What have you used to chrome the plastic?

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Steven190

Steven190

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Did a search and found several whys to replace the chrome on plastic. Looking for what whys that everyone has done to restore the instrument panels, I have a 72 Duster panel that needs some care. About ready to take it apart and start the process.
 
A friend was in a craft store and found a chrome paint pen. He tried it on a plastic strip where the chrome wore off. Hes very happy with the result.
 
I bought a air brush from Princes auto and used chrome model air plane paint and also I would use clear coat.
 
I've sprayed things with Spaz stix with mixed results. The chrome pen does pretty good.

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Thanks so far, I will see my stepson tonight to see what his ideas are.
 
You might check into Hydro dipping them as well.
 
Molotow is amazing..however finish doesn't hold up unless it is cleared
..most clears dull it by bleed...still experimenting..air brush is best way to lay the stuff..marker leaves imperfections

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I used chrome paint in a spray can. Goes on pretty nice, but you have to leave it set for months before you can handle it. Don’t understand why it wouldn’t cure in a reasonable time. Didn’t try clear coating it.
 
This is going on a 72 Duster instrument panel with a wood grain panels, I need to do the complete dash.
 
Instrument Specialties did all the dash panels for my ‘71 Swinger. The work included plastic chrome and wood grain. It looks better than new but it was a four month wait and obviously pricey. Great company though. They sent me free touch up materials after I caused a minor scratch installing the instrument bezel.
 
KindredSpirit said:
Instrument Specialties did all the dash panels for my ‘71 Swinger. The work included plastic chrome and wood grain. It looks better than new but it was a four month wait and obviously pricey. Great company though. They sent me free touch up materials after I caused a minor scratch installing the instrument bezel.
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They did my 66’ Barracuda full dash. Incredible work, took 2 months and cost was about $1500.00 but worth every penny. No wood grain but paint and chrome work. If you can afford the cost- they are worth the wait. IMHO.
 
Instrument Specialties did my dash for the 69 Dart, better than new. My stepson does not have that money so I am looking into what is the next best thing to do.
 
There is a youtube vid referenced on FBBO comparing the results of several "chrome" finishes.

VHT was a close second place and much less expensive and more easily obtainable than the first place result.

I bought a $12 can off ebay but have not tried it yet.
 
4spdragtop said:
Have you got examples of the finished
I used the pen on a set of inner grills to make them "sport special" and the small parking lens reflector is Spaz Stix sprayed with a air brush. From on line research I first sprayed black then heat the piece to at least 125 degrees and then sprayed the chrome.
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I have used Alsa chrome. spray chrome and Gilding silver. Of the 3, I prefer guilding silver. but it's harder for me to do at home (sort of like spray chrome but simpler and still need a good clear coat) here is spray chrome before and after paint.


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and after
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YY1 said:
There is a youtube vid referenced on FBBO comparing the results of several "chrome" finishes.

VHT was a close second place and much less expensive and more easily obtainable than the first place result.

I bought a $12 can off ebay but have not tried it yet.
Click to expand...

Is it the can with the purple label?
 
Spray can, but not in front of me.
 
That sure is some nice chrome painting. The old "bumper chrome" spray paint was a joke. They do have some chrome mylar wrap that you can use. If its flat, it works great, not sure how it reacts to curves. Works nice on guage face edges against a matte silver background.
 
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