Plastic Chrome Paint
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Griffith Indiana
Plastic Chrome Paint
Has anyone had any good success with spray can Chrome paint and if so, who made it and what is the best brand? I would like to paint my 1980 plastic side grills if they would look good instead of paying $70 or $80 for new chrome ones.
Thanks,
TTERZ
Thanks,
TTERZ
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
You can get a somewhat shiny, bright silver, but it will not look like chrome.
The grilles are plastic; plastic can be plated. If there is a professional plater in your area, he may be able to flash plate your grilles.
The grilles are plastic; plastic can be plated. If there is a professional plater in your area, he may be able to flash plate your grilles.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 31, 2011 at 11:58 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Any idea how they plate plastic? Put some form of conductive coating on first? Chrome wearing off plastic parts has been a problem for many years. Some of my old Mustangs suffered from this, they weren't more than 6 years old at the time...
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
So it's really aluminum with a clear coat?
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Yeah. We used to have lexan lenses done selectvely around the edges as a decorative trim and it looked nice. But you can still tell the difference, it's an artificial chrome look. Pull the reflector out of your flashlight and most likely it'll be plastic that's been coated this way.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 339
Likes: 4
From: Northwest CT
Nothing looks just like chrome except chrome.
Another product that I have seen that is a really good simulation is Alsa “Killer Chrome” It’s not the miracle that the website would have you believing, but it’s not bad. It is expensive stuff though.
Another product that I have seen that is a really good simulation is Alsa “Killer Chrome” It’s not the miracle that the website would have you believing, but it’s not bad. It is expensive stuff though.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Plastic can have chrome-like appearance via "vacuum metalizing" process. You will have to find a supplier/provider in your area. If you have that done, I would advise you to put a durable clear-coat over the top, since it will be on car's exterior.
Some of the "chrome" paints might do an OK job for you. They tend to look more like polished aluminum than chrome; but for use on a piece of 'trim', it might be OK. It's certainly less expensive than vacuum metalizing.
Some of the "chrome" paints might do an OK job for you. They tend to look more like polished aluminum than chrome; but for use on a piece of 'trim', it might be OK. It's certainly less expensive than vacuum metalizing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
