Omar Khalid
Painting chrome plastic model parts can be a tricky process. When cutting and cleaning chrome parts, you are often left with spots that are no longer chrome. To refinish the parts, there are a few methods: using a chrome spray paint, chrome plating, or a latex-based spray. Chrome spray paint is a cheap and quick option, but it may appear more like silver spray paint than a true chrome finish. Chrome plating involves coating the plastic part in layers of nickel and copper before applying chrome, but this process can be time-consuming and expensive. A latex-based spray, such as Cardip.uk, can provide a high-quality and long-lasting finish, but it may not give the true chrome finish that other methods can provide.
Characteristics and Values table for painting chrome plastic model parts
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic parts | Can be transformed to have a chrome finish |
| Plastic types | Rigid plastic parts are suitable for chrome plating; flexible plastic may develop stress fractures |
| Chrome plating | Requires sending parts off to a plating company; expensive and time-consuming |
| Alternatives | Chrome spray paint, chrome film, PChrome spray, Cardip.uk latex-based spray, Plasti Dip |
| Preparation | Degrease, rub down, prime |
| Paint colours | Chrome silver, blue, red, gold, silver |
| Techniques | Stripping and refinishing, vacuum metalizing |
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What You'll Learn
Chrome spray paint
There are several spray chrome options available, including PChrome, which comes in several shades, including blue, red, gold, and silver. It is highly versatile and can be used on parts of any size, bonding well to almost any surface. It is also durable, highly weather-resistant, scuff-resistant, and salt-resistant.
Another option is to use a latex-based spray like Cardip.uk, which is similar to Plastidip but of better quality and more resilient to cleaning.
When using chrome spray paint, it is important to prepare the surface properly to ensure the paint adheres well and the finish is smooth and even. This may involve cleaning, sanding, and applying a primer. Be sure to follow the instructions provided with your chosen product.
Additionally, it is worth noting that chrome spray paint may not always result in a true chrome finish. It may appear more like silver spray paint, and the base coat may show through if not carefully applied.
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Chrome plating
One method involves sending the plastic parts to a plating company, which will coat the parts in layers of nickel and copper before applying the chrome. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, and it can only be used on rigid plastic parts as flexible plastic may develop stress fractures.
Another option is to use a chrome spray paint, which can be applied at home and is relatively affordable. However, it may appear more like silver spray paint than a true chrome finish, and the base coat may show through if not carefully applied.
A third method is vacuum metalizing, which is commonly used in the manufacture of flashlight reflectors. This process involves exposing the plastic parts to a vapor cloud made out of aluminium, which bonds to the surface and leaves behind a chrome-like shine.
Before applying any kind of chrome finish to plastic model parts, it is important to properly prepare the surface. This may involve stripping any existing plating or paint and cleaning and priming the parts.
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Vacuum metalizing
Before the electro-less plating, the plastic part must be prepared by immersing it in a bath to remove any leftover chemicals from previous processes. This step also helps accelerate the application of the film. After the part is coated with the metal layer, a negative charge is applied to it. The negatively charged part is then immersed in a tank containing positively charged chrome ions, which are attracted to the copper or nickel layer and attach themselves to it. Once the ions attach, they revert to their neutral metallic form, ensuring an even chrome plate layer.
However, there are also some drawbacks to this process. It can only be applied to rigid plastic parts as flexible plastics may break under the pressure exerted by the chrome plating process. Additionally, the process involves multiple steps and requires specialized equipment, making it more time-consuming and expensive than other options like spray chrome.
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Plasti dip
Plasti-dip is a popular method for removing chrome from plastic parts. It is a cost-effective method, with a total cost of around $35, and can be done at home. The process involves using a can of black plasti-dip, masking tape, and some garbage/plastic bags. The biggest tip for applying plasti-dip is to ensure that you apply the right kind of coating. The process is fairly simple, but it can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to masking off the areas that you don't want to be coated. It is important to be careful during this step as plasti-dip is very forgiving.
Plasti-dip can be used to coat chrome parts on cars, such as grilles and wheels, and can even be applied to the Tesla logo on the hood. It usually lasts a few years, depending on how well it was applied, and can be easily touched up if needed. However, it can be challenging to remove, especially from honeycomb grates, so it is important to consider this before application.
There are also different types of plasti-dip available, such as smoke-flavoured plasti-dip, which can be used to create a light smoke effect, and clear plasti-dip, which can be used to tone down the shine of chrome. Additionally, if the plasti-dip does not stick to the chrome, a can of plasti-dip primer can be used to improve adhesion.
Overall, plasti-dip is a great option for those who want to remove chrome from plastic parts without spending a lot of money. It is a simple process that can be done at home, but it requires careful preparation and can be time-consuming.
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Metal finishes for plastic
Metal finishes on plastic parts are popular across many industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, architectural, hardware, and packaging. They add a touch of luxury and sophistication to products while also serving functional purposes, such as enhancing scratch and corrosion resistance.
One classic technique to achieve a metallic finish on plastic is chrome plating. Chrome plating involves electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto the molded plastic part, resulting in a highly reflective, mirror-like surface. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, and it is only suitable for rigid plastic parts as flexible plastic may develop stress fractures. Chrome plating is commonly used for automotive components, plumbing fixtures, and decorative items.
Another method to achieve a chrome finish on plastic is through spray-on chrome solutions like PChrome. This spray-on technique can be applied on-site, saving time and costing only a fraction of traditional chrome plating. It provides a high-gleam polish and feel, similar to traditional chrome plating, and can be used on parts of any size. However, it may not produce a true chrome finish, appearing more like silver spray paint.
Vacuum metallization is an advanced technique where a thin layer of metal, such as chrome, gold, or copper, is deposited onto the plastic part in a vacuum chamber. This method offers precise control over the thickness and uniformity of the coating. It is commonly used in the manufacture of flashlight reflectors.
In-mold decoration (IMD) is a process where inks or PVD are printed or decorated onto a film that is then cut, formed, and insert-molded. This technique allows for multiple appearances using the same tool and can create antimicrobial surfaces, support backlighting, and produce complex decorative patterns with metallic appearances. However, IMD has limitations in terms of part geometry and the risk of damage to the thin decoration.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to paint chrome plastic model parts. You can use chrome spray paint, which is a cheap option but may look more like silver spray paint than a true chrome finish. You can also use a chrome spray like PChrome, which provides the same look and strength as traditional chrome plating. If you want to use a different colour, you can try a latex-based spray like Cardip.uk or Plastidip, which will create its own 'cling' and can be removed.
You will need to degrease, rub down, and prime the plastic before painting.
Some brands include Alclad II, Testors Metalizer, SNJ, and Talon.
You can use a product called Purple Power, which is available in many stores for $5 a gallon and takes most plating off in 10-30 minutes.
Two metal parts are placed in a liquid and an electric current is passed from one part to the other, leaving one part covered in chrome.
