Chrome Paint

[Mark W]

About chrome paint……..AK xtreme metal is great, very much like chrome. Alclad is second and their black gloss is superb. SMS is ultra smooth and even, but a little toned down, which is nice sometimes. I used it on my Bullitt Mustang so it didn’t have the super gloss effect.

I just bought some Green Stuff World Chrome Metal, but haven’t tried it yet. AK Super Chrome is like $30.00 / 60ml, looking for some input before I buy that one.

What are some of the experiences here among you guys?

[rattle can man]

I'm not sure if it helps, but there is a thread on chrome paints somewhere on the forum.

[bobss396]

I got a can of the Revell stuff, have yet to try it.

[peteski]

Yes, over the years there were several threads dedicated to the multiple brands of "chrome" paints.  Mark, since the inquiry is specifically about AK Super Chrome, mentioning that fact (instead of just generic  "Chrome Paint") in the subject line would have been helpful to all now and later.

The most recent lengthy thread is about Revell paint (but others are mentioned too) and comparisons to others are there too.

And if you follow directions in https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/79627-how-do-i-search-for-answers-already-posted-here/ you should be able to locate some of the other related threads, some of which might actually answer your question.  

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, bobss396 said:

I got a can of the Revell stuff, have yet to try it.

FWIW, at the ACME show last month, I saw an application of Revell's chrome that had been done earlier by the guy running the display, right out of the can.

It was very obviously done without extensive prep or special technique, as there were multiple dust nibs in it.

There was one flat-sided part and a set of 4 wheels still on the sprue.

The shine was as good as "quite good" kit chrome, no silvering, no visible "grain" either from flake size or dry-spray.

I purposely rubbed one side of one part with my bare finger, pretty hard, and the gloss did decrease noticeably.

I believe that gentle handling, especially wearing light cotton gloves like come in some diecast model boxes, would make the dulling almost a non-issue.

Wearing cheap latex gloves while handling Revell "chrome paint" parts might also alleviate the dulling issue.

Obviously, the worst opportunity for handling-caused dulling is probably going to be in situations where higher pressure is applied, like pushing wheels into tight openings in tires.

EDIT: IIRC, the guy who did the application thought the wheels looked better, and I thought the flat-sided part looked better (as far as the chrome effect went), so opinions are subjective, as always.

 

Edited November 8, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy
TYPO

[gtx6970]

I have a grille thats painted with revell chrome paint.

 

And dulling it down via  handling it hasnt been an issue so far.

It seems to be holding up A LOT better than anything Ive "chromed " with Alclad or the Pens by a long shot 

Edited November 8, 2024 by gtx6970

[yh70]

2 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

FWIW, at the ACME show last month, I saw an application of Revell's chrome that had been done earlier by the guy running the display, right out of the can.

It was very obviously done without extensive prep or special technique, as there were multiple dust nibs in it.

There was one flat-sided part and a set of 4 wheels still on the sprue.

The shine was as good as "quite good" kit chrome, no silvering, no visible "grain" either from flake size or dry-spray.

I purposely rubbed one side of one part with my bare finger, pretty hard, and the gloss did decrease noticeably.

I believe that gentle handling, especially wearing light cotton gloves like come in some diecast model boxes, would make the dulling almost a non-issue.

Wearing cheap latex gloves while handling Revell "chrome paint" parts might also alleviate the dulling issue.

Obviously, the worst opportunity for handling-caused dulling is probably going to be in situations where higher pressure is applied, like pushing wheels into tight openings in tires.

EDIT: IIRC, the guy who did the application thought the wheels looked better, and I thought the flat-sided part looked better (as far as the chrome effect went), so opinions are subjective, as always.

 

you can clear coat over the Revell Chrome Paint with Spaz Stix with no promblem.

[Exotics_Builder]

2 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

FWIW, at the ACME show last month, I saw an application of Revell's chrome that had been done earlier by the guy running the display, right out of the can.

It was very obviously done without extensive prep or special technique, as there were multiple dust nibs in it.

There was one flat-sided part and a set of 4 wheels still on the sprue.

The shine was as good as "quite good" kit chrome, no silvering, no visible "grain" either from flake size or dry-spray.

I purposely rubbed one side of one part with my bare finger, pretty hard, and the gloss did decrease noticeably.

I believe that gentle handling, especially wearing light cotton gloves like come in some diecast model boxes, would make the dulling almost a non-issue.

Wearing cheap latex gloves while handling Revell "chrome paint" parts might also alleviate the dulling issue.

Obviously, the worst opportunity for handling-caused dulling is probably going to be in situations where higher pressure is applied, like pushing wheels into tight openings in tires.

EDIT: IIRC, the guy who did the application thought the wheels looked better, and I thought the flat-sided part looked better (as far as the chrome effect went), so opinions are subjective, as always.

 

Revell spray over Mr Hobby 1500 Black Surface Primer.  Wheels are 3D printed.  Dried for one week.

[yh70]

7 hours ago, Exotics_Builder said:

Revell spray over Mr Hobby 1500 Black Surface Primer.  Wheels are 3D printed.  Dried for one week.

 you dont have to spray the Revell Chrome over a black surface. you will still get the same shine..i live in the deep south of Louisiana and the Chrome i can handle it in 2 days with out any clear coat..

Edited November 9, 2024 by yh70

[Exotics_Builder]

5 hours ago, yh70 said:

 you dont have to spray the Revell Chrome over a black surface. you will still get the same shine..i live in the deep south of Louisiana and the Chrome i can handle it in 2 days with out any clear coat..

I know.  I give a week to be on the UBER safe side.  I live in the Pacific Northwest.  I always prime and I did the wheels along with some other parts.  I have sprayed over other colors and also older chrome that was intact but not great shape

 

Edited November 9, 2024 by Exotics_Builder

[Mark W]

On 11/7/2024 at 8:31 PM, rattle can man said:

I'm not sure if it helps, but there is a thread on chrome paints somewhere on the forum.

Yeah, I looked for one but didn’t find it. I’ll search again.

[Mark W]

22 hours ago, peteski said:

Yes, over the years there were several threads dedicated to the multiple brands of "chrome" paints.  Mark, since the inquiry is specifically about AK Super Chrome, mentioning that fact (instead of just generic  "Chrome Paint") in the subject line would have been helpful to all now and later.

The most recent lengthy thread is about Revell paint (but others are mentioned too) and comparisons to others are there too.

And if you follow directions in https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/79627-how-do-i-search-for-answers-already-posted-here/ you should be able to locate some of the other related threads, some of which might actually answer your question.  

Thanks, I’m still new to the group and am finding how it works. I appreciate your advice and agree if I search through some threads, I’ll learn a lot.

l’m an old model builder, but still learning new techniques.

[Mark W]

22 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

FWIW, at the ACME show last month, I saw an application of Revell's chrome that had been done earlier by the guy running the display, right out of the can.

It was very obviously done without extensive prep or special technique, as there were multiple dust nibs in it.

There was one flat-sided part and a set of 4 wheels still on the sprue.

The shine was as good as "quite good" kit chrome, no silvering, no visible "grain" either from flake size or dry-spray.

I purposely rubbed one side of one part with my bare finger, pretty hard, and the gloss did decrease noticeably.

I believe that gentle handling, especially wearing light cotton gloves like come in some diecast model boxes, would make the dulling almost a non-issue.

Wearing cheap latex gloves while handling Revell "chrome paint" parts might also alleviate the dulling issue.

Obviously, the worst opportunity for handling-caused dulling is probably going to be in situations where higher pressure is applied, like pushing wheels into tight openings in tires.

EDIT: IIRC, the guy who did the application thought the wheels looked better, and I thought the flat-sided part looked better (as far as the chrome effect went), so opinions are subjective, as always.

 

I haven’t tried any rattle can stuff yet, going to get a bit better with the air brush stuff first. A lot of people like the revell spray, so it will be on the lost. I agree with light handling, when I was a kid, I tried to polish kit chrome with real chrome polish!! You know how that works.

[Mark W]

19 hours ago, Exotics_Builder said:

Revell spray over Mr Hobby 1500 Black Surface Primer.  Wheels are 3D printed.  Dried for one week.

I’ve been trying some Mr Hobby for the first time paints myself. I’m starting to like them.