True to chrome chrome-paint

[FujimiLover]

Hello there. I'm wondering if there is a true to chrome chrome-paint out there. Surely the paint wont' have a mirror-like reflection that true chrome-plating can provide, but what paint will provide the ###### closest shine to chrome?

I've seen several chrome paints that claim to be chrome with a chrome-plated cap on the can. But when I've tried that paint, it look's more silver than chrome. Also, some silver paint look's more like chrome than silver, but still not chrome enough.

I dont' use alot of chrome on my models, but when I do, I'd like for it to look as realistic as possible without having to send it out for chome plating.

[Dr. Cranky]

House of Kolor has a new chrome system that comes fairly close. I like it better than Alclad though it works on a similar principle. You have to provide a shiny smooth surface and apply two light coats and then stop. Less is more.

In the system they have Mirror Krome, Aluminum, Bronze, Gold and I want to say Copper too . . .

[MrObsessive]

Alclad is one of the closest paints I can think of that would resemble chrome. There may be a couple other brands out there, but I can't recall the names right now.

Alclad can be tricky to work with though as you have to apply a black base, wait 'til the base dries thoroughly, and then gently mist on the "chrome" coats with an airbrush.

I've used it an while the results are chrome like-------nothing beats actual chrome IMO though.

Here's a couple pics of an '05 'Vette that I built with the wheels painted with Alclad................

[FujimiLover]

Thank you. I'll try that paint next time I need to do so. I usually try to use Bare-Metal-Foil for small areas and areas of less complex curves. One would not use foil on wheels of coarse, so that's why the question of paint is for wheels and some engine parts that maybe too complex for foil.

[Dr. Cranky]

I've never been truly happy with a kit's chrome, so I usually strip the parts, smooth them, and then either use Alclad or the House of Kolor system. Here's an example of something I've started to work on with the House of Kolor . . . it's imperative to use a good atomization with an airbrush . . .

[FujimiLover]

Ah see that is my downfall right now. I dont' have an airbrush although I'm very interested in getting one. All of my previous paint jobs including my RX7 have all been rattle-cans. My brother keeps telling me that my models would greatly improve if airbrushed. One fear I've had with airbrushes is getting in the habbit of cleaning after every use. Necessary to clean between colors minutes later?

[Guest Davkin]

I've been experimenting with Rustoleum chrome and have been pretty impressed. It's not quite as bright as Aclad, assuming you are lucky enough to get Alclad to work. That's been one of my gripes with Alclad, it just seems so hit and miss, usually miss for me. The other gripe is that it's very fragile, very little handling will rub it right off. I know others will disagree with me on both accounts but these are my experiences with it after very much experimentation and I won't waste my time and money on it anymore. Just like Alclad you need a super smooth surface to get best results, but you can use laquer, (of any color), unlike Alclad which requires an black enamel base. I experimented with different bases and decided that Testors new laquer clears work the best. So you can apply the base and the chrome from spray cans, though decanting and using an airbrush will give you much more control. You can also polish the Rustoleum, though only with a super soft cloth and no polishing or rubbing compound, just the cloth only and it does help. Though the Rustoleum is an enamel so give it a few days to cure before polishing it.

David

[dhale999]

I have used SpazStick chrome. It is good but fragile like AlClad. It comes in a rattle can, which may or may not be good, but it is about $10/can. It also magnifies any blemish in your prep work. I did a bumper and it brought out every line of the sanding I had done. I ended up BMFing it. I plan to try a gloss black base and see how that works.

[duck_tape187]

http://www.alsacorp.com/

its spendy but it is as close to real chrome that you can get

[FujimiLover]

http://www.alsacorp.com/

its spendy but it is as close to real chrome that you can get

Web site look's cool, I'll have a look, thank you! "Spendy" maybe an issue howver, plus could be tricky to apply to a model and I doubt they have rattle-can.

[george 53]

Fuji, in the latest issue of Muscle Car Review,April issue, on page 52,theres a good article on "Chrome" paints.From the pics it shows, the Rustoleum 7718 Chrome paint looks pretty good. It shows to have real nice reflectivity, and I think it looks pretty good to me. I know ACO sells the stuff, caz I've seen it there. Gonna hafta get me some an try it! Hope this helps.

[FujimiLover]

Thank you, as for chrome, while my cars dont' use alot of chrome, but there are some chrome for example some wheels, exaust pipes, suspension parts, exaust parts, maybe some engine parts. I'm not really looking for a mirror-like finish, but I dont' want a dull-silver or aluminum finish either. So, that's why I'm looking for a real nice chrome without it being too "showy". Hope this makes sence.

I looked at that web site, and the video they showed of the guy painting that square peice with the chrome paint look's pretty convincing. These day's, I dont' rely on video as proof since we all know it can be "edited". However, it does make it tempting to buy it and it did answer the question that it's available in spray-can!

Wow, this stuff look's awesome, but sure is expensive. However, it look's like their can's are big enough that it should last you for several model kit's. So it maybe worth buying one can for say maybe five or so projects? Look's pretty sweet to me! I think this maybe the best stuff yet, too bad about the price tag though.

Edited March 22, 2009 by FujimiLover

[duck_tape187]

ive seen that paint in real life when i was in college one of the Alsa reps came to our school and did a demo with that chrome paint. you cant tell the difference between that and real chrome

[FujimiLover]

ive seen that paint in real life when i was in college one of the Alsa reps came to our school and did a demo with that chrome paint. you cant tell the difference between that and real chrome

Thank you, that sounds promissing. Will try it some time............................

[MikeMc]

Web site look's cool, I'll have a look, thank you! "Spendy" maybe an issue howver, plus could be tricky to apply to a model and I doubt they have rattle-can.

They do!!!!! $115.00

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/killercan...illerchrome.htm

Edited March 23, 2009 by MikeMc

[FujimiLover]

Yes, I saw it after I've posted that message............................still expensive.

[Guest Davkin]

.From the pics it shows, the Rustoleum 7718 Chrome paint looks pretty good.

That's the Rustoleum chrome I was referring to. I bought my can at Walmart. Another issue with chrome that doesn't seem to be mentioned is the color. Automotive chrome usually has a nickel base which gives a very slight blue tinge to the chrome, I think the Rustoleum may actually replicate that color more accurately than the other options. I've also wondered if maybe the scale color theory could be applied to chrome. Maybe ultra bright shiney and perfectly reflective isn't what we really should have on a model. If one beleives in scale color theory I think the Rustoleum may be nearly perfectly "scaled down" chrome. Or not, I'm just babbling.

David