T-800 Endoskelton Skull Chroming help

Ty · Post by Ty » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:33 am

Hi, hope someone can help...

I am about to begin building a vinyl T-800 skull from Terminator and am wondering how I would go about achieving a good chrome finish. The chrome would need to be a spray can type as I don't have an air brush. Spraying it silver just won't do because as you know, the endoskeleton is chrome. What do you suggest? Thanks. (apologies if posted in the wrong place)

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:32 am

Boy, that's a toughie.

Well, first your best start is to prime it with gloss black.

Then...buy an airbrush & shoot some Alcad chrome or polished aluminum on it.

There are a number of 'chrome' spray paints on the market thier finish can leave a lot to be desired because they are meant to be used on metal. There is a new process that's being used where they can chrome hair if need be but I'm not sure if it'**** the market yet.

IIRC the Dupli-Color Chrome has a brighter finish than the Rust-oleum Bright Coat Metallic Finish & the Krylon original Chrome.

Oh, and what ever you try, test it on a sample peice. Some of this stuff is a bit on the hot side and I'd ahte to see it eat a model piece.

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:56 am

What he said.

I've used a can of Krylon Chrome...looked more silver, but at the time I didn't know about the dangers of not having a black basecoat.

So, without an airbrush, I'd try a couple different chromes on a piece of scrap first. With a black gloss undercoat too. Also, make sure you put the can in a pan of hot water for a little bit first...it'll definetly help.

Dan

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:17 pm

You could also try Bare Metal Foil, if you're feeling adventurous.

Ty · Post by Ty » Sun Jun 18, 2006 3:55 am

Thanks for the hints guy's... I'm glad you mentioned to first spray it with a gloss black base coat because I probably would have just went for a matt. I've just started modelling again and have just finished ED 209 from Robocop and I used a matt base on it so I'm glad you said about a gloss undercoat (probably saved me alot of hassle) I think chroming is going to be very difficult but I'm gonna give it a shot, although I don't really know which avenue to take I'm sure it'll turn out ok in the end. Thanks for your help! One more thing.... Why put the can in hot water, I'm guessing it'll up the pressure!?

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 9:33 am

The warm water helps the paint to flow better. Get a pan of water, microwave it for a minute or so, put the can in it, and let it sit for 30 seconds or so...

Also, make sure you shake it well...shake it till your arm falls off, glue your arm back on, and shake some more. Especially with metallics--and re-shake often.

Dan

homeboy · Post by **homeboy** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:37 am

I would be very careful if you are planning to use an enamel or lacquer based paint on your vinyl kit. Those Horizon kits don't fare well using anything other than acrylic based paints.

Migmaker · Post by **Migmaker** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:47 pm

Here's a suggestion for chrome look ... duplicolor chrome in the rattle can works every bit as well as alclad from what i've seen...trick is to find a clear coat that doesn't dull the finish, to that effect dare i say it , the only thing i found that actually works without destroying the chrome look, and i tried alot of differeent clears, is future floor wax brushed on of course..try it you will see what I mean

Will

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T-800 Endoskelton Skull Chroming help

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