is there any good chrome spraypaint out there that looks 1/2 decent? I want to paint the bumpers on my 54 chevrolet when i get it, but i ain't never had no luck with any chrome paint..... any other alternitaves? I'm working with about a 200 budget for all the chrome exterior etc. It'll be spraypainted gloss black so as you can imagine i'm not too concerned about perfect....

 

There is no such thing as chrome in a can. If I was you, I'd look into cheep replacement parts or go with a compatible color, besides "chrome". Rattle can chrome never looks close to right. A color prepped with care, even from a can will look at least OK.

 

As I'm reading the post again, I think most of the trim is made of stainless. I saw a 60 impala in car craft many moons ago that the owner took all the stainless and rubbed it all down with I THINK steel wool. it left a satin finish against an aqua body. looked sharp. Personally I'd try the 3M scotch brite pads first though. I would think the steel wool would contaminate the stainless and cause rust over time.

 

I saw an episode of West Coast Choppers where they sprayed the bike with a "chrome" paint. It was made by one of the big paint manufacturers like PPG or House of Kolor. It was very pricey but once it was done it had a shiny finish like chrome but was a little bit darker.

You might consider spraying your chrome/stainless trim with a neutral color such as silver, aluminum, or gray. This can make a car look really good if it is prepped properly. I have seen cars in Rod & Custom recently with this look.

 

I think this is what you're talking about:

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mir...a_prodinfo.htm

There is also "chrome" powdercoat. Neither the paint nor the powder will give you a true chrome finish, but it will be shiny and somewhat reflective.

 

This is what chrome pwrd coat looks like. These peaces are not perfect, but the pitted and scratched up parts they were before, it was worth $10 for the pair. I got my front bumper re-chromed for 225.
Try Eastwood.com they have good products if your are OK with just painting it.

 

Ok, I got sucked into trying that "chrome" spraypaint once. What do they say? A fool and his money are soon parted. Might as well have burned $5.00 That stuff doesn't work work a darn. In fact, it just messes things up more than you started with, even if you follow directions.

200.00 budget for chroming? Don't waste your time. Save up the money you need for a real chrome job. It's not cheap. A cheap chrome job is cheap and you'll see it fall apart probably within a year.

If you can't afford chrome, strip the bumper down really good. Most bumper places here will charge about 100.00 to acid dip and strip the bumper. Then you can sand and prep it yourself. Paint with a high quality argent paint for that "taxi" look.

After you've done all that work, sell that Chevy and invest in an Oldsmobile.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9mh6t0ILvE&fmt=18


bill

 

Seems similar to what I saw. I don't recall the exact brand of the paint used on the West Coast Choppers show. In fact, I don't even recall if that was the show that aired information on it. It was something I saw while flipping channels. I do recall that it looked pretty good. IMHO, a decent alternative to chrome if you are willing to spend the money and want that look.

 

I have done a few trim pieces in spray can chrome. Right out of the can it looks like crap, but I started playing around with spraying a can of clearcoat overtop of it and it actually looked pretty good. Seems like the best thing do is spray the clear on while the "chrome" is wet. The thing is it is kind of hit or miss. When I got it to coat properly and let it dry a good long while, it looked awsome. But I tried to do it while it was pretty humid outside and it mixed into a horrible mess. I don't know if I would try it on a whole bumper, but hey, its an option!