BMF New Improved Chrome vs. Matte Aluminum

[crowe-t]

Is there a big difference between Bare Metal Foil's New Improved Chrome and Matte Aluminum?

I use BMF New Improved Chrome for chrome trim but I need to do some trim to simulate an aluminum look.

Will Matte Aluminum work? 

[Mark]

The "matte aluminum" definitely has a different look as opposed to the "chrome" varieties.  I'd compare them to looking at a piece of regular kitchen aluminum foil; the "chrome" would look like the front side, the "matte aluminum" would look like the back side.  I used the matte finish on the "washboard" side trim of a '57 Chevy, with the regular chrome foil on the rest of the exterior trim.  There's a definite contrast.  The "new improved chrome" foil is difficult to use in my opinion, more brittle and less flexible than the regular chrome.  I've stuck with the regular chrome since trying the "improved" stuff. 

[BigTallDad]

A word of caution...do not burnish the matte aluminum too much, or you could end up with a polished aluminum appearance. I'd strongly suggest you practice on some scrap first.

[crowe-t]

Thanks guys!

Mark,  I haven't experienced the 'New Improved Chrome' to be brittle at all and it's quite flexible.  I did hear that the BMF 'Ultra Bright' foil is brittle and less flexible.  

[Mark]

Oops...got those confused.  I think the "ultra bright" stuff came out, then they brought out the "new improved chrome" afterwards, after getting some complaints about the "ultra bright" foil.  The "ultra bright" foil is the one to steer clear of.  Now that I'm thinking of it, isn't all of the regular foil labeled "new improved chrome" now?

Actually, I didn't think the "new improved" stuff was any better...I never had any issues with the original.

[crowe-t]

At the time when I got the 'New Improved Chrome' that's what my local hobby shop had.  I'll have to give the 'Matte Aluminum' a try too.