Chrome Parts

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I posted this question in the auto section and they recommended I post it here in the aircraft section. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appriciated.

I am planning on building a FD utility truck. I am using Revell’s 1/25 Silverado. I am going to build a front bumper with a winch and push bar. My question is this. What is the best way to paint the front bumper so it looks like it is chrome?

Sorry if this is a beginners question but I spend most of my time building armor kits

2

Gloss white enamel polished out with SnJ Polishing Powders…Aluminum and a smidgeon of Steel.

Or you could use the Talon Aluminum and the same two powders mentioned above.

3

As I was about to say before I was rudely interruped by a glitch in Firefox:

AFAIC you have four options:

  1. Jerry’s first suggestion.
  2. Jerry’s second suggestion.
  3. Bare Metal Foil.
  4. Alclad II.

And those are about the order of my preference, too.

4

BMF might be a bit hard to apply to the various apparatuses mounted on the bumper.

5

Alclad II Polished Aluminum or ModelMaster Chrome Silver ,applied over a gloss Black base, will do the trick as well.

Regards, Rick

6

Thanks for the info. I will check into these items and see which one works the best.

7

If you get some of Geralds stuff (which seems to be highly recomended)…do not sneeze over the jar!

I shouldn’t mention because I don’t subscribe to it…but a friend that customizes motorcycles used some of the ‘chrome’ colored spray paint to hide a minor blemish…it worked in that case…but on an involved, detailed plastic grille…I don’t know.

8

The best suggestion given to me is to do the following…

If there is already chrome plating remove it.

Decant gloss black automotive lacquer and spray the part. Note - if you plan on masking I suggest a good primer underneath the black lacquer. You can get the lacquer at any auto parts store. Important - Make sure that the finish is perfectly smooth before applying the Alclad II. I was able to do this by using a 12,000 grit sanding pad and applying a wet coat of Future.

Use Alclad II Chrome or Polished Aluminum. I haven’t tried the chrome myself yet but I have used the polished aluminum and it looks like chrome to me.

I’m very impressed on how well this worked.

Good luck!

Dave