Painting Chrome Parts

Modeling Subjects Autos
1

Hey all, I’m building my first car since the late Eighties, and I have a question.

I’m building Revell’s Shelby Cobra 427 S/C. The chrome sprue is quite extensive, but most of the chrome parts are supposed to be painted. Is garden variety Testors enamel going to stick to these parts? If not, do I need to strip them, or just prime them?

Any help will be appreciated!

2

I haven’t had a chance to work on that kit yet. Let us know how it goes.

If you are talking about painting only a section of the chrome part, here’s what I do:

  • If it’s big enough, either sand with 600 grit or finer.
  • Scrape the chrome off carefully with the X-Acto knife (hold blade perpendicular).
  • If too small - wash with Iso, paint (Testors or MM enamels) handle with care.

If we are talking removing all the chrome, I “hear” that soaking in bleach removes it.

3

Yes soaking in a strong bleach solution does work. The length of time it takes depends on the thickness of the ‘chrome’. I’ve seen it start coming off almost immediately and on the other hand take 36 hours or so but it’s cleaner and safer than using caustics.

Most enamels will take over chrome but it’s always best to sand down and smooth first.

If removing with a knife I find that a rounded blade works better than the pointed variety - I don’t know why but it seems to give a little better control.

4

Thanks for the tips, guys. The good news is that a couple of parts I painted as a test seem to be fine. Most of the chrome parts that are supposed to get paint are designated as steel or aluminum, and the Testors steel is covering well and sticking just as it should.

As for the kit, it looks good. There’s minimal flash (so minimal that in one case I didn’t notice the flash until I’d started to paint the part) and it’s all on parts that are tube-shaped, like the headers and driveshaft. The decals are very sharp, and the body detail (not that there’s a lot on a Cobra) is pretty sharp. Though the marking options are both race cars (one in Guardsman blue and the other in racing green, both with white stripes) there are parts in the kit for a stock windshield, a tonneau cover and a license plate.

When I’m done with it I’ll post another “review.”

5

Glad to hear the paint is sticking fine for you. I usually never have much of a problem with the Testors/MM brand enamels.

Thanks for the review and good luck on the build. [;)]