metalizing polycarbonate...

admiralcag · Post by **admiralcag** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 6:48 am

I have been commissioned to build a tesla gun from Warehouse 13. Instead of using machined aluminum for the frame, I am going with polycarbonate. The client wants this to be a "hero prop." So, it will need to be able to hold up to scrutiny and be durable.

Question - what would be the best way to metalize this? I am thinking Alclad and Future. Any other thoughts?

Vern

Joseph C. Brown · Post by **Joseph C. Brown** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 10:01 am

I'd go with Alclad II - the R/C car crowd has been using polycarb shells over their car bodies for a long time, and Alclad's even got instructions (at the bottom of this link) on how to apply:

http://alclad2.com/how-to/

Joseph Osborn · Post by **Joseph Osborn** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 10:50 am

It has to be durable, as in people are going to be putting their grubby hands all over it and playing with it? If there's any way you can put a 2-part automotive urethane clear coat on it, I'd suggest you do it. There are 2-pack aerosol cans available that cost about $20 that will do the trick. It's much more durable than Future.