crazyjim Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 FedEx delived my package of BMF from Hobbylinc today. I ordered "new improved chrome" and package I have says "chrome". I opened and tried it and it's NOT the new improved stuff. I called BMF and the guy said he's finally out of "new improved chrome" stickers but it's the same foil. I don't think so! It's more like the ultra chrome garbage in that it doesn't adhere well and doesn't like tight spaces. I emailed a question to Hobbylinc but probably won't hear back from them for a cuple of days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 I don't care for the Ultra or the black. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT68 Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 (edited) I've had some issues with the first 1/4" or so around the edges of the sheet not having any adhesive properties. I've also received a sheet that was cracked in multiple places making those areas unusable. Overall I do like the product however. Edited March 25, 2021 by AMT68 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 I wonder why they let the stickers run out before ordering more? Hmmm . . . They also don't seem to be stocking any of their resin/rubber kits (they all show out of stock). I hope this is not a bad omen. This is not a rumor - I'm just thinking out loud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TransAmMike Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 I agree on the "ultra" BMF. And on the last chrome I got, I had trouble peeling pieces off on the edges. They would tear easily. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted March 26, 2021 Share Posted March 26, 2021 (edited) What was the question? 1 hour ago, peteski said: They also don't seem to be stocking any of their resin/rubber kits (they all show out of stock). I hope this is not a bad omen. Bad!?? It's great news. Polytek has terrible customer service in my experience. They sent me resin which wouldn't cure properly, never returned my calls nor answered my e-mails, and never replied when a PayPal dispute was opened by me. Seriously, I'm not sure I've ever had a poorer customer service experience in my life. I would recommend avoiding Polytek (you know they bought out Alumilite a few years ago, saw you mention it elsewhere)/Alumilite, period. Smooth-On is a far better company to deal with, and their products are excellent in my experience. Easy to locate, too, with multiple distrubutors. Edited March 26, 2021 by Casey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted March 26, 2021 Share Posted March 26, 2021 To be honest, I never tried Polytek resins or RTVs. I only infrequently make some simple castings and I started off couple of decades ago using Alumilite (back then they only sold the fast-set urethane and Dow Corning RTV). Then I moved onto SmoothOn. But I thought I heard some good things about Polytek, and yes, they also own Alumilite. Interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deathgoblin Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 It seems like the last several times I've to order BMF I've gotten the ultra stuff. It was just marked "chrome". I've even recently tried to order directly from BMF directly and it's backordered. I wonder if there's a supply problem? Unfortunately, I'm out and I'm stuck on a kit until I can get some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 I just checked https://www.bare-metal.com/bare-metal-foil.html and it shows all foils in-stock. Does it show as backordered only after you complete the purchase? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zippi Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 I tried bmf for the first time a few weeks ago. I bought the "Chrome" from my LHS and it seemed to go down fine but if I touched it while picking up the model it would come up. I could get it to lay back down but just didn't seem to have much sticky stuff on the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted June 29, 2021 Author Share Posted June 29, 2021 The BMF NEW IMPROVED CHROME is GONE!! During covid the BMF supplier had issues and was unable to deliver product, so BMF went to another source. The new source is unable to produce BMF as thin as we're all used to, so they named it CHROME. The stuff is garbage!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_R Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 That finally explains why they never answered my complaint, The two sheets I ordered from them went into the trash - worst stuff I'd ever had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Geiger Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 (edited) As I’ve always thought, BMF buys the foil, maybe on a roll, cuts and packages it. The actual foil is produced by another party, and BMF Company.. and our entire hobby.. is dependent on their production. That explains the changes over the years. BMF was much easier to use 30 years ago when I first started. Seems I could foil anything back then. I even did entire bumpers with a single piece. Edited June 29, 2021 by Tom Geiger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painted Black Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, crazyjim said: The BMF NEW IMPROVED CHROME is GONE!! During covid the BMF supplier had issues and was unable to deliver product, so BMF went to another source. The new source is unable to produce BMF as thin as we're all used to, so they named it CHROME. The stuff is garbage!! So that is why the two sheets I just got from BMF feel thicker than I'm use to, stuff is a waste, and it sticks like you know what....guess it's time to learn how to use the pens or build stuff that doesn't require chrome trim be applied.. Edited June 29, 2021 by Painted Black had to get rid of the blahs, BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH? a bad word? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modelbuilder Mark Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 I have a new sheet that I have yet to open. This does not bode well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted June 29, 2021 Author Share Posted June 29, 2021 3 hours ago, Painted Black said: So that is why the two sheets I just got from BMF feel thicker than I'm use to, stuff is a waste, and it sticks like you know what....guess it's time to learn how to use the pens or build stuff that doesn't require chrome trim be applied.. You got it Robert. I bought 10 packages of BMF from Hobbylinc because the picture clearly showed NEW IMPROVED CHROME and what was delivered was CHROME. The CHROME is garbage so I sent it back for a full refund. The same thing happened with a coupld of ebay sellers.. Back they went too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anglia105E Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 I was surprised to find how difficult it was to even source some BMF in the UK, and I ended up ordering some from an Ebay seller in Germany. This seller had supplied me with a couple of Moebius kits previously, and their shipping was cheap and quick. All the usual suppliers of BMF in England are oddly and currently showing ' Out of Stock '. My pack of BMF from Germany has a sticker on it which says ' Chrome '........ Seemed to apply okay, but does not stick down very well. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zippi Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 I just did my first foil on my 65 Impala and it could be my last. So what are we going to do now fellows if the quality doesn't change??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TransAmMike Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 I'm so glad finally others are now complaining about the current product as I took some flak when I first complained a few weeks ago. But...as it turns out, I used it on my latest build and tho it wasn't as good as it was it worked out pretty good, not perfect by any means, but OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, TransAmMike said: I'm so glad finally others are now complaining about the current product as I took some flak when I first complained a few weeks ago. But...as it turns out, I used it on my latest build and tho it wasn't as good as it was it worked out pretty good, not perfect by any means, but OK. Because at that time we didn't know about the BMF supplier issue. The original CHROME foil is *NOT* just thin aluminum foil - the foil is made from some special alloy which is much more pliable than aluminum foil and it has a "warmer" silver color. BMW was the only company I have ever seen sell that special foil. If the supplier of that special foil is not making it anymore, we are all screwed. Edited June 30, 2021 by peteski Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie8575 Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 AK Interactive and Vallejo both have chrome metallizer-type paints. I think I might be trying one of those. Charlie Larkin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills72sj Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 It is a bummer to hear about the BMF issues. I had 4 sheets of various vintages and materials (apparently). Now I am completely out. I Ordered some from my LHS to "support your local businesses" but it has been on back order for awhile. I would happily pay $30 for a sheet of the "good" stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 19 hours ago, crazyjim said: The BMF NEW IMPROVED CHROME is GONE!! During covid the BMF supplier had issues and was unable to deliver product, so BMF went to another source. The new source is unable to produce BMF as thin as we're all used to, so they named it CHROME. The stuff is garbage!! I'm also curious about the source of this info? Where did it come from? As I mentioned, it is not just thinness - it is the actual material that is unique. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted June 30, 2021 Author Share Posted June 30, 2021 I was told about the different supplier issue(s) when I talked with a man at BMF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TooOld Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 Jim is correct , I was told the same thing when I called BMF a month or so ago . I called them because their website shows everything in stock but no "New Improved Chrome" . I did an exhaustive search and emailed several vendors that showed "New Improved Chrome" being in stock , they all replied that the sticker actual said "Chrome" and they just haven't changed their websites . Both Hobbylinc and a vendor in Australia insisted that it was "New Improved Chrome" so I ordered a sheet from both places . Guess what ? They lied , I received "Chrome" from them both . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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