Refurbishing chrome / brightwork on plastic

[alfahead]

Hi, has anyone got any ideas on restoring chrome finishes for plastic kits. Doing it the expensive way I suppose - make bits in brass and get them plated , or find someone to vac metallise them ( the original way I think plastic was chromed ). Are there any new paints which look really good?

[3.Star]

You can do it on your own, using Alclad II chrome paint. Will give acceptable results, but needs an airbrush . Or have a look at Chrome tech usa, Chrome plating service, vacuum metallizing, for plastic on model cars, toys and automotive interior dash pannels. they are chroming plastic parts and are a good address for modellers.

Cheers
Michael

[alfahead]

Thanks Michael,

I have just looked on ebay and I can get this locally (UK). I will give it a try in the next couple of weeks. You say acceptable so you are a perfectionist or do you think there may be something better out there that someone else might know about?

Peter

[3.Star]

Peter, I am not a perfectionist, but nothing is better than real chrome. Feel it, touch it and kiss it. To be serious, Alclad is a good way, when properly done. The surface has to be super-smooth, then apply gloss black enamel , after polishing shoot alclad in thin layers. Please do not use any clear-coat, this will dull the chrome effect. Hope this helps.

Cheers
Michael