It came time to re-do the chrome trim around the lower edge of the dash and I decided to try a few options and post some pictures. Hopefully folks get some use from this.

I used four products, pictured left to right:
Krylon Silver Leafing Pen, source Michael's
DecoColor Premium Prim-Premio Silver, UPC 028617350899, source Michael's
Gundam Marker GM05, source eBay
Bare Metal Chrome, source direct from manufacturer

The colors are surprisingly different. I used the DecoColor, YMMV. I had a few scraps of OK-condition original paint on some vents, and the DecoColor looked the most similar. The Krylon is a bit brighter.

The Krylon flowed the best, but showed underlying flaws and paint layers.
The DecoColor is really thin and flows uneavenly, so application is a bit trickier. Do NOT try to touch up while wet. Borders between strokes can be obvious as well. But I liked the color the most.
The Gundam was way too dark for me. I thought I saw a reference to GM05 as a good color, but maybe a different one is better? These ship from Japan, so long lead time.
Bare Metal is an actual metal flake, so application is very different. I thought it showed underlying flaws too easier, plus trimming for a good application can be a chore.




Album with full resolution pictures:
https://plus.google.com/photos/10861...CLeFzrau3s7uDg

 

Bare Metal Foil peels off easily and the adhesive breaks down over time. I've considered trying it myself but didn't hold up much hope for longevity. It works great on a model on a shelf.

It will be interesting to see how the various markers paint pens hold up to the wear and tear of a car's interior over a longer while.

 

Nice comparison images.

Fwiw here's another thread that discusses some other products and methods

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...1972-dash.html