Refinishing the Grille

[Hugh R]

My 2-1/2 year old Mirada grille finish is fading, its aluminum with aluminum brackets. I'm think of taking it out and have it re-anodized. If it is indeed anodized in the first place. Seems like 8 machine screws and it comes out pretty easily. $150. Anodizing should last decades, not years. I think Coachmen put some crap black wash on it, not anodized. I could paint for next to nothing, but that chips and I'm not the best painter with a rattle can. Any other thoughts, powder-coating can also chip.

[Hugh R]

Friends in the Porsche community suggested Plasti-dip spray, gonna try that first. $10/can with masking off the grille.

[Duckogram]

I'll start out by saying that I don't know if this will work on a grille application however there is a new(er) ceramic coating that may fit your need and it comes in many colors.
I can't say if the colors are vivid or if it has a glossy finish if that is what you are looking for. I do know that the process is based (loosely) on the ceramic tiles made for the space shuttle.

Edit: Here is 1 example of automotive application:
http://www.eastwood.com/2k-ceramic-c...FZQ6gQodpGEPUg

[Hugh R]

thanks, for the tip.

[rzrnaz]

Similar to Cerakote firearm finishes?

[Hugh R]

I don't think they are the same.

[rzrnaz]

Too bad. Have the same problem but there are a bunch of Cerakote places nearby

[Hugh R]

The Plasti Dip worked great, simple clean up with windex until the black quit coming off of the aluminum grille. 5 light coats of spray.

[Duckogram]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

The Plasti Dip worked great, simple clean up with windex until the black quit coming off of the aluminum grille. 5 light coats of spray.

Looks good. Now you get to see if it holds up.

[Hugh R]

Drove it 1,800 miles to Boise and back to Los Angeles. Not a nick on it.

[bmaggin1]

Do you power wash your Motor Home? if so how does it hold up during the power washing. I generally take mine to a truck wash upon coming back from a trip to get all the bugs off. Like the way your grill looks - am having the same problem you had before using plastic-dip.

[Roll]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

The Plasti Dip worked great, simple clean up with windex until the black quit coming off of the aluminum grille. 5 light coats of spray.

I see you got that blotchy blue mark off the bumper too.

Looks nice Hugh. I have a similar grille on the Encounter and it could use a freshen up.

Gary

[Hugh R]

That was a reflection off of my ultra shiny wax job!