The Energon Pub

Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:48 pm

Hi All..

I think we have all had this problem at some point.. G1 transformers chromed plastic parts wearing through...

Anyone here have any lick re-chroming with paint ever? I have tried a lot of paints and techniques and all I get is grey looking...

I tried it on my childhood Optimus Prime here http://www.toyfixer.com/?p=150 and it didnt work out well at all..

I have also tried silver leafing but that is always a messy disaster.

Just looking for ideas.

Thanks!

Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:53 pm

The only way you'll ever get a mirror chrome like the factory is to have the parts rechromed. no paint will do it. It's a complicated process to chrome plastic but it involves hazardous chemicals and such that you need to have a license for and properly dispose of. That's why you don't see people rechroming plastic at home. It usually has to be done in a shop or factory type place.

News Credits: 241 · Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:58 pm

The problem here is that the chrome is not paint at all. All G1 Transformers from the early years (up to 1986) had die cast metal, which can tarnish, and/or have vacuum- metalised parts. So paint wouldn't really cut it, sadly.

We have a special section for kitbashing, repainting, restoration and other types of customising called Transtopia. It's down on the bottom of the Board Index.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:58 pm

I guess I stand corrected. It looks like Eastwood does have a product out there you can use. It still doesn't look as shiny as it should IMHO but it would probably work. Maybe others have better products now days. Here a vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHf-mbua ... re=related

Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:51 pm

Yeah, I know they are vac-plated chrome originally... I just was hoping that there might be some "insider" secret to "fixing" chromed parts.

I have seen that Eastwood Paint before.. Would love to try it but its SO expensive!!!

The last time I tried was a high gloss black undercoat with silver over it, but even that didnt work (I heard that from someone who painted a C-3PO costume head)

News Credits: 1 · Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:40 pm

I have heard that Alclad products stand up reasonably well to the chore. And they have a sealer I believe. But it requires application by airbrush I believe.

http://www.alclad2.com/index.html

News Credits: 2 · Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:43 pm

There's two options if paint isn't your thing. There's Chrome Tech USA, who specializes in toy and model parts. I've not used them myself, but others here have, and the results were positive. You could also try Bare Metal Foil which is self-adhesive and comes in a variety of colors. I used these to great effect on ROTF Ejector:

It was an old sheet, hence the wrinkles.
I've also used it on '07 Leader Prime.

News Credits: 7 · Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:59 am

Hmm... I was in the US recently and also bought one of those Krylon 'original chrome' cans of spray paint. Haven't tried it out yet, but I want to 're-chrome' G1 Groove's arms. Looking at the finish on your Optimus, it looks like it's not the perfect solution I was looking for, though.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:00 pm

The alclad2 stuff looks good.. And its cheap enough to buy a test bottle.. I have an airbrush already so thats not an issue.

The Chrome for plastic toys place looks good also.. Looks like reasonable prices if you can justify them for whatever you are doing.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:11 pm

alldarker wrote:Hmm... I was in the US recently and also bought one of those Krylon 'original chrome' cans of spray paint. Haven't tried it out yet, but I want to 're-chrome' G1 Groove's arms. Looking at the finish on your Optimus, it looks like it's not the perfect solution I was looking for, though.

Sorry to let you down but it will just turn out shiny silver.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:17 pm

Ya - It's just a grey silver.. See my first post for this topic and look at the link I provided... The finished version (The one with the grey where chrome should be) is Krylon Chrome paint.