Chrome plating has forever been the best way to keep an item shiny and also require little maintenance. The chroming process is done electrostatically and requires special equipment, lots of steps, and is very expensive. For this reason many are seeking alternative methods to apply chrome or get a similar finish. We’ve been offering chrome powder for the powder coating process but that also requires some additional steps and equipment to achieve. If you have a paint gun and an air compressor you can get a simulated chrome finish with Spray-On Chrome. The key is to follow the instructions and process closely and you’ll be left with a highly reflective part that you did at home without the high chrome plating bill!
STEP 1:
For the most dramatic Chrome effect, Eastwood Liquid Chrome Paint must be applied over a smooth glossy black surface that’s been top coated with (50251ZP) Eastwood European Clear Coat Urethane. It can also be applied over most other urethane clear coatings. (Not compatible over PPG or House of Kolor coatings).
After the Clear is fully cured you can color sand and buff to a glass smooth finish, following the urethane clear manufacturer’s guidelines, and allow base to cure for 5-10 days at 70 to 95 degrees F before going to step 2.
STEP 2:
Wipe area to be coated with denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner/solvent to remove any residual grease, wax or oil residue. Next, wash the gloss urethane with hot detergent and water solution. (A solution of Dawn or Palmolive dishwashing detergent and water works well.) Exercise care to avoid scratching surface. For best results surface must remain scratch free and as smooth as glass.
STEP 3:
Stir and pour Eastwood Liquid Chrome into a spray gun or airbrush cup.NOTE: No additional thinning is necessary or desired.
Apply coating with a HVLP detail gun with 0.8 – 1.0 mm nozzle or airbrush with #5 tip. Adjust gun for very light material flow (about 1/2 to 3/4 turn open from the fully closed position). Adjust fan and pressure to produce an even very light mist fan about 2 inches wide.
Apply 3 or 4 very light coats, allowing 15 – 20 minutes between coats. Stop as soon as you achieve full opacity. Heavy coats or additional coats will produce a duller finish. Allow coating to dry for 1 5 minutes. NOTE: Full reflectivity will not be revealed until the end of step 4.
STEP 4:
GENTLY wipe the surface with a high-quality, absolutely clean, dry, microfiber cloth or 100 percent cotton towel or shirt. Do not use any hand pressure. Just let the weight of the cloth pick up any dry spray. This will slightly brighten the surface and improve reflectivity.
STEP 5:
Allow the coating to dry an additional 12-24 hours. Stir and apply 1 medium coat of Eastwood Liquid Chrome Clear (12452Z). NOTE: No additional thinning is necessary or desired.The application of this clear will decrease reflectivity by 5-15 percent, but it will prevent the coating from smudging and can be left as is or top coated with most two-part urethane automotive coatings for an even more durable finish. (Not compatible with PPG or House of Kolor coatings).
STEP 6:
Buff any two-part urethane clear to a smooth perfectly flat finish. (Refer to urethane clear color sanding and buffing instructions.)