Why does my Alclad Chrome rub off?

[ImolaEK]

Well the mufflers i painted chrome with alclad2 chrome are no longer chrome. They are more like plastic/primer. I did one with primer and used compound to get it glossy but thought that compound wouldn't affect the way the paint got on since i used to do that several times. Can anyone tell me a good way to get that good chrome shine and keep the paint from rubbing off!

[nis.k.a.]

Yeah, that stuff can do that sometimes. You used the black base coat, right?

[RallyRaider]

Did you paint it stright over the primer? Alclad suggest you use an enamel base for their chrome. The reason being it won't grip to lacquer, needs something softer like enamel, especially as it has to go on in a very thin coat to work.

Get hold of some GSI Creos Plate Silver. It is just as chrome-like but less fussy, also won't come off in your hands.

[freakmech]

Alclad is THE thinnest paint in the world so dont buff. prime the part with gloss black (Tamiya Can is good). Alclad it. and dont touch. if you think you need to buff it then you really need to re-paint it. With practice you get Alclad looking good every time. Slow strokes, low pressure (around 17 psi) and about 4 in. away.

[ImolaEK]

Originally Posted by RallyRaider

Did you paint it stright over the primer? Alclad suggest you use an enamel base for their chrome. The reason being it won't grip to lacquer, needs something softer like enamel, especially as it has to go on in a very thin coat to work.

Get hold of some GSI Creos Plate Silver. It is just as chrome-like but less fussy, also won't come off in your hands.

Very useful info Phil, Thanks

I'll try Dupli Color Enamel Acrylic Gloss Black for the rest of the Alclad i have. Well my mufflers shined while they were chrome

[Okiemodelbuilder]

Originally Posted by ImolaEK

I'll try Dupli Color Enamel Acrylic Gloss Black for the rest of the Alclad i have.

I have had the best luck with Duplicolor Gloss Black Enamel. It has the black label on the can. If you shoot your Alclad Chrome within 5 minutes of the black it can withstand normal handling for model building when it dries.

I have a food dehydrator. I put my Alclad painted parts in it for about 8 hours which accellerates drying.

Marc

[freakmech]

also... was the muffler all ready chrome or metal? standard plastic prime or paint wont hold!?!

[007ightning]

Has anyone found a clear that will go over Alclad II chrome without it hazing up and loosing its semi reflective shine? I have tried a few to no avail.

John

[Okiemodelbuilder]

Originally Posted by 007ightning

Has anyone found a clear that will go over Alclad II chrome without it hazing up and loosing its semi reflective shine? I have tried a few to no avail.

John

You cannot clearcoat over Alclad Chrome. I have heard that you can apply Future over it. Don't have any so I haven't tried it.

[99civichic]

I just use Color Place "Silver Aluminum", $0.99 at Walmart for a 10 oz spray can, for all my chrome needs. I used it on my Shelby:


It handles well, although it's a bit soft, I've never had it rub completely through-you just might get a little shine on your fingers. It's cheap, and I don't do any prep work for it, other than removing flash. Definately worth a shot, for the price...

[Vric]

Originally Posted by ImolaEK

Very useful info Phil, Thanks

I'll try Dupli Color Enamel Acrylic Gloss Black for the rest of the Alclad i have. Well my mufflers shined while they were chrome

always read the intruction first

[RallyRaider]

Instructions - only as a last resort!