Greg Pugh Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I need to know how to duplicate this clear coated, machined aluminum wheel. Here is a pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 (edited) These are the wheels I'm working with. I just got them back from being rechromed and then I find out that the guy I'm building the car for want's this other finish. Please help! Edited February 16, 2011 by gpugh1976 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High octane Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Greg, I would spray them with Dull Cote as I have done on many wheels and parts that I want to look like aluminum such as transmisssion pans and moon tanks also. Works good when you're trying to simulate aluminum bumpers for Super Stocks and A/Fx match racers too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 You think that would work better than spraying them silver or something? Do you have any pics of some wheels you've done the Dull Cote treatment to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragline Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Strip them and then paint them with Model Master Metalizer aluminum plate. It'll look exactly like the photo you posted, Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Strip them and then paint them with Model Master Metalizer aluminum plate. It'll look exactly like the photo you posted, Bob I second this. And if the clear coat is glossy, you may be able to use an acrylic gloss clear over the metalizer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 I'm not so worried about the money part. I just want them to look right. I'll go pick some up today and I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxer Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 test all the above on some sprue from some chrome trees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 Just got back from the LHS. I've got 2 test wheels. I'm headed out to the garage now. I will try both methods mentioned and will post the results. Wish me luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 I ended up using 3 different wheels for 3 different tests. This picture doesn't do much justice but you can see the color comparison. The dullcote seemed to attack the chrome and up close it looks cloudy and you can see some small cracking but it's the wheel on the left. The wheel in the center was done with Tamiya Silver Leaf and it's probably my favorite. The one on the right was done with the Aluminum Plate Metalizer and then clear-coated. It would look awesome for older Magnesium wheels like on a gasser but I think may be a touch too dark for the look I'm after. Opinions please!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VW Dave Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) The cloudiness and cracking probably came from laying the DullCote on too heavy; it is a lacquer after all. Try it in one or two lighter, 'misty' coats, and you should get better results. While the one in the middle looks good, I believe the DullCote solution is the best one. Edited February 17, 2011 by VW Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Krylon #1403 Dull Aluminum. Pic isn't great, but it has enough gloss to look convincing, yet not too much that the surface looks shiny: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 Oooh. Now see, those look right on.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 Do you have any other pics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMc Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) I would have to agree with the dullkote. It will take 3 or 4 light mist coats to look correct. I did this T Bolt air cleaner and front bumper with dullkote The rear bumper was left alone as it was chrome The wheels were done in Metalizers Edited February 17, 2011 by Stasch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Do you have any other pics? Yes, but nothing great. The flash pretty much makes it hard to see the closest wheel, but take a look: http://s916.photobucket.com/albums/ad9/tramhl/Plastic%20Models/Built%20Models/1%2016%20Wonderwagon%20Vega/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Perfect! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Force Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I have also tried dullcoat with good results, I usually use Humbrol #135 Satin to knock down the shine of the chrome plating to replicate a brushed aluminum look. And the Humbrol colors is enamel so they usually don't react with the plating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 (edited) Ok, so here's the way I went. Let me know what you think. Edited February 21, 2011 by gpugh1976 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I think they look great! What procedure did you end up using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Pugh Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 I stripped the chrome, primed them with gray primer and then painted them with Tamiya Silver Leaf. Now I've just gotta figure out how I'm going to go about chroming the front center caps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete J. Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Alclad Chrome or stainless steel. Give it a try. I stripped the chrome, primed them with gray primer and then painted them with Tamiya Silver Leaf. Now I've just gotta figure out how I'm going to go about chroming the front center caps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodneyBad Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I'd say it looks Pretty good. I Likie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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