Originally Posted by
Grand Bois
Will self etching primer etch chrome? I tend to think that it won't, but I really don't know for sure. I used to use Metal Prep, a liquid etcher that is used before priming. That's the old school way. It doesn't appear to do anything to chrome. It may be that it has lost its effectiveness. The bottle has been in the cabinet for at least 25 years.
The primer is not just to fill imperfections. Primer sticks better than paint does.
I've had success with self etching primer over chrome. And in response to the other question, yes, you can PC over chrome and yes, you can mask it off to leave the chrome showing.