The 2K clear coat I laid over rusted chrome actually held up

I had a 1978 Cadillac Coupe de Ville come in about 3 weeks ago, customer wanted the bumpers gone over without spending big money. I told them the chrome was too far gone for polish, but I remembered reading about using epoxy primer on rusted trim. So I scuffed those bumpers down with 80 grit, threw on a coat of etching primer, then hit it with two coats of 2K urethane clear. It sat in my lot for 12 days through rain and direct sun before they picked it up. Not a single bubble or peel, and I was honestly shocked. I normally would have turned down that job or pushed for a full rechrome at $900 a bumper. Has anyone else tried clear coating over worn chrome like that? I'm curious how it lasts past a few months of real road salt.

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wren3015d ago

Salt and moisture always find the weak spots, so I'd keep an eye on any stone chips or edges where the clear might get nicked. If those stay sealed, you might honestly get a year or two out of it before rust starts creeping back in.