I don't think this has been done to death yet. Any body use the new spectra chrome's "magic chrome". Looks like a 1 step process by the video but maybe not??? Is pricey but what isn't. May try this at some point. Any comments or experience? Merry Christmas! Jim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oHxF7mHiko OK, So this is the video I am refering to. Is this really all this guy is doing other than prep. I looked on their website and it does look that simple. I'm not looking for show chrome, just a good look. What am I missing? Jim
Search "Spray-on chrome". There is a cat waaayyy down south trying some stuff like that and has some results put up. I wouldn't expect the quality or look of real deal chrome, though.
Pretty good segment on Jay Leno's garage on spray on chrome. Video at link: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/spray-on-chrome/1232328/
wow,it looks to good to be true,has anyone tryed it yet? i wonder how tough it is? i had my 55 chevys gl*** bumpers done a few years ago and the looked close to chrome but i need to have the front re-done because its as soft as paint. and the only spray paint close is duplicolor but you cant touch it or clear it or it will dull.if this stuff is under $500. i might do it instead of sending it back out.,cool stuff anyway.
There is no such thing as Magic!! It does look amazing though. Wonder what it costs. Makes me wish I had bought that fibergl*** bumper at the swap meet a couple weeks ago.
There are 2 different spectra chrome processes as I can see it. The on like in the Leno video seems to be a 3 part process with lots of extra equipment. The video I watched is for what seems like a newer process called "magic chrome". Looks like I will find out myself. Will be getting the training video (if it has the "magic chrome" info on it) soon and will try it when I have all the facts. Will keep you posted! Jim
We have used it on 2 Pro Mod Race Cars (Carbon Fiber bodies) for the trim around the windows and it looks unbelievably real ! Very good product and holds up really well.
I have used it, I found it to be a pain in the *** to use, does look very nice but remember it is just paint, if you do a bumper or something it will get rock chips and such just like normal paint does so it will look like **** if not cares for carefully. I am going to use it on my desoto grill, it is pitted quite badly and I know if I had it fixed and rechromed I would have to mortgage my house so that is not going to happen but my bumpers will be going out to the chromers. Jim
Guy here in our town spent 15k for the complete system after 4 or 5 jobs the machine is in the corner and he will sell for 3500. It is junk buy chrome paint in a can that is all it is.
My buddy used the process on some heavily-pitted, pot metal, rare-as-hen's-teeth, 49 Dodge woodie taillight ***emblies. They're beautiful, but it took a ****-LOAD of prep work.
its that Me... Wow..you don't think so?.. there is nothing Magic about that Aluminum paint called "Chrome", the process its Far from 1 step, its complicated one, and at the end you will be lucky to end with something that looks like highly polished aluminum, the videos are meant to fool people... don't waste your money with spectra products, they have a bad rep here.. save your money for something that exceeds the shine of Real chrom....
Doesnt' have to be that expensive, I already showed how you could build a complete system for about 2000$....
Spectra chrome guys are so messed up that not only sell you a expensive chrome paint, but they leave you without the special need it clear coat, because guess why? as soon as you clear coat it with normal auto clear the chrome effect gets ruin, but if you don't protected it will not last for long, this guys are terrible they are just probably buying in bulk from a chinese manufacturer like this one http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/103659975/Bright_Chrome_Paint.html guys like alsa and moto storm actually make their own chrome paint and their own clear coat if you are going to buy a chrome PAINT(not recommended by me) buy from moto storm or their distributor innate chrome here the link for innate complete package http://www.innate.com/Paint/Chrome/start2finish.htm and here its single componets from Moto Storm MotoChrome MotoClear all in all don't trust anybody that can't even provide a clear for their Chrome paint...
cant find it anywhere. just the spectra chrome paint,for $300. its expencive for any paint. i can probley do as good if i sprayed silver perl over black.
I have a pint of it coming and will be trying as soon as I can. I will be OK with a polished aluminum look. The radiator shell was polished aluminum anyway. I can be satisfied with that look if I can get it. Will let you know! Jim
Please first try it in 3 small test panels, let them cure for about 2 days and then try just normal day handling in the first panel to see how it holds without a clear coat, the second test panel clear coated with water based polyurethane and the third one clear coat it with a normal urethane clear coat and let us know which one of the panel you like best...
do you have anyting else beside Bias to back up your unfounded claims...? here please have a read, this should educate you Solar Mirror (The use of silver as the reflective layer leads to higher efficiency levels, because it is the most reflective metal) Refractive Index of Silver Refractive Index of Aluminum Refractive Index of Chromium Refractive Index of Nickel Refractive Index of Copper and if you want to hear it from the experts http://www.finishing.com/1400-1599/1533.shtml Please feel free to disagree but this time back your own statements...
OK Did the first test. This will not be easy but I think I will be able to get something I can be happy with, Only tried once. Will have to strip that piece again. I got too much material on the first time and that prob was the gun setup. OK They called me back and answered my questions but seemed annoyed that I didn't buy the Spectra chrome system for the big bucks. If you don't have any faith in a product, you should pull it right, not use it to sell a different product. He did give me some tips and I will try them and let you know how I make out. I'm not mad about this as I kind-of knew this would be the way it would go. Will keep posting and keep trying until I run out of stuff! Jim
its well know that the so called chrome paint(aluminum particles) its and will never be as shiny as real chrome(not to be confused with Spray on chrome, which its more reflective than triple chrome) But it can have a highly polish aluminum looks, and there are ways to make it look like that, its hard but possible.. here have a read http://mysite.verizon.net/slmajor1/restorationchrome.html keep in mind not all chrome paints are made the same, the best ones are alcohol or lacquer based the bad ones are enamels... I was finally able to purchase a good camera(10 Mega Pix) and will be posting a small how to on chrome paint soon..
Here are the highlights from the finishing.com link. question: "Are there any ways to enhance the reflectivity of mirror polished stainless? We specialize in mirror polished stainless steel sheets. Surface quality is close to a gl*** mirror, but reflectivity wise, it tested at only 62-63%." answer: "I am afraid that chromium has a naturally high adsorption for solar radiation" The point is that the stainless sheets in question look great to the naked eye, and that, my friend, is what matters when you are discussing decorative brightwork. Nobody cares how much solar radiation their bumper is absorbing. They just want it to look good. Chromium plating is THE standard for decorative brightwork on our beloved vehicles, no contest. If there was something superior in enough ways, we would see it as a real compe***or to chrome. Refractive index sounds fine in theory, but in reality, nothing shines (and stays shiny) like chromium. Chomium does not tarnish and is very hard, meaning it doesn't need any refractive index-****ing clearcoats that render all other bright metal coating subpar to real chromium as a decorative brightwork coating. The chrome parts on a sweet old custom has nothing to do with how scientists are building solar panels. It has to do with durability, reflectivity to the human eye, and even affordability. I will remain very skeptical until i see something truly comparable to real chrome. Even the best fake chrome job I have seen still didn't look the same as the real thing, although I was impressed. The real nail in the coffin for exterior use is the lack of durability (longevity of as-new finish) compared to real metal. I'm not saying there is no use for fake chrome. I think there are many uses, but not nearly as many as the real deal.
you know you need to back your words with hard science don't ya? they way you see the world its not always how the real world its... Silver its the most reflective metal and that's a Fact, wheather you like it or not that's another thing... no one its denying that but it can be improved a whole lot with Powder coating... check the guys at Calchrome they are stating their Calchrome clear, which is nothing more than powder coating PVD aluminum will outlast a chrome plated wheel... http://www.calchrome.com/calchrome_clear.php#compare_bright
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