Advice on chrome paint

Simon · 13th April 2007, 14:58

I'm looking into the idea of chroming something.

Without wanting to spill the beans on my idea, I want to chrome a piece (or pieces) of plastic.

The finish on one of the pieces is smooth and shiny (same as the 'eyebrow' fascia piece on our cars).

The finish on one of the plastic pieces is rougher, but not textured (same as the window pannels on our cars).

I want to acheive as near as possible a mirror-finish. I've seen some of the offerings in local DIY stores but done seem to be up to scratch. The pieces can be removed for painting so spray-cans are an option.

Anyone got any recommendations hints/tips?

The_Monk · 13th April 2007, 15:11

We bought a spray can from the local B&Q to spray some white screw caps to fix a mirror to the wall. They look really good. I can't remember the name something like ???-plastik? If someone else says the name I'll remember it! They were pretty good tho, looked as if we had bought the caps in chrome!

Karsten · 13th April 2007, 15:18

Galvanize them by yourself.
Chrome might be a bit hard to do, but silver might be a good alternative.
All you need is available from hobby shops or ebay.
But do not forget to put on a conductive coat of laquer if you want to galvanize them.

Best results are achieved by using laquer, then galvanize in copper and later finish with silver.

Simon · 13th April 2007, 15:20

Galvanizing might be a bit OTT. I was kind of hoping for a simpler option....

re: paint at DIY stores - the directions on the tubs tended to suggest the finish may not be as you'd expect and judging by the "sample" finish the use for the lids of the cans, then I must say I wasnt impressed....

Karsten · 13th April 2007, 17:07

Galvanizing ain't THAT hard to do.
ALL "chrome" paints I've EVER tried looked like those cheap pseudo "chrome" on 99p motorcycle models. Apart from that, they rub down in an instance and detoriate under UV while you wait.
You might give it a try with tinfoil.
Don't laugh, there are actually quite good iron-on tinfoils available. Look in a modeller's store for the stuff they use to cover model airplanes with.

Keith · 14th April 2007, 11:40

Simon I can't remember the link PM Paranoid, there is a wheel refinisher in Birmingham that does plastic finishes as well, chrome, flake, fur, anything on to anything

anything diy out of a can if not perfect will look a mess

Kandyman · 14th April 2007, 13:47

There a firm down my way that do a thing called Insta- Chrome have a look at there web site for more details. www.asandd.co.uk

tourerfogey · 14th April 2007, 16:57

My advice on chrome paint? Don't bother - it ain't ever gonna look like chrome.

Simon · 14th April 2007, 17:58

I was thinking of perhaps using a specialist company to do the work. Depending on cost and viability depends whether or not I go down this route that I have planned out in my head. When Stage 1 of my project is done then I'll review the overall situtation and maybe then have a look at some of these chroming companies.

Thanks all for the advice though and any more suggestions then keep 'em coming...

ColinB · 14th April 2007, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Monk

We bought a spray can from the local B&Q to spray some white screw caps to fix a mirror to the wall. They look really good. I can't remember the name something like ???-plastik? If someone else says the name I'll remember it! They were pretty good tho, looked as if we had bought the caps in chrome!

Plasti-kote projekt paint?

13th April 2007, 14:58	#1
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Advice on chrome paint I'm looking into the idea of chroming something. Without wanting to spill the beans on my idea, I want to chrome a piece (or pieces) of plastic. The finish on one of the pieces is smooth and shiny (same as the 'eyebrow' fascia piece on our cars). The finish on one of the plastic pieces is rougher, but not textured (same as the window pannels on our cars). I want to acheive as near as possible a mirror-finish. I've seen some of the offerings in local DIY stores but done seem to be up to scratch. The pieces can be removed for painting so spray-cans are an option. Anyone got any recommendations hints/tips?

13th April 2007, 15:18	#3
Karsten Avid contributor Rover 75 2.0 CDTi Saloon Conoisseur Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Midleton, Cork Posts: 149 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Galvanize them by yourself. Chrome might be a bit hard to do, but silver might be a good alternative. All you need is available from hobby shops or ebay. But do not forget to put on a conductive coat of laquer if you want to galvanize them. Best results are achieved by using laquer, then galvanize in copper and later finish with silver. __________________ Karsten It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarrettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses!

13th April 2007, 17:07	#5
Karsten Avid contributor Rover 75 2.0 CDTi Saloon Conoisseur Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Midleton, Cork Posts: 149 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Galvanizing ain't THAT hard to do. ALL "chrome" paints I've EVER tried looked like those cheap pseudo "chrome" on 99p motorcycle models. Apart from that, they rub down in an instance and detoriate under UV while you wait. You might give it a try with tinfoil. Don't laugh, there are actually quite good iron-on tinfoils available. Look in a modeller's store for the stuff they use to cover model airplanes with. __________________ Karsten It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarrettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses!

13th April 2007, 15:11	#2
The_Monk I really should get out more....... - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 2,586 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	We bought a spray can from the local B&Q to spray some white screw caps to fix a mirror to the wall. They look really good. I can't remember the name something like ???-plastik? If someone else says the name I'll remember it! They were pretty good tho, looked as if we had bought the caps in chrome!

13th April 2007, 15:20	#4
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Galvanizing might be a bit OTT. I was kind of hoping for a simpler option.... re: paint at DIY stores - the directions on the tubs tended to suggest the finish may not be as you'd expect and judging by the "sample" finish the use for the lids of the cans, then I must say I wasnt impressed....

14th April 2007, 11:40	#6
Keith This is my second home ZT400 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellesmere Posts: 5,948 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 29 Posts	Simon I can't remember the link PM Paranoid, there is a wheel refinisher in Birmingham that does plastic finishes as well, chrome, flake, fur, anything on to anything anything diy out of a can if not perfect will look a mess

14th April 2007, 13:47	#7
Kandyman Banned ROVER 75 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE Limousine 2004 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Welling Posts: 10,995 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	There a firm down my way that do a thing called Insta- Chrome have a look at there web site for more details. www.asandd.co.uk

14th April 2007, 16:57	#8
tourerfogey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	My advice on chrome paint? Don't bother - it ain't ever gonna look like chrome.

14th April 2007, 17:58	#9
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I was thinking of perhaps using a specialist company to do the work. Depending on cost and viability depends whether or not I go down this route that I have planned out in my head. When Stage 1 of my project is done then I'll review the overall situtation and maybe then have a look at some of these chroming companies. Thanks all for the advice though and any more suggestions then keep 'em coming...