"Chrome Paint?" Topic

It's been a few years – maybe there is new tech out there since the last thread.

I want that HIGHLY reflective mirror shine.

I saw that Aclud does not adhere very well though that's basically what I'm looking for in terms of appearance.

I think you are looking you are looking for Vapor Deposition, which might be a bit beyond the home project. See:

link

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They do sell chrome spray paint at various auto stores.

Not sure how well it works, but imagine it must be decent if they carry it.

Unfortunately there is no paint that is going to give you a mirror finish. There is a metallic coating that you mentioned in you OP. The problem with that stuff is that your surface must be absolutely smooth to begin with, it is very delicate once applied, and it must be buffed to the desired sheen. The stuff is good for display models that only are handled with lint-free cotton cloves.

A better bet is use one of the foil methods. These consist of an adhesive that is applied to the desired surface to which a very thin foil (leaf) is applied and burnished down. This also takes a lot of practice and care, but is much sturdier.

I have tried it but it is nowhere near that mirror like…

There is a testors enamel that is chrome. It isn't quite that chrome but it is the best paint out there for it. I use it on the odd project that needs to be really shiny.

I used Humbrol enamel chrome silver many, many years ago.
While it does not give the motorcycle type finish I found it very good for chaos Knights and posh high elves.
If it still exists try it out .
You could always try Tamiya fine white modelling primer.
Several coats of Watered down silver (airbrushed) and a glossy clear varnish or two.
not tested this yet but similar to car spraying on a miniatures level.

Alclad II is the closest to chrome I have ever seen:

alclad2.com

DANGER WILL ROBINSON

I had a bad experience with Chrome spray paint a few years back while doing some custom model work for a Godzilla Fan. I painted Mecha Godzilla in chrome spray paint and because I had also painted details like eyes, I tried to seal it with a spray overcoat. Even though I was using spray from the same brand, it totally ruined the finish. The model turned an ugly grey and I had to trash it and do another.

So if you use chrome spray paint make sure nothing goes on top of it.

There is a big difference between Chrome Spray Paints and so called "metalizers" like Alclad, Testor's has a line, and I believe that Humbrol has come out with one as well. Alclad is meant to be applied by airbrush (Testor's comes in an airbrush form as well as in rattle-cans).

These metalizers are actually lacquer paints, designed to be applied over a glossy black finish and in most cases designed to be buffed. I also know some people who apply various drying methods and times to the finish as well. But again these are different from just a can of Rustoleum Chrome

Sorry, I forgot to add that there is a dedicated sealer as well.

Chrome foil?

If your source is lead, you can polish it with a wire brush then run a gloss wash with a little black over it to find the shadows. It's not the same, but it's a good imitation.