plated parts

uncleglenny · 18-02-2008

first off let me say i love this site, i would like to know how to make all those plated "chrome" parts look real..i've read about the bare metal foil but i dont think that would work for small engine parts ect...should i strip the chrome off and paint them?

**GEEDUBBYA** · 18-02-2008

Howdy Glenn,

First welcome to the forum, we are certainly glad to have you here.
I personally have never used the foil method, but if you have an airbrush, you might look into some "alcad" paint. This stuff is unreal in the finish it produces. I am talking about mirror finishes, ones you can almost count your moustache hairs in.
It comes in colors other than chrome, but all are metal finishes. I dont happen to have a link handy, but I am sure someone can provide you with one.
Anyway. i mainly wanyed to welcome you to the forum, have a good day,

Greg

uncleglenny · 18-02-2008

is alcad available in Canada all i've ever seen at the lhs is testors metalizer is this the same thing? also i've read the alcad will craze plastic how do i get around this? ps thanks for the help i'm just getting back into the hobby after 15 yrs so i need to know alot

**wonwinglo** · 18-02-2008

A good substitute is Holts Chrome which is available in rattle cans,the finish gives a very passable chrome finish,the best primer is flat black.
I like these cans for their convenience, and use them quite a lot these days especially as they are now formulated as acrylics.

uncleglenny · 19-02-2008

ok i soaked my chrome parts in bleach and all the chrome is gone but now they are shiny with yellow streaks , how do i get rid of the gloss coat so i can paint them?

Pan_Am_Clipper_Girl · 19-02-2008

Wash in warm soapy water. Let air dry. Rub down with fine wet and dry. Though it's been a while since I had to strip chrome I don't think I even did that, just primed with a good primer. To be on the safe side that is one way of doing it.

brian riddell · 20-04-2008

This finish is difficult to obtain without it looking unreal I have found that due to the scale effect that happens with shiny objects is that the smaller the scale the less bright they become so obtaining a very bright finish isn't always the answer try toning it down and the effect is more realistic. If you look at oo guage trains they look better in a satin finish than gloss Brian