Once your PChrome kit arrives, you will likely want to know exactly how to use it to get that perfect finish that you want. When you follow these spray on chrome tips, you can master the art of spray chrome in no time at all. Soon, you’ll have that beautiful shine that gleams with a smooth, mirror-like finish.
Before you start
Before you begin, you need to make sure that you have rubber gloves available as well as a face mask to protect yourself while you are spraying. Taking the part that you want to PChrome, start by prepping its surface. If the surface is smooth and shiny, you’ll need to roughen it using 1500-grit sandpaper. For rough surfaces, smooth them out so the roughness is more even. Next, you need to degrease and clean the surface. PChrome has a water-based grease remover that works very well. After doing so, dry it off with a lint-free cloth.
Preparing to apply the base coat
The next step is applying your base coat. As you’re setting up, you need to make certain that you have somewhere where you can cure the base coat after you’ve applied it. Now is the time for you to put on those rubber gloves and the face mask to protect you from fumes and skin contact. Make certain that where you will be spraying is well-ventilated.
Next, you’re going to mix the 2K base coat with equal parts of A and B. You might try using a scale instead of a measuring stick for better accuracy. You need a 1:1 ratio. After you’ve mixed the 2K with the A and B, you add your 281 thinner. The amount you choose to add is not important as it won’t affect your end result, so use the amount with which you feel comfortable.
Applying the base coat
You will be applying the base coat in two stages. In the first stage, you will want to apply a light dry coat so that you see if you will get any odd reaction. If it looks good, you’ll be applying the wet coat. Mix only the amount of 2K that you can use in half an hour because it will begin to thicken, making it much more difficult for you to work with. Choose to spray slowly with your HPLV gun. Doing so will let you use as little material as possible while also getting the even coverage that you want. To set it to spray slow, turn it one and one-quarters turn. Finally, adjust your fan to spray out the amount you want at a time. While spraying slowly may make the process take a little bit longer, the result will be a better one.
Apply the dry coat and then wait for 5 minutes. After the time has elapsed, check your part and see if it looks weird or if it appears fine. If it looks good, then you will want to apply your heavier wet coat. Make sure never to touch any base-coated object with your fingers, latex gloves or anything else. If you do, the contamination will show through the PChrome. Getting a good base coat is very important as it provides the foundation for your PChrome.
Make sure your base coat is smooth and glass-like. It should not have any rough areas. Continue applying the base coat until it is smooth. The water you use needs to be pure. If you see any water spots, your water is likely not pure enough. After your base coat is finished and it is dry, you will find that using a torch on it will help to improve the adhesion of your PChrome while also decreasing the chance that your sensitizer will stain it.
Chroming
Chroming can be broken down into four main steps, including sensitizing, rinsing, chroming, rinsing again and drying. You’ll want to move through the steps one after another without pausing between them.
For sensitizing, it works best if you apply the sensitizer in back and forth motions from the bottom of the part up to the top. As soon as you’re done, rinse it off thoroughly. Then, spray on your PChrome and rinse it again. Blow it dry immediately.
Adding the protective top coat
Your final step will be adding your protective 2K top coat. For this, follow the same two-part process that you did for the base coat, with a quick dry application, waiting for five minutes and then applying a heavier wet coat. Before you apply the top coat, make certain that your chromed part is dry and not tacky. It will take about 15 minutes to dry in a room that is kept around 75 degrees.
By following these spray on chrome tips, you can master the art of spray chrome quickly. Soon, you will be able to handle chroming parts of any size. Take your time to study these tips and then go have fun transforming whatever you wish.