Chrome paint: in cans for metal, aerosol, mirror, for cars

How to quickly and efficiently paint plastic parts of a car to match chrome? This question is very often asked by many car enthusiasts who, using all possible methods, strive to update their car or carry out its restoration.

The process of painting car parts made of plastic is carried out using the same technology that is applicable to metal products. Despite this, there are still several differences. They need to be taken into account during the work process.

What tools and materials may be required

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To carry out the process of painting parts in chrome, you need to prepare the following tools:

Special technical hair dryer;
Spatulas;
Spray;
Planers for efficient stripping.

As for materials, painting plastic in chrome may require not only the paint itself, but also special acrylic varnish, primer, sandpaper, anti-silicone, solvent, putty, antistatic wipes and pieces of material.

Exactly the same cylinder was used to treat a burnt-out headlight reflector (there was no money for new ones). I covered it with a couple of layers of this chrome with intermediate drying with a hot hairdryer. Then I covered it with one thin layer of varnish (also Motip). In the end, of course, it doesn’t look like CHROME, but it shone well. The light beam, of course, was not the best, but the road was visible, I rode them for about six months.

Why are you all writing all sorts of crap here! This can of varnish does not come into contact... and in general this type of can of so-called chrome, although in fact it is nonsense silver and varnish DOES NOT CONTACT! THE PROCESS OF COLLAGING of this type of chrome-silver begins! MYSELF! (I painted the pulleys for my engine) the right remedy is the snow queen under varnish - the color effect is much better!

You can also paint layer 3 of glossy varnish with even less. but close up)) there is also such a trick with these types - chrome paint, so I painted the part, it dries if you rub it with your finger, it shines better))). Now, if you cover it with this paint in several layers, try to rub it and varnish it, then it will look like chrome... it will even shine))

Chrome is not paint, it is galvanic, so only completely restoring the part in a galvanic bath with this balloon will only ruin everything.

Well, of course it doesn’t look like chrome (not at all) But if you apply as thick a layer as possible (but so that the fabric doesn’t leak), and put yacht varnish on top of it, it turns out more or less! I tried everything else (varnishes), either it becomes cloudy or lifts the paint! So far only this! The main thing is to apply the paint in one layer!

buy a Coke or Fanta at the grocery store and pour it on the bumper and rub it with a piece of tin foil, it removes all the rust like hell

Maybe it needs to be varnished later.

Polished stainless steel rules!

This kind of chrome is a scam of gullible people. There is no chrome in cans!

I bought Italian paint in a chrome can, you can make it like a mirror, shine, first prepare, prime, paint with black paint, then cover with varnish, dry completely, light matte 800, then thin! a layer of chrome paint is applied, two or three layers each are slightly dried, and dried at a temperature of 50-60 degrees, this is important! Preferably a day. I experimented a lot with this paint and I will say that this effect is temporary, in dry and warm weather it lasts for about two or three weeks, it is not washed off with water, but it is not worth scratching and is afraid of any solvent liquids and temperature changes, it begins to fade and turns into ordinary silver, and therefore it not worth it! Only galvanization or Atlas chrome paint is reliable, but it is very expensive

Stupid idea. Make a lotion out of Coca-Cola on them (if the joints are small), then polish them with a special paste for nickel, sold in stores, and you will be happy.

Nnnnnnnnn yes you are just starting to get molars! Yes, it shines better than metallic, but not well! Is it washable? Ohhh I'm going to die now! Have any of you tried degreasing the parts before painting? and can be sanded with the finest sandpaper? Or is the question not appropriate here? Few people know about degreasing and sanding? Well, for greater effect, you need to varnish in at least two layers and thoroughly polish each layer, the shine will not rub off or fade! Verified!

I agree 100%, no paint without varnish will be resistant to abrasion, only a couple of layers of thin varnish, not from a can, but normal plastic varnish from a spray bottle, so that it can withstand frost and heat and it will not allow any paint to darken or become cloudy , at least 1-2 years for sure, until it becomes cloudy from sandblasting or the external environment,

Any painter will tell you that paint from a can is nonsense, because the first press is there

Preparatory work

Immediately before painting, it is necessary to carry out certain preparatory work:

High quality washing and drying. This is necessary to identify all defects, both on a new part and on one that has already been used.
Cleaning and filling. These processes are carried out if there is a need to clean all existing problem areas with special sandpaper, the index of which is 100. The sanded surface must be degreased, and all defects should be filled.
Repairing cracks in varnish. If you are painting a part that has already been used, you should pay special attention to the possible presence of cracks. They can appear if the plastic is strongly bent, where the element itself remains intact, but the varnish cracks. They can only be dealt with through serious troweling processes using coarse sandpaper.
Primer. If you are painting parts that do not have defects, it is enough to prime it with a regular primer. After drying for 20 minutes, you can begin painting. The primer must be sprayed in a very thin layer to avoid smudges.

You should not carry out the stripping process by hand, since all the unevenness of the spatula will be preserved. It is the use of a plane that makes it possible to completely smooth them out.

Experts recommend combining crosswise hand movements with conventional circular movements for the stripping process. If you don’t have a plane at hand, you can use small pieces of very dense rubber, the size of which is approximately the size of your palm.

Types of chrome paints

The main types of chrome paints: one-component and two-component paints. The basis of both is metal powder. These types of paints and varnishes differ in composition, properties and application technique.

One-component compositions

One-component formulations are available in cans. The metal particles in them are combined with alkyd or nitrocellulose varnish. The spray can is convenient for those who want to paint small objects silver at home and do not strive to achieve a perfect mirror shine. At the same time, the dye dries quickly and is durable.

Two-component paints

Two-component formulations are available in cans. The kit includes acrylic or epoxy hardener. Such coatings are more resistant to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, and chemicals. They not only make the surface silver, but give it a pronounced mirror shine.

Variety of colors

To change the silver tint or achieve original effects, manufacturers add dyes to chrome paint.

Unusual Effects

Thermochromic effect is a change in paint color under the influence of temperature. The effect can be reversible or one-time. This “chameleon paint” is not widespread in everyday life; it is more often used in industrial settings.

Black chrome

Silver metal powder in the paint is mixed with black dye. This paint and varnish material gives objects a mirror-like black shine. It is often used to decorate individual elements of a car.

Colored chrome plating

A popular color paint option with a chrome plating effect is gold. To make it, yellow metal powder is used. Such coloring compositions are often used for painting interior items.

Features of the chrome plating process

Nowadays the process of painting plastic parts with chrome is carried out using one of two methods. The essence of the first lies in the following steps:

The most common black paint is applied to the surface;
After this layer has completely dried, the part is carefully polished until it resembles glass;
A high-quality polished surface is carefully wiped with a material soaked in special alcohol;
Immediately after this, a special construction hair dryer is used. Through it, the surface is heated, after which chromium is sprayed.

It must be remembered that chrome plating of parts must be done with a relatively small amount of paint, which is in a spray bottle and supplied under fairly high pressure.

Once the chrome is completely dry, the part should be thoroughly polished again.

Briefly about chrome paint

Chrome paint includes microscopic metal particles that give the painted object a mirror shine, allowing you to imitate a silver chrome coating on a variety of textures (wood, metal, plastic). The paint is sold both in regular cans and in aerosol cans. If you follow the application technology, you can get a perfectly smooth mirror surface in the color of silver metal.

Composition characteristics

Chromium effect dyes vary in composition.

The component that unites all the compositions is metal ground into powder (for example, aluminum gives a silvery tint). The base is added to it:

alkyd;
acrylic;
resinous;
nitrocellulose.

When dry, the base becomes transparent. Metal microparticles are evenly distributed over the surface, giving it a silvery tint and a mirror shine.

Application

Modern compositions of chrome dyes make it possible to paint a wide variety of materials, which has significantly expanded the range of applications of this paint and varnish.

However, most often mirror chrome paint is used for painting metal objects. This allows you to protect the metal from:

exposure to ultraviolet radiation and overheating;
corrosion;
exposure to moisture.

In addition, silver chrome dyes dry quickly and are non-toxic, which is why they are often used as metal paint - for painting radiators and home heating pipes.

Process Features

Both plastic parts and metal surfaces can be chrome plated. Work at home should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, since during the process chemicals that can adversely affect health will inevitably be released into the air. If the reagent comes into contact with the skin, dangerous burns are possible. In addition, chemical poisoning of the body is not uncommon.

The best place to do the work yourself is a garage or other technical premises. As a precaution, you should use a respirator, safety glasses, rubber gloves and an apron.

To carry out the work you will need the following equipment:

a container that can be used as an ordinary 3-liter glass jar or a plastic bucket (the choice of a specific container depends on the configuration of the part that will be chromed);
a wooden box (it needs to be insulated with fiberglass and then insulated with sand);
heating element, since chrome plating is carried out at a high temperature (a regular heating element will do);
thermometer (scale should reach 100 degrees Celsius);
plywood sheet;
clamp;
bracket for fixing workpieces;

The process of chrome plating parts

First of all, you need to connect the workpieces with a wire to the transformer. Then we pick up a brush, also attached to the transformer, and pour electrolyte into it. Apply an electrolyte layer to the surface. This must be done carefully and smoothly - with movements up and down. The electrolyte layer must be sufficient to ensure that the applied coating is preserved for the maximum possible period of time. During operation, we monitor the presence of electrolyte in the brush and, if necessary, add the composition again.

Note! It is recommended to make at least thirty passes of the brush over each surface area.

After applying the electrolyte, rinse the surfaces under running water. Then let the parts dry. Rub already dry surfaces with a piece of cloth until they shine.

Useful tips

In some cases, it is not possible to do chrome plating yourself, and then you can choose an alternative way to give the part a spectacular look - nickel plating.
Chrome plating allows you to reflect the light of the Sun, but over time this property of the treated surface is lost. Therefore, the chrome surface needs to be looked after regularly. Maintenance consists of periodically washing the parts in warm water using household chemicals. After washing, parts should be wiped with a lint-free cloth. Rough cloths or brushes may damage the chrome surface.
Low temperatures negatively affect the appearance of treated surfaces - they become dull.
After completing the chrome plating work, you need to polish the surface.

Chrome plating of plastic parts is a feasible task, but quite labor-intensive. You will also need a significant amount of equipment, some of which (for example, a transformer) cost a lot of money. Therefore, if there is no need for regular chrome plating or a small amount of work, it is easier to turn to specialists for help.

Review of popular manufacturers

Chrome paint has gained quite a lot of popularity. And this popularity is growing every day. Therefore, we will focus on the most popular cans:

RUSH Power, a fairly inexpensive paint with a price of no more than three hundred rubles. It has a good sprayer and can give the desired effect with just one coat of paint. However, this type of paint is not suitable for use in auto detailing; this can is more suitable for applying graffiti.
Bosny CHROME is also a budget option that can be used for painting small metal parts. To achieve a more lasting effect, the use of varnish is recommended.
Chrome Effect is the most popular paint among car enthusiasts today. Not the cheapest option. However, this manufacturer gives the most worthy appearance of the final product, which is most similar to real chrome plating.

The wide range of types of chrome paint that exist today, as well as a huge range of colors, allow even an ordinary person to apply chrome paint without special training.

Characteristics and application of chrome metal paint in cans