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Painting Your Sprinter Mercedes Emblem

How to Paint Chrome Parts on Your Sprinter Van for a Long-Lasting, Professional Finish

If you own a Sprinter Van, you're likely looking for ways to improve both its functionality and appearance. One area that tends to stick out—literally and visually—is chrome. While chrome might look great on a classic car like a 1957 Chevy, it doesn't always fit with the modern, sleek look most Sprinter Van owners want. However, painting chrome surfaces, especially the emblem or other exterior parts, can be tricky. Chrome is shiny and slick, making it difficult for paint to adhere without flaking or peeling.

In this guide, I’ll show you a technique I developed that will allow you to paint chrome parts on your Sprinter Van without the paint chipping away, even when exposed to rocks, bugs, and the elements. With the help of Plasti Dip and Rust-Oleum, you can transform the look of your Sprinter Van and ensure the paint lasts.

Why Chrome Is Hard to Paint

One of the main challenges with painting chrome is its slick surface. Traditional paint doesn’t adhere well to chrome, and you risk seeing your hard work ruined by chips or flaking. This problem is even more prominent for parts located on the front of your Sprinter Van, as they're exposed to constant impact from road debris and weather.

What You'll Need:

  1. Plasti Dip (any color, though I recommend a smoke or matte finish)
  2. Rust-Oleum Top Coat (I use Rust-Oleum for long-lasting protection)
  3. Fine Sandpaper or a Sanding Block (to scuff the chrome surface)
  4. Rubbing Alcohol (or even a little vodka if you’re in a pinch)
  5. Spray Paint in Your Desired Color (I used Max Flex All Surface Satin for a factory-style finish)

Step 1: Light Sanding for Better Adhesion

To begin, you'll want to lightly sand the chrome surfaces you intend to paint on your Sprinter Van. You don't need to spend a lot of time on this—just a minute or so to scuff up the surface and remove some of the sheen. This helps the Plasti Dip adhere better. The beauty of using Plasti Dip in this process is that it allows for a strong bond without needing excessive prep work.

Once you’ve lightly sanded the chrome, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or residue. If you’re out of rubbing alcohol, a splash of vodka will do the trick. Cleanliness is key to ensuring a smooth, professional finish on your Sprinter Van's chrome parts.

Step 2: Apply Plasti Dip as a Base Coat

The next step is applying Plasti Dip, which serves as a flexible, rubbery base coat that paint can easily adhere to. Plasti Dip is removable, so if you ever decide you want to go back to the original chrome (though I personally hate chrome on a modern Sprinter Van), you can peel it off.

Spray the Plasti Dip in light, even coats. You can apply additional coats every 30 minutes. It's important to use several light coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid drips or uneven coverage. After 2-3 coats, the surface will have a nice matte finish. You can let it dry for four hours, but I prefer to leave it overnight to ensure a fully cured base before applying the top coat.

Step 3: Top Coat for Durability

Once your Plasti Dip base is fully dry, it’s time to apply a top coat. This is where your choice of spray paint comes in. The Plasti Dip will give the paint something to grip onto, ensuring that the top coat stays in place despite the harsh conditions your Sprinter Van might encounter on the road.

Shake the spray can well before using and apply light, even coats, just like with the Plasti Dip. Again, you want to avoid heavy applications. Light coats with more layers will give you a much better finish and ensure durability. Let each coat dry for at least 30 minutes before applying the next one.

Step 4: Final Touches

After the final coat of paint has dried, you’ll notice that the once glossy chrome on your Sprinter Van has been transformed into a sleek, factory-looking finish. This technique works especially well if you’ve opted for a color like gunmetal, which blends beautifully with the rugged style of a Sprinter Van.

If you make a mistake or find any imperfections, the Plasti Dip layer allows for easy removal and touch-ups before you apply the top coat. Once the top coat is on, however, it will be permanent, protecting your Sprinter Van from chips, bugs, and the elements.

Step 5: Reinstallation

Once your emblem or other chrome parts are fully painted and dried, they’re ready to be reinstalled on your Sprinter Van. If you’ve painted the emblem, for example, it should snap right back into place. You’ll notice that the subtle gunmetal or matte finish adds a professional, understated look that’s far more suited to a modern Sprinter Van than a shiny chrome emblem.

The Final Look

After the transformation, you’ll love the new look of your Sprinter Van. Instead of chrome standing out like a sore thumb, your painted parts will now blend seamlessly with the rest of your van’s aesthetic. Whether you choose a gunmetal, matte black, or another finish, your Sprinter Van will have a fresh, custom look that will last.

In this project, I used Max Flex All Surface Satin in "Shining Armor," which I found at Home Depot. It gives a fantastic brushed finish that looks factory-made while offering excellent durability.

By following this simple process, you can easily customize and protect the chrome parts on your Sprinter Van, ensuring that your van looks great and performs well on the road for years to come. If you want a sleek, modern appearance, this is a project worth tackling!

Remember, if you have any questions, we have our van experts standing by at all times. Give us a call at (866) 695-8267 and we'll be happy to help you.

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More soon,
John Willenborg