Spray can "chrome"

[Rivnut]

I have a couple of so-so bikes as far as desirability is concerned but I'd still like for the (once) chrome plated plastic parts to look as nice as possible so painting them is my better choice. What have you used that gives the best chrome look? The more mirror like shine the better.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[GTs58]

I've tried quite a few so called Chrome paints over the years with nothing meeting my expectations. There are numerous products on the market today that try to imitate chrome or say they do but I can't afford to test them all just for the fun of it. I'm a VHT fan, love their paint but have yet to try the one, #2 in this comparison. Also, if money or cost is not considered I'm sure you could find a product that's a dead ringer for chrome, like hydrochrome.

Spaz Stix looks like it's worth a shot.

 

[bloo]

Krylon Premium Metallic Original Chrome is pretty good, and by pretty good I mean it is orders of magnitude better than anything that was available even a decade ago. It still ain't chrome. You are probably going to want a chrome-smooth surface to shoot it on. YMMV. The picture looks like a full size spray can. It isn't. It's a tall skinny thing.

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[bricycle]

chrome powder coat isn't too bad

 

[bikecrazy]

Spraying chrome paint over a black base is surprisingly effective

 

[RustySprockets]

chrome powder coat isn't too bad

Except...it's probably not the best idea on plastic.

 

[AndyA]

Like he says:

It still ain't chrome.

However, it looks fine. Attached pics are plastic crank cap and plastic tail light on a Western Flyer Spaceliner clone. The original vacuum chroming had evaporated or whatever happens to it over 55 years. Rattle can was Rust-oleum Metallic Finish 7718 Chrome. Procedure: 1) Wet sand with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper 2) Wipe with denatured alcohol 3) rattle away

View attachment 1356708

View attachment 1356709

 

[AndyA]

Hhmm. Had an issue attaching pics to preceding post. Did better this time.

 

[5M3D1N4]

Spraying chrome paint over a black base is surprisingly effective

That's what I heard too. A gloss black base then chrome on top of that.

 

[Archie Sturmer]

I try not to pretend that the aluminum or silver paints looks anything like chrome, so I usually go for a darker metallic-gray hammer-tone or antique-pewter look.