Omar Khalid
There are several methods to re-chrome plastic model parts. One method involves stripping the chrome from the parts and refinishing them with metal finishes for plastic, such as Alclad II, Testors Metalizer, SNJ, and Talon. Another method is to use a chrome spray paint after priming and prepping the surface. Additionally, some model makers use a copper-based paint on the plastic part, followed by a special solution and an electric current to achieve a copper finish. This process can also be repeated with a nickel solution to create a nickel finish. Adjusting the amps, volts, and temperature can create a realistic chrome effect.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| De-chroming products | Purple Power |
| Paint | Chrome silver, Alclad II, Testors Metalizer, SNJ, Talon, Krylon |
| Chrome plating | Vacuum plating, electro-plating, Alclad Chrome, Bare Metal Chrome Foil |
| Plating materials | Nickle, silver, stainless steel |
| Plating process | Paint plastic part with conducting paint, immerse in water |
| Plating solutions | Copper solution, nickle solution |
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What You'll Learn
Stripping chrome from plastic parts
It is important to note that the clear coat on top of the chrome is what gives it a shiny appearance, and this can be difficult to remove. Some products that can be used to strip both the chrome and the clear coat are Castrol Super Clean (now called Super Clean) and Easy Off oven cleaner. These products can take around 10 minutes to strip the chrome and may take longer to remove the clear coat.
When stripping chrome from plastic parts, it is important to wear gloves to protect your skin, as some of the chemicals used can be drying. It is also recommended to do a small test on a scrap piece of plastic before attempting to strip chrome from the actual model, to ensure that the method does not damage the plastic.
Once the chrome has been stripped, the plastic parts can be refinished using metal finishes for plastic, such as Alclad II, Testors Metalizer, SNJ, and Talon. It is important to prime and prep the surface well before applying the finish, and to do some research and practice beforehand if you have never applied a natural metal finish before.
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Painting with Alclad
Alclad is a brand of paint that can be used to refinish chrome parts on plastic models. It is a metal finish for plastic, and there are a few different types available.
Regular Alclad can be masked over and painted. It can be applied in 2-3 light coats and backed with any R/C paint. Decal solutions can be used with Regular Alclad, but they are not recommended for High Shine Alclad.
Prismatic finishes require a dark base coat, such as Alclad Gloss Black Base. Apply 2-3 light coats and, when dry, finish with 2-3 coats of Alclad Clear Base.
Holomatic Spectral Chrome should also be applied over Alclad Gloss Black Base with 1-2 light coats. When dry, finish with 2-3 coats of water-based clear paint.
High Shine Alclad is applied in 2-3 light coats and backed with black or silver paint.
Alclad is available in an airbrush kit, and surfaces must be completely clean before application.
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Chrome spray paint
One of the most popular products in this category is PChrome, a spray-on chrome finish specifically designed for plastic surfaces. It offers a high-quality, high-gleam polish that rivals traditional chrome plating in terms of aesthetics and durability. PChrome can be applied to various surfaces, including metal and wood, making it a versatile option for hobbyists and enthusiasts. Its versatility extends to the variety of colours available, ranging from classic silver to more vibrant shades like blue, red, and gold.
The application process for PChrome is straightforward and can be done in your garage or workshop, eliminating the need to send parts away for chroming. This not only saves time but also reduces costs compared to traditional chrome plating. Additionally, PChrome is safer and more environmentally friendly than chrome plating, as it does not require toxic acid baths.
However, it is important to note that chrome spray paint may not always deliver the same level of finish as true chrome. It may appear more like silver spray paint, and improper application can lead to the base coat showing through. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully and ensure proper preparation and priming of the surface before spraying.
For those seeking an alternative to chrome spray paint, vacuum metalizing is another method to consider. This process involves applying a base coat to the plastic part and then exposing it to an aluminium vapour cloud, resulting in a chrome-like shine. However, this method tends to be more expensive and time-consuming, as it requires sending the parts off for treatment.
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Metal finishes
One popular method is to use a metal finish spray paint specifically designed for plastic, such as Krylon's "Original Chrome" finish or Rustoleum's #7718 "Metallizer Bright Coat". These spray paints can be found in hardware stores and are easy to apply, but may require careful preparation and priming to achieve the best results. It is important to shake the can thoroughly and keep it well mixed while spraying to ensure an even and reflective finish.
Another option is to use a metal finish kit, such as the ones offered by PChrome. These kits are designed for DIY enthusiasts and can provide a high-quality chrome finish on plastic parts. However, they may require more time and practice to achieve the desired results.
For a more professional finish, vacuum metalizing is an option. This process involves applying a base coat to the plastic part and then exposing it to a vapor cloud of aluminum. The vapor bonds to the surface, creating a chrome-like shine. However, this method can be time-consuming and expensive as it usually requires sending the part off to a specialized company.
Additionally, chrome plating is a traditional method of adding a metal finish to plastic parts. This process involves sending the plastic parts to a plating company that will coat them in layers of nickel and copper before applying the chrome. While this method can produce a high-quality finish, it may be more costly and time-consuming.
When applying metal finishes, it is important to consider the level of intricacy of the model part. Burnishing can be used to add shine to the finish, but it may take longer for more intricate parts. A coat of wax can also be applied to enhance the depth of the finish and prevent tarnishing.
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Vacuum plating
The first step in the vacuum plating process is to prepare the plastic part by applying a base coat or a catalytic film. This step is crucial as it ensures that the chrome plating will properly adhere to the plastic surface. Once the part is prepared, it is placed in a vacuum chamber, where the air is removed to create a near-vacuum environment.
The chrome metalizing process then begins by heating a chrome source, such as chrome powder or pellets, to a high temperature to vaporize the chrome. This creates a cloud of chrome vapour within the vacuum chamber. The plastic part is then exposed to this vapour cloud, allowing the chrome to bond to its surface and form a thin chrome coating.
After the coating process is complete, the part is removed from the vacuum chamber and inspected to ensure that the chrome plating meets the desired standards. This process can be repeated if a thicker chrome coating is required, or if multiple layers of different metals are needed to achieve the desired results.
It is important to note that vacuum plating requires specialized equipment and may not be suitable for all plastic parts. Flexible plastics, for example, may not be compatible with this process due to the risk of stress fractures. As such, it is important to consult with experts or professionals in the field before attempting to vacuum plate plastic model parts.
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Frequently asked questions
Some methods to re-chrome plastic model parts include using metal finishes for plastic such as Alclad II, Testors Metalizer, SNJ, and Talon. If you prime and prep well, you can even use hardware-store chrome spray paint such as Krylon.
If you've never applied a natural metal finish before, be aware that it can be tricky to get right. It is recommended to do some research and practice on scrap pieces before tackling anything important.
Purple Power is a recommended product to strip chrome from plastic. It can be found anywhere from Kmart to the dollar store for $5 a gallon and it takes most plating off in 10-30 minutes.
As an alternative to re-chroming plastic model parts, you can consider custom painting them or using chrome silver to achieve a uniform colour.
