Future over Chrome?

[crowe-t]

Does anyone spray Future over chrome parts to protect the chrome?

A friend suggested it but is it any good to do?

[John Pol]

It mite fade it because I know when I spray things chrome than clear coat it dulls the finish

[peteski]

If you are talking about the factory chrome (vacuum-deposited aluminum), and not the Alclad II chrome, then it should be safe to clear coat it with Future or even regular enamel clear.  Many kits with factory chrome parts already have clear coat applied over the metal layer (to protect it from oxidizing and fading away).  The metal layer is so thin that if left unprotected even the moist sweat (salty water) from your hands left on it would eat away the thin metal layer after a while.

 

There is also another factory "chrome:" out there: It is used in Trumpeter kits and many of the factory-build diecast models. Those plastic parts are electroplated with copper and with real chromium. The metal layer is much thicker and chromium is very durable (just like on 1:1 cars). No protection is ever needed.

[Dave Van]

I brush Future over kit chrome all the time.....makes it look better and protects it. 

Why not try it on spare parts or old chrome trees???

[Jon Haigwood]

If I am going to be handling chrome parts a lot when mocking up a build I will coat it in Future to prevent the chrome fro rubbing off. Never has it dulled it. 

[crowe-t]

I tried Future on a small chrome part and it works very nice.  Thanks for the help.