Painting polished stainless steel

[PeteVS]

I've been painting a bunch of parts using urethane stuff including an etching primer. I doubt that an etching primer would etch stainless or anything chrome plated. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[deuce5wndw]

Bead blast first.

[woodiewagon46]

Even with self etch primer the paint will eventually peel. As deuce mentions bead blasting is probably the easiest to get complete coverage for the primer to bond to.

[51 MERC-CT]

I would not bead blast as it is not aggressive enough, grit blast instead.
You want to remove the shine.

[philipswanson]

320 grit paper will work just fine.

[deuce_roadster]

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The "etch" part of self etching primer is to stop oxidation (rust) of ferrous metals and wouldn't likely do anything to stainless which is a high nickel alloy that does have a minimal ferrous component. As suggested, just sand it with some 320 for primer adhesion.

[DavidG]

One of the course industrial grades of ScotchBrite will work as well.

[PeteVS]

Thanks. I just started attacking an old rusty crusty Model A grill shell that I also want to paint. I'm using a Harbor Freight Poly Carbide wheel. It's working pretty well on what's left of the chrome. I'll use it on the stainless as well since it leaves a pretty nice but abraded surface. I also have some garnet abrasive media that I'll give a whirl.

[doghair3]

This is the stuff you might want to try.

https://www.dickblick.com/products/1...ering-enamels/