How should I approach this?

I ordered a set of the Fujimi Volk TE37 wheels. I want to have the outer lip chrome/polished and the center section gunmetal. I have been thinking about how to do this and figured I would need to come up with a clever masking scheme. I want to get some of your ideas on the best way to solve this dilema. What color should I paint first? Does the chrome paint come off if you put masking tape over it?

Here is a picture of what I am trying to accomplish.

http://www.forperformance.com/le37t18_l.jpg

you know what??? I tried to do the same thing on the same rims too, but it didn't turn out right. I would like how to do this to.

I would probably airbrush the gunmetal first and after letting it fully dry, I would paint the chrome by hand. They say a metallic paint looks more "real" if used over a darker surface... this way you do a 2 for 1.

Paint them Gunmetal first, then trim the edgs with Bare Metal Foil!

If you have an airbrush, why not use Alcad(sp?) chrome on the outer rim? ;)

If that was me, here is what I would do:

1.) Prime, paint entire rim gunmental (I would airbrush or spraypaint it)
2.) Apply a big piece of masking tape (a solid piece like Tamiya's 40mm or 18mm masking tape) over it, and burnish it into the circle of the rim with a toothpick.
3.) When the masking tape lies nice and flat on the rim, use a sharp X-Acto knife (new blade) and trace the outer edge of the rim, then remove the cut off piece of masking tape.
4.) Now the lip is exposed, paint it chrome with airbrush or spray paint.

Originally posted by daggerlee
If that was me, here is what I would do:

1.) Prime, paint entire rim gunmental (I would airbrush or spraypaint it)
2.) Apply a big piece of masking tape (a solid piece like Tamiya's 40mm or 18mm masking tape) over it, and burnish it into the circle of the rim with a toothpick.
3.) When the masking tape lies nice and flat on the rim, use a sharp X-Acto knife (new blade) and trace the outer edge of the rim, then remove the cut off piece of masking tape.
4.) Now the lip is exposed, paint it chrome with airbrush or spray paint.
Ditto.:D

I'd spray gunmetal first, then cover it with liquid mask, trim the excess, and paint the rim with Testor chrome, or spray Alclad chrome.