Molotov durability over time, for unhandled parts

[Hawk312]

What is you experience with durability for Molotov markers for parts that don’t get handled, like engine or interior pieces? How do they look after a few years or so?

[Smitty]

I applied Molotow from a brand NEW marker to some parts four or five years ago and they still look about as good as the day they were done. That is to say, they look as good as Molotow gets. Not quite as good as kit chrome in general, but quite acceptable in my opinion. I tried the same thing with a marker I’d had for a couple of years and while it looked ok at first, the shine degraded to a bright silver over a couple of weeks. I didn’t handle the parts in either case. I think shaking the pen vigorously first is crucial.

Edited March 23, 2023 by Smitty

[Dave G.]

My experience is about the same as Eric's, in my case 3-4 years after application. But don't touch it, it just goes silver if you do. Clear coat mutes the chromish effect also. I say chromish because it isn't quite chrome but it is brighter than any silver paint I have used. I suspect airbrushed would be great for larger areas. I tend not to use it for that.

[jaymcminn]

I started using Molotow about 5 years ago on hubcaps, bumpers, etc. It still looks like new. Of course the only time my models leave their display case is dusting, contests, etc. Recent pic of a Fujimi Porsche 356 from 2017 where all exterior chrome (aside from BMF trim strips and windscreen frame) was done with Molotow...

Edited March 26, 2023 by jaymcminn

[stitchdup]

I wrote my house number on my outdoor bin about 4 months ago. Its exposed to wind, rain, salt, snow and sun in the area the bin sits. Its still there but just a dull silver now. alternatively i did the chassis on an el camno about 4 or 5 years ago just after the pens became available and it looks ok. i have noticed the pen strokes have started to show where the pen was used (like darker shadows in the chrome) but where i used a brush its still good. I'll pull it out of the case in the morning and get some pics in sunlight so they can be compared to the first built pics. I might have done the engine chrome too