Clearcoating chromed parts?

[sausage]

I tried clearcoating some Tamiya chromed wheels today with a new can of Mr Super Clear Gloss. As soon as I sprayed the chrome became very matt-like with a frosted appearance. What I mean is that it lost the shiny chrome effect, just like the effect when you spray metallic paints with dullcoat.

Are there any alternatives to this which will help maintain the shine of the chromed parts?

[daggerlee]

Why would you want clear coated chrome rims? I say just leave them chrome, there's no need to clear coat it.

IF you want my opinion on what went wrong, I think that the lacquer melted the chrome metalizer. You should never clearcoat over a metalized surface, invariably it will almost always lose the metal apperance.

[sausage]

I have some older uncoated chrome parts, and I noticed that the chrome is corroding away from the edges. I'm trying to avoid this.

[highfly]

Maybe try "Sealer for Metalizer paint". Made by Model Master. Its air brush only but might work?It's safe on Decals and clear parts as well. Iv'e never tried it on chrome but it might do the trick!
Highfly

[daggerlee]

If you put your chrome parts away in a display cabinet or a display case where it doesn't receive much handling they should last for a pretty long time. Also don't leave it in direct sunlight.

I still wouldn't recommend a clearcoat over ANY metalized surface, many modelers on rec.models.scale recommend against this, they say even Model Masters Metalizer Sealer will cause the metalized surface to lose its luster. Use at your own risk

My final option would be to strip the chromed part of its chrome and chrome it yourself, using Alclad II's chrome (airbrush only) which is expensive at $8 for an ounce, but I've used their Aluminum and Highly Polished Aluminum and the stuff really works. It's very tough too, being lacquer based. If you have any questions just ask, good luck. Wouldn't know how to help you restore the chrome on your rims...

[Kosmonaut]

i found that a coat of clear over a chrome part makes it look like forged aluminum
so if you ever do a crappy kit that has chrome wheels for a car that had aluminum wheels, a coat of clear will quickly fix the problem