How would you prep chrome for plasti-dip? I found a cheap rear bumper that's already black (for the Express van), but not finding an front bumpers.
It was suggested in another thread that I plasti-dip spray it.
Flap-wheel disc on a grinder? Acid etch? Sandblast?
Something other than plasti-dip?
I don't think you want Plasti on the front bumper. It's not a durable finish and it can not be scrubbed as if you were trying to get summer bugs off.
Clean it well and spray it. I agree might not be the best option for a whole bumper but if you put enough coats on it I don't see why it wouldn't be durable enough to keep it clean.
Are there better options than plasti-dip... that don't require completely stripping the chrome?
Only other thing I could think of is vinyl wrapping it, although the one time I tried that I gave up quickly and would much rather paint or plast-dip.
Give it a scuff and a dose of box liner. Easy to touch up if it gets damaged.
If you don't mind a rough finish you could have it bed lined like a bed of a truck. Sand it down so it is not shiny, etch prime it and spray a couple of cans on it.
It looks like this when done. Not too rough. 
Bedliner isn't a bad idea. I'll have to decide if the pebbly look is a bigger demerit than making it black is a bonus. Wrapping is smart as well, but I have never tried it. I'm fair at window tint film, but windows aren't all curvy and crazy
EvanB said:Clean it well and spray it. I agree might not be the best option for a whole bumper but if you put enough coats on it I don't see why it wouldn't be durable enough to keep it clean.
+1. Nobody scuffs or sands painted cars before hosing them down with Plasti Dip. At least I sure hope they don't.
Decades ago I read something in Street Rodder or a similar magazine indicating that the only way to prep chromed parts for paint was to strip the chrome off completely. I can't vouch for the accuracy of that that statement either then or now. Nevertheless, if I had a chrome part on which I wanted an OEM "black trim" look but didn't want to spend real money, Plasti Dip would be a strong contender.
For Plastidip, clean chrome with some 0000 steel wool and WD40 or similar to get all the high spots /bugs/road tar off, hit it with some prep solvent, and have at it.
I have never tried, but I bet you would be at least moderately successful, hitting the chrome with some VHT Epoxy Chassis Black in a semigloss sheen if you wanted a more permanent solution.
How about direct to metal epoxy black satin spray paint? (I have no experience)
Amazon.com: VHT SP652 Satin Black Epoxy All Weather Paint Can - 11 oz.
93gsxturbo beat me to it. 
I would sand it down with 150 grit sandpaper and clean it with acetone.
John Welsh said:I don't think you want Plasti on the front bumper. It's not a durable finish and it can not be scrubbed as if you were trying to get summer bugs off.
Had I not had personal experience with the stuff, I would have agreed with your assessment. But, I bought a Ford Ranger that had been entirely covered in Plasti-Dip, then left to have moss grow on it. I reluctantly took a scrub brush to it, figuring the Dip would come off, but it was completely unfazed by my cleaning. Knowing the history of the truck, I seriously doubt any prep aside from maybe washing it had been done prior to application.
Outside the box solution: Find a chrome rear bumper?
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
I have a chrome rear bumper right now but I bought a black bumper to ditch the chrome. I want the front to match. I already plasti-dipped the chrome grille bar and it hasn't sucked.
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