In that case, I'd suggest having them chromed. If I'm not mistaken, ChrometechUSA can even do the slightly platinum color that the original armor was.
Lots of good stuff here folks. Thanks a bunch!
Just to let ya all in on my project for which I need so much CHROME...
I've decided it's time to redo a SUPER TROOPER!
Good on the helmet, shield and gun, by with using the 25th style to do it, I'll need to come up with his chest plate/armor/vest, and THAT'S what I'm working on.
Another option still is a product called Alclad 2. It's a lacquer-based paint that's airbrush-ready. I have not personally tried their chrome, but some of the their other metallic colors. By far the best metal finish I've seen, short of bare metal foil. It's available in most hobby shops or from their website:
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A word of caution: the paint goes on thin and any scratch or scuff will be very clearly seen. It takes some time to get right. But as you can see in their sample photos, the results are worth it.
Here's four links. None is the kind I was talking about, but the first (ALSA) is far and away the best but it's pricey as hell. Still, for that special project (be sure to watch the demo vidoe, you'll be amazed)...
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Know what you mean. That's why I suggested the brush on gloss clear. You can't use spray because it causes the paint to craze and darken, but Future Floor wax might be a solution....
Thank ye gentlemen.
I've looked around, and have tried a few spray versions in the past, but they seem to smudge a lot and darken with handling and it drives me nuts (like a steering wheel attached to my crotch).
I'll look into these suggestions though.
Krylon used to make a spray that was actually atomized aluminum in a lacquer base and really had a beautiful chrome like finish (especially if you used a brush on acrylic gloss clear). I don't believe they make it anymore, because the kids were huffing it because it was a premium high. You may still be able to get it from Krylon, or maybe at an auto parts store under the name "bumper chrome spray". It was a skinny black can with a chrome label and can.
If you decide to check up on real chrome (aluminum anodizing) give www.chrometechusa.com a look, I use them for my chromework and they are the best for the price.
If you want a genuine chrome look, that is something with good reflectivity.......you should try either one of two products......both from the model-kit hobbies.
One is bare-metal foil, which can be tricky to use, as it got to be careful cut and worked, and then buffed to a high sheen.
The other is a product called something like "rub & buff" which is like a paint or a paste ( cannot remember which), and then is buffed.
Any copy of Fine Scale Modeler magazine would have info on these products.
If its the simple route you want to take, some of the model paint makers MIGHT have some stuff that does something similar, or with a different enough look that its not just silver paint.
Testors might have something.......and some of the other popular model paint makers like Tamiya, Gungze Sanyo ( sp?), or Floquil might make something.
You might even find some after-market cottage industry vac-metallizing companies--like those that offer flocking for 12" GIJOES. Again, the online hobby circles for model cars etc might be helpful.
The fastest way that I know of is with chrome spray paint that you can get at just about any hobby/craft store. Other than that, a Testors Metalizer and A BUNCH of buffing.
