Simulated chrome

[jaybee]

Is it possible to cover a fiberglass part with something that would approximate a chrome finish?  Certainly not show chrome, but maybe something close in quality to vacuum metalizing?  That would be a good choice, but it's pretty specialized and probably not a strong option for a home builder.  Maybe a Mylar wrap or a chrome paint of some sort?  More than one race car driver has had a "chrome dome" helmet in shiny silver, and Darrell Waltrip once had a "chrome car" that was done with a wrap.  Of course a race car wrap doesn't have to be of enormous quality in order to look good from the stands.

[Inprimer]

Is it possible to cover a fiberglass part with something that would approximate a chrome finish?  Certainly not show chrome, but maybe something close in quality to vacuum metalizing?  That would be a good choice, but it's pretty specialized and probably not a strong option for a home builder.  Maybe a Mylar wrap or a chrome paint of some sort?  More than one race car driver has had a "chrome dome" helmet in shiny silver, and Darrell Waltrip once had a "chrome car" that was done with a wrap.  Of course a race car wrap doesn't have to be of enormous quality in order to look good from the stands.

I just wrote a long sentence all about it and deleted it  Yes it works great My friend did a hockey mask and you swear it was chrome will post pix when I mget my stuff mback

[chimp koose]

there is a product out there,the name escapes me,that you spray on and then rinse with an activator and it looks like chrome. Saw it demonstrated years ago at a car show.

[wayne petty]

here is an article on chrome paint over at low rider mag...


http://www.lowridermagazine.com/tech/0807_lrmp_chrome_paint_tech_project/index.html

warning... there will be a scantily clad pop up wanting you to subscribe ...

here is a spray can chrome paint ..

http://www.duplicolor.com/products/gold-chrome.html

[jaybee]

warning... there will be a scantily clad pop up wanting you to subscribe .

Dang, I was so distracted by the pop up I accidentally subscribed to the magazine.

Thanks for the info, whether paint or wrap it's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for.

[38HAULR]

Try this site. http://www.fantachrome.com.au/index1.html    ........Frank.

[38HAULR]

Or this one. Look up  "www.kmccorporation.com "  .....Frank.

[Bruce Dorsi]

Chrome paint:

http://pages.prodigy.net/mar-ste/restorationchrome.html

http://alsacorp.com/products/mirrachrome/mirra_prodinfo.htm

MirraChrome application guide:

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mirrachrome/mirra_appl.htm

MirraChrome Lexus:

http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/lexus/pimped-out-chrome-lexus-is250-at-aussie-motor-show/

If you look further into the Alsa Corp website, you will see chrome films, and other chrome paint systems beside the MirraChrome.

[MrMopar64]

Chrome paint:

http://pages.prodigy.net/mar-ste/restorationchrome.html

http://alsacorp.com/products/mirrachrome/mirra_prodinfo.htm

MirraChrome application guide:

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mirrachrome/mirra_appl.htm

MirraChrome Lexus:

http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/lexus/pimped-out-chrome-lexus-is250-at-aussie-motor-show/

If you look further into the Alsa Corp website, you will see chrome films, and other chrome paint systems beside the MirraChrome.

FYI..... I've used this product on a wheel and when they tell you it looks like chrome they are talking about reflectiveness not really the look of chrome
It is very reflective but looks more like silver paint and is very expensive
BTW... it must be put over black

MM64  

[enjenjo]

Depending on the size, there are several outfits that will vacuum metalize one piece for you, plastic or fiberglass. Just like any chrome, preperation is the key. I believe they want a smooth black base for their process.

[rumrumm]

Advanced Plating in Nashville, TN has a process for actually chrome plating fiberglass. The process was shown on an episode of Trucks! last year. They had the fiberglass dash to the '37 Ford pickup chrome plated. It looked pretty cool.

www.advancedplating.com

[tompeters]

i believe they spray a metallic based chemical of some sort on the fiberglass or plastic first to attract the chrome to the piece not sure of the complete process but plastic or glass can be chrome plated now.

[jaybee]

Thanks, this is all good stuff and I'd think it could have a lot of applications.  I'm looking to do something specific of course.  If you look at a '57 Chevy front bumper they really have two parts--a narrow "bumper bar" portion and a lower "roll pan" portion.  I'd like to paint the lower portion with the upper portion chrome (or chrome-like).  I see a few ways to do this;
1) Cut a bumper along the character line, chrome the bumper bar portion, dechrome and paint the lower.  A pretty expensive solution but the best one if I were a pro builder or buying a pro built car.
2) Protect the bumper bar portion and rough up the chrome on the lower portion so it can be painted.  That could be by sanding or sandblasting.  It's my understanding that's an iffy proposition in terms of paint prep but it's the way I was planning to go up to this point.
3) Fiberglass with faux chrome on the bumper bar.  It's lighter, paint prep isn't an issue, and the bumper itself can be had for about 1/3 the cost.

[bucketmouth]

Dam pop ups what was the question again?

One of my friends has a chrome shop and they use a type of primer applicator that is sprayed on and them the standard chroming process is carried out on the part.
Works good on fiberglass grills and garnish moulds.