What's the best chrome?

[Sidney Schwartz]

What do you think works best for chrome trim? BMF or one of the chrome paints? Do you hand paint or spray? Do you use some kind of clear to protect your chrome?

[StevenGuthmiller]

No question in my mind.

BMF!

 

 

 

Steve

[espo]

For myself I'm most comfortable with BMF and I have found the Gundam Marker EX has a great liquid chrome for fine details. The main thing is to try several different ways of doing the chrome trim and see what you are most comfortable with. I have seen some spray-painted chrome trim that does look amazing. Just experiment till you find what you like. 

[Dpate]

I use BMF for trims and such (with heavy buffing ) and usually for scrips I'll use PE. Painting trim and such with chrome metal paint can work just you better make sure your tape job is perfect or....well...you know what happens lol.  Best chrome though is subjective at this scale, but the best chrome is whatever one you use first until you try a different one lol.  You can use multiple different types of chrome metal paint on different builds or test different brands until you find one that looks the part to your eyes.  Also instead of painting side view and rear view mirrors if the kit didn't come with any metal transfer's than just use BMF or hasagawa mirror finish to look like mirrors.  

But more to your question - BMF the new improved good stuff is better and easier to do for trims etc.  There is a slight learning curve, and you'll waste a bit until you get it right, but once you get it you'll love it.  Scalpel blades are better for cutting BMF too, because there thinner and sharper. Xacto blades work fine too, but if you wanna up your game use Scalpel blades with a xacto blade handle.  

Edited January 24, 2023 by Dpate

[Sidney Schwartz]

Anyone ever try this stuff? Or any of the Gravity-colors paints?

https://gravity-colors.com/106-18-gc-227-mclaren-chrome-effect/

 

[Mopar maniac 74]

I like the bmf but in tight corners where it splits a chrome paint pen fills in those cracks nicely

[Bills72sj]

5 hours ago, Sidney Schwartz said:

What do you think works best for chrome trim? BMF or one of the chrome paints? Do you hand paint or spray? Do you use some kind of clear to protect your chrome?

ALL OF THE ABOVE. BMF for long body details that require a straight edge. Spray chrome for larger items like bumpers that would show brush strokes and are too lumpy to lay in one sheet. Molotow pen or brush on for tiny details that are smaller/narrower than the width of the brush in use. While a lot of excellent builders dislike kit chrome, I am ok with it if it is good shape. I have been fairly pleased with Green Stuff World chrome. Both brush and airbrush. Though the squirt bottles are more wasteful than just dumping it into a sealed jar.

Edited January 24, 2023 by Bills72sj

[Dpate]

3 hours ago, Sidney Schwartz said:

Anyone ever try this stuff? Or any of the Gravity-colors paints?

https://gravity-colors.com/106-18-gc-227-mclaren-chrome-effect/

 

I love gravity colors, but never tried there chrome because of so many other good brands.  Have you even used chrome paint before? If you have what have you used so far? From your original post it sounds like you are just asking for trim detail, and i would stick with BMF for that.  

[Sidney Schwartz]

58 minutes ago, Dpate said:

I love gravity colors, but never tried there chrome because of so many other good brands.  Have you even used chrome paint before? If you have what have you used so far? From your original post it sounds like you are just asking for trim detail, and i would stick with BMF for that.  

Lately I've been using a Molotow pen and/or Krylon chrome spray and/or ultra fine tip markers. All look OK, and all are easy to damage once they've been applied. That's why I'm also asking about what to use to protect those areas. BMF has always been difficult for my old fingers and eyeballs, but I may give it another go because it does looks best, IMO, if I manage not to mess it up. The gravity colors is appealing because they also sell their own protector and gloss coat. I suppose Alclad does that as well. Lots of choices. I feel my wallet beginning to itch...

 

[TransAmMike]

Ditto,  BMF for most trim. Molotow sprays nicely on wheels, bigger parts.  But it's all I have ever used for several years. Have never tried anything else. 

Good luck Sidney.

[doorsovdoon]

As mentioned, all of the above. I use HVAC aluminium tape for bmf, though it can be a bit thick and not the best on tight corners. Chrome Molotow pen for small bits, and if you're looking for a good chrome paint try Revell aerosol, it's expensive but there's a reason why!