'Chrome plating' aerosol

[Simpo Two]

I'm looking to smarten up a few bits of weathered chrome plate but it's not worth real plating. Can anyone recommend an aerosol paint that will give a durable (weatherproof) shiny finish and look as much as possible like chrome plate? And do Halfords stock it? Ta!

[PH5121]

I have in front of me an aerosol of Chrome paint from a range manufactured by Plasti-kote.

It is an enamel paint, which I will be using it to re paint the handlebars on a kids bike.

It was from a local hardware shop.

I don't know how good it is as I haven't tried it yet.

Edited by PH5121 on Tuesday 8th February 14:09

[Simpo Two]

Thanks - in fact that's two mentions for Plastikote Chrome.

Local shop doesn't sell it so it's a 20-mile car trip unfortunately.

[Stu R]

I've used Plastikote with some success. Most of their stuff seems to do a good job.

B&Q et al sell it.

[aka_kerrly]

Stu R said:

I've used Plastikote with some success. Most of their stuff seems to do a good job.

B&Q et al sell it.

WILKINSON sell it to for FAR LESS!

The stuff is pretty good but it really is a case of lots of thin layers and make sure it has plenty of time to dry. Once properly dried it is pretty tough and keeps its shine for while, it even works on alloy wheels to.

Plasti Cote also do BBQ paint which is perfect for doing engine blocks & engine components as it is heat proof and hard wearing.

Dave

[Simpo Two]

aka_kerrly said:

WILKINSON sell it to for FAR LESS!

The stuff is pretty good but it really is a case of lots of thin layers and make sure it has plenty of time to dry.

Yes and yes, a small can (a big one would go off before I used it all) was about £3.50 in B&Q. I've put the first coat on (and discovered it doesn't dry in 10 secs like other aerosols). So far it looks like the matt side of tinfoil - ie nothing like chrome - though I suppose you could varnish it as well.

[Zad]

The Plastikote thing looks absolutely nothing like the one on the lid. Nothing. Not even close. It ends up looking like a Humbrol enamel paint you used in 1985 on some model kit that long since got trashed. Quite how they are still allowed to sell it in that container, I am not sure.

The only thing that comes close is Alclad II model paint, and that needs a lot of preparation and then needs airbrushing on.

[aka_kerrly]

Simpo Two said:

Yes and yes, a small can (a big one would go off before I used it all) was about £3.50 in B&Q. I've put the first coat on (and discovered it doesn't dry in 10 secs like other aerosols). So far it looks like the matt side of tinfoil - ie nothing like chrome - though I suppose you could varnish it as well.

It is very important to shake the can up before spraying and it should come out pretty well to the extent you should nearly see your reflection in it. When I sprayed some alloys I made the mistake of lacquring them too soon and as a result the chrome went a odd shade of dark grey but with quite obvious chrome speckles in it so id say leave the chrome finish to harden for a few days and see what it's like

dave

[Simpo Two]

Thanks - you certainly have to treat it with care. I left it in the airing cupboard overnight to harden, but to my surprise it was still showing fingerprints and greying this morning, so needed another coat.

It's acceptable, but you do wonder if Plastikote is getting its products stocked by brand strength and sales methods rather than actual product quiality.

[youngsyr]

aka_kerrly said:

Simpo Two said:

Yes and yes, a small can (a big one would go off before I used it all) was about £3.50 in B&Q. I've put the first coat on (and discovered it doesn't dry in 10 secs like other aerosols). So far it looks like the matt side of tinfoil - ie nothing like chrome - though I suppose you could varnish it as well.

It is very important to shake the can up before spraying and it should come out pretty well to the extent you should nearly see your reflection in it. When I sprayed some alloys I made the mistake of lacquring them too soon and as a result the chrome went a odd shade of dark grey but with quite obvious chrome speckles in it so id say leave the chrome finish to harden for a few days and see what it's like

dave

Check the back of the can - I've seen silver paint (supposedly chrome) that says it cannot be lacquered. If you try, you get exactly the result you found.