Finger nail powder chrome works great

[atomicholiday]

One more test.  This time I shot one of the spoons with clear lacquer.  Doesn’t seem to have had any negative effects.

These spoons have been through a rough time.  I started by sanding the top edge with 1000 grit just to see what would happen.  Then they were washed and dried.  Basically just wanted to see how much abuse the chrome could handle.  Not very scientific, but what the hey, right?

Anyway, here you go.  The spoon on the left has the clear coat.

[stitchdup]

On 8/6/2023 at 8:33 PM, atomicholiday said:

Sort of, but not intentionally.  In the last picture, you can see where the chrome stops.  It’s right at the edge of the gel.  And I wasn’t exactly careful about how I put the powder on.  It definitely didn’t stick to the paint.  

Not sure what the deal is with the gel.  It goes on wet like regular nail polish, and cures under the UV light very quickly.  I held it under for 60 seconds, and then gingerly touched it with a toothpick to see if it was still wet.  Nothing.  Seemed bone dry, and didn’t feel tacky.

But it really could stand to be thinned down.  It’s pretty thick.  Is that how all nail polish is?  You might be surprised to learn I’ve never colored my nails.?

In theory you should be able to thin it with acrylic thinners as its usually just thick car paint. I was experimenting with another of the products you use the gel with. Its patterned chrome sheets but i was finding the same issues with the ribbed effect from the brush. I'm going to try thinning it with tamiya thinners and see if it gives a better finish. If it works it opens up some more possibilities for coloured chromes as the sheets are similar to using gold leaf. I would suspect that the powders are just finely grained foil dust. I might pop in past one of the local places that nails and ask their advice too since i'll be at that end of the town later

[Bainford]

12 hours ago, atomicholiday said:

One more test.  This time I shot one of the spoons with clear lacquer.  Doesn’t seem to have had any negative effects.

These spoons have been through a rough time.  I started by sanding the top edge with 1000 grit just to see what would happen.  Then they were washed and dried.  Basically just wanted to see how much abuse the chrome could handle.  Not very scientific, but what the hey, right?

Anyway, here you go.  The spoon on the left has the clear coat.

Thanks much for the report, Jeremy. Very interesting stuff. Can the cured gel be wet sanded smooth before applying the powder? Will the powder stick to sanded gel?

[atomicholiday]

On 8/10/2023 at 5:24 AM, stitchdup said:

In theory you should be able to thin it with acrylic thinners as its usually just thick car paint. I was experimenting with another of the products you use the gel with. Its patterned chrome sheets but i was finding the same issues with the ribbed effect from the brush. I'm going to try thinning it with tamiya thinners and see if it gives a better finish. If it works it opens up some more possibilities for coloured chromes as the sheets are similar to using gold leaf. I would suspect that the powders are just finely grained foil dust. I might pop in past one of the local places that nails and ask their advice too since i'll be at that end of the town later

Looking forward to your findings.   I ordered some thinner designed for gel nail polish,  but it would be great to find a cheaper alternative.   This stuff was $17 for 2oz.  But if it works, I think it will be worth it.

I totally agree with you about the possibilities.   I'm curious about the gold.   Could be a good product for brass era cars,  and that's just the tip of the iceberg.  Could be a game changer? 

22 hours ago, Bainford said:

Thanks much for the report, Jeremy. Very interesting stuff. Can the cured gel be wet sanded smooth before applying the powder? Will the powder stick to sanded gel?

Not sure,  but I'll find out when I start the next round of tests.  I'll keep you posted. 

I was watching a video tutorial by a girl doing her nails (yes, seriously ?), and one tip I learned was that if you don't put the powder on pretty soon after the gel, it won't stick.   But all you need to do is wipe the surface down with alcohol and it will work again.   The alcohol must reactivate the gel somehow. 

Edited August 11, 2023 by atomicholiday