The Energon Pub

News Credits: 2 · Sat Nov 12, 2011 3:17 am

I want to get some BW transmetals but dont want to waste money if the chrome will just peel, I have seached forums but haven't seen any answers. somebody help or I will post pictures of sad ponies.

News Credits: 402 · Updated Oct 21, 2022

While it would involve some skill, and I cannot guarentee that it would look good in the end (or even work), how about coating the chrome bits in a uniform, thin, lyer of some sort of clear laquer?

News Credits: 7 · Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:39 am

An acrylic clear coat seems like the obvious answer but I've never tried it myself. With flaking, as opposed to rubbing damage I think the problem may result from long term light exposure (not in any way certain on this), so a top coat may do no more than hold the flaking layer in place as cracks develop. Show me the ponies.

Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:49 am

You know, that this peeling issue has become a problem is really quite sad, as chrome accents, like translucent parts, makes a figure look awesome.

I have a huge collection of Micronauts/Microman toys and figures from the seventies, most of which feature a large amount of chrome in their deco. The toys are over 30 years old and the chrome is still brilliant and in perfect shape. Even their rubber parts are still intact.

Toys from within the last couple decades however are a different story altogether. Power Rangers Time Force are prime examples of unprovoked chrome peeling and cracking. Some of the American release Gundam toys such as the 7 inch G-Gundam figures experienced cosmic chrome disintegration despite being handled with the kiddest of gloves. Beast Wars Transmetals are another, which if not heartbreaking enough extends into Beast Machines. Anyone remember those crappy Trendmasters Stealth Voltron figures where one would find a brand new figure or vehicle nestled in a bed of fallen chrome shavings right out of the package?

Chrome "wear" is easy to avoid in terms of those edges and spots that turn black or rub off like many of us have experienced with our G1 parts and accessories. You simply don't touch those parts if you can help it. Chrome is sensitive to finger oils, and if its thin enough will wear down. But peeling has no cure other than the MFGs getting off their cheap, lazy arses and instituting some honest to goodness QC.

News Credits: 3 · Sat Nov 12, 2011 12:26 pm

I wish there was a fix because Beast Machines Jetstorm looks so good with shiney blue chrome. It continues to degrade even sitting in his box :sad:

003.JPG

Odd thing is that the original batteries still work.
I don't dare take his repaint Cyclonus out of the box.

Sat Nov 12, 2011 1:45 pm

I believe that there is nothing that can be done. Unfortunately.

As for spraying with a lacquer. I would be very hesitant being that the lacquer could react very poorly with the chrome and make it bubble and completely ruin the figure.

Sat Nov 12, 2011 2:05 pm

Yeah, some of the older toys with Chrome really hold up if there's no real wear. I have an original 1983 GoBot Screw Head. Not only is there not a single blemish on his chrome, there's only one teeeeeny tiny chip on the painted die-cast chest.

News Credits: 2 · Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:43 pm

so i'll buy misb ones and never touch them if i dare take them out of the package, and i dont dare risk clear coat. :-(

News Credits: 2 · Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:29 am

DISCHARGE wrote:I wish there was a fix because Beast Machines Jetstorm looks so good with shiney blue chrome. It continues to degrade even sitting in his box
003.JPG

Odd thing is that the original batteries still work.
I don't dare take his repaint Cyclonus out of the box.

Yeah, short of completely stripping and rechroming, there's not much that can be done with that one. Well, that, or strip it and paint it red like in the concept art...

News Credits: 3 · Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:48 am

Skyfire77 wrote:
DISCHARGE wrote:I wish there was a fix because Beast Machines Jetstorm looks so good with shiney blue chrome. It continues to degrade even sitting in his box
003.JPG

Odd thing is that the original batteries still work.
I don't dare take his repaint Cyclonus out of the box.

Yeah, short of completely stripping and rechroming, there's not much that can be done with that one. Well, that, or strip it and paint it red like in the concept art...

I think I'd rather just buy one off ebay and not open it. They seem to be selling at a BIN for around $30-$60+ factory sealed. As much as I like a project, he looks like he would be a pain to repaint. The red scheme would look awesome on Jetstorm though. Why the Hell doesn't some company sell an easy re-chroming kit though?

News Credits: 2 · Sun Nov 13, 2011 1:59 pm

DISCHARGE wrote:Why the Hell doesn't some company sell an easy re-chroming kit though?

Vacuum metalizing isn't really something you can do at home. That said, you can probably find someplace near you that does; if not there's always Chrome Tech USA.