymidnight]

I deal with Lordco auto parts, but I think any parts store should be able to supply 👍🏼

[@mattford72]

Looks amazing! Thanks for the how to video. What product did you use to initially clean off the chrome and what 3M grit did you use to prep sand? Thanks again.

[@Johnnymidnight]

I would have used an automotive wax&grease remover initially, and sanded with 320 grit. Just be sure to use a trim paint that specifies that it can be used on metal, otherwise may require etching primer

[@johnrutledge3817]

Very nice

[@leominster24]

nice work

[@stayhigh4724]

Thanks very helpful

[@johnjames-gr3ri]

Nice work

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@jtsimaras]

Awesome job 👍

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks 👍

[@Aesthetics622]

Do you not use any epoxy? Or primer etc?? Just sand no wet sand??

[@Johnnymidnight]

Yes, as long as you’re using a paint formulated for direct to metal, otherwise it would require etch primer. Epoxy isn’t great for stainless.

[@ex9lh7th7k]

Great job looks really good And also good choice by your daughter. I have chrome bumpers would you recommend using the same paint for the chrome bumpers? I know you should send them with 80 grit and edge primer on it. Do you think it would last? My neighbor down the street wants to buy the chrome bumpers and I thought I would just buy bumpers that I can paint. What do you think for your comments?

[@Johnnymidnight]

I always recommend buying paint to match bumpers if you can. They take a lot of abuse, and don’t typically stand up very well

[@ex9lh7th7k]

@@Johnnymidnight thank you sir was not thinking like that.

[@Aphorism89]

I am divided here. I am one who always loved black cars and black details on them, simple and black with an accent like red calipers. Sadly, it has become such a ghetto thing now a days that I am not sure I want it anymore. I mean, everyone is doing it.. I know it is nothing new.. but it has become extremely common now among douches lol I have a white car with black wheels, painted the calipers in red. I did a pretty good job I have to say xD and it looks really neat. Next I was considering to black out the trims just like this... white car with black trims looks very neat... but I am just 50% 50% about it lately.

[@Johnnymidnight]

You have to be sure, no turning back once it’s painted!

[@Aphorism89]

@@Johnnymidnight yeah indeed ,specially after sanding it xD

[@connorjacobs9632]

Thanks for the helpful video, planning on painting the chrome trim on my accord black. Quick question, if my cars paint is already black would it be better to paint the chrome as the same paint code as my cars paint or use the black trim paint ?

[@Johnnymidnight]

If the trim is stainless, definitely use a quality trim paint, it’s formulated to adhere to metal

[@fluorescentmug8333]

do you recommend hitting this with a clear coat after?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Not necessary if using a formulated trim paint. If just using regular urethane, you might want to use matte clear, and then an etching primer would also be necessary

[@Repulsive_100]

Most definitely an improvement

[@nemesisl4240]

Thanks for the video. Wish I would of saw this video before painting my trim. Question how do I get the paint off the trim due to the paint flaking off on certain areas?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Depending on what product you used, if it’s cheap spray paint you may be able to wash it off with laquer thinner, otherwise you’re stuck with having to carefully sand it off

[@nemesisl4240]

I used the krylon gloss black spray paint and I did 3 coats but it still managed to flake off

[@Johnnymidnight]

@@nemesisl4240 the SEM trim paint is formulated to adhere to to metal without primer, but other products may not be

[@nemesisl4240]

@Midnight Paint & Body ok thanks I appreciate the wisdom.

[@hordesofblack]

​​@@Johnnymidnight I used SEM trim paint on my chrome trim and it's still flaking off. Pretty much immediately. Any tips as what else I can use to help the paint adhere and not flake off?

[@eddieyurus3970]

Thank you.

[@shanewikaira9014]

Good Job

[@Jobillixof]

Great video ❤

[@darkwhorse]

Damn! Nice job. Wish you could do mine

[@Jobillixof]

I am painting the front grill, mirrors, gas cap door cover, and other chrome parts on my jeep. Does anyone have any experience long term? How does this paint fare especially on a front grill ?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Check out the follow up video I did on this one, grille will be a tough one, I usually recommend on grilles and front bumpers to buy paint to match parts

[@niceguy6439]

Awesome work

[@Jay-mo3lt]

Awesome job. Now how long will that last? Anything specific when washing car in kind of a pressure washer?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Thanks, should last a long time, I did a follow up video on this car , and after 9 months, with winter driving, there were no chips or issues. I imagine like anything,just don’t dig at it with a pressure washer 😉

[@zureai]

Is it a good idea to also add a layer of clear coat on it?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Not if you use the correct paint, Check out the follow up video I did on my channel, on this same car, I explain it a lot better there

[@zureai]

@@Johnnymidnight cool thanks. Didn’t know there was a follow up vid

[@OnlyUseMeBIades]

Great job. But can I ask, why didn’t you use any primer? I’m thinking about doing mine but high gloss.

[@Johnnymidnight]

This paint is a DTM (direct to metal), if using conventional paint it would require an etching primer on stainless

[@DEUCE2151]

Great Job! Quick question though - what about clear coat? Shouldn't that be done too or is it not worth it?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Check out my follow up video on this one, I explain that better, but no, not necessary when you use the correct paint

[@zappedbylife7058]

I would use clear coat, it provides uv protection and helps the paint last longer, if you don’t use it the sun/car washing will eat through the paint faster

[@davidedipaola6354]

Great vid just ordered the same paint to do mine! As far as the scotch brite what kind or grit did you use? I’m seeing fine 200 but want to double check. Thanks!

[@Johnnymidnight]

I used red scotchbrite, it’s equivalent to about 320 grit

[@zureai]

Is it different from 1 series to 3 series? I see many DIY for e9x removing that trim panel

[@Johnnymidnight]

Can’t help you there unfortunately, my knowledge of these cars is super limited

[@accord_bro]

Would rubbing alcohol work for cleaning the parts?

[@Johnnymidnight]

I would think so, try to wipe quite wet and dry with a clean dry towel

[@user-gg7me5ft6k]

Better than plasti did looks good.

[@jimbizier7314]

Looks great. No primer?

[@Johnnymidnight]

No, if you use a direct to metal trim paint, it’s not necessary. If using regular paint, an etch primer would have to be put down first

[@jimbizier7314]

@@Johnnymidnight What brand of masking plastic are you using?

[@Johnnymidnight]

I use the treated 3M stuff, always the 16’ wide because I work on so many trucks

[@rali2thousand]

what did you use to remove the paint that got onto the body of the car? I plan on doing this and it might be a good idea for me to have some of that handy, lol.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Just a little gun wash solvent, basically laquer thinner

[@roncall6065]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@snapfly7]

Nice job, What did you use to get that overspray off?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Just a little gun wash solvent

[@kippas1]

How long does the painting last on the Chrome? I was thinking on painting or Vinyl chrome delete.

[@Johnnymidnight]

I did a follow up video a year after this, and it was still perfect. The car was eventually sold, and had been through 2 winters, and it still looked great 👍🏼

[@Tomarsnback.]

Is this the correct way vs removing the trim from the car first. The correct way is to leave it on the car when you paint?

[@Johnnymidnight]

It’s a judgment call sometimes, obviously taking it off is always better, but it’s risking damage, at the very least you need to deal with broken retainers. Check out the follow up video I did on this car a year later

[@user-rw9yo2pc6e]

So you cut the plastic before adding the second layer of tape? What’s stopping the plastic wrap from moving around?

[@ALTCTRLY33T]

Does the plastic cover stick to the body of the car or the tape? Observing how you peeled that strip of plastic off.

[@Johnnymidnight]

I tape the edge of the plastic to the car. If using plastic you need to use the automotive kind, one side is treated for the paint to stick to. If you use untreated plastic the paint will flake off. (Not a big deal using aerosol, but if using a gun it can blow off between coats)

[@EugeneHudson-x6l]

I would rather do this than the Dip stuff looks like it will hold up in the Car Washes

[@Luuuugn]

looks nice! Ive got an audi a4 allroad with chrome grill that i want to paint gloss black. I think its aluminium coat with plastic under and not "real" chrome. What is the best way to paint it? Sand it a little bit then sand with water til the chrome gets a bit matte? Should i add 2K clearcoat so that it can take chemicals when i wash it? Thanks in advance.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Sanding really well is the most important, clear isn’t necessary if you use a formulated trim paint, but would add some durability, especially being the grille will take a lot of the road grime

[@Luuuugn]

@@Johnnymidnight Thanks! Do you recommend any sandpapers, what grit?

[@Johnnymidnight]

@@Luuuugn I’d suggest using around a 320-400 grit

[@Luuuugn]

@@Johnnymidnight Thanks alot!

[@Wooley689]

Question; I work for a company that makes interior trim items for aircraft; the customer engineers who design the parts (Aluminum) want them painted. According to the prints and directions the parts have to be scuffed/brushed first, then go to get plated and then go to a painter. The paint keeps nicking off. I have tried to tell them the plating is to smooth for the paint to adhere well. Am I on the right track?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Absolutely, the paint requires a “tooth” created by sanding for the mechanical adhesion

[@Wooley689]

@@Johnnymidnight Thanks, I did paint and body way back in the 80's but no paint over chrome and such. I keep trying to tell them but you know how engineers can be.

[@Johnnymidnight]

Yep, they should stick to driving trains😂😂

[@samyporrata5840]

A body shop told me it wouldn’t last black I’d have to change out all the trim to do it right?

[@Johnnymidnight]

It’s been over a year, and still looks great 👍🏼. Check out my follow up video I did on it last winter.

[@elfido_3598]

Does this not need primer to stick better to the chrome? Also what about a clear coat so the paint doesnt get damaged?

[@Johnnymidnight]

Nope and nope, Check out the follow up video I did to this one, I explain everything better in that on.

[@DutchDukeMan]

seems easy enough, i got quoted 300 bucks for having it done...

[@C-rab03]

Would a lacker be overkill or would you recommend that for extra protection?

[@Johnnymidnight]

You mean a clear coat? Depends on the paint, in this case it’s a single stage, matte finish paint, so no. If using a basecoat paint, then yes, but then would also require an etching primer first

[@ChristianRodriguez-zx5kp]

What's the grid on that sponge? Great work!

[@Johnnymidnight]

Red scotchbrite is comparable to around 320 grit