To create the effect of polished metal on the surface, there are specialized tools. A paint imitating chromium owes its properties to the microscopic metal particles that make up its composition. When applied correctly, an ideal mirror surface is obtained that is resistant to negative influences.
Play with color
Chrome paint has several types, each of which provides a high-quality chrome effect due to the high reflectivity of the contained metal powder. The most common mineral chrome paint, which includes aluminum powder. These dyes are available either in cans for use with a spray gun, or in the form of an aerosol. The second option is best for DIY painting. There is also powder paint, particularly durable and heat resistant.
In addition to the smallest metal particles acting as a filler, the product contains an alkyd or nitrocellulose lacquer base, which reliably binds them when applied both to each other and to the surface. The most important property - specular reflectivity - is provided not only by the use of powder, but also by the original properties of the varnish, which make it possible to evenly distribute the composition. In addition to the fact that the chrome coating looks much more impressive than matte, it has the property of heat-resistant protection and considerable strength.
Depending on the added dyes, several types of coatings are distinguished:
- Most often, chrome painting in the classic variation is found, having a white mirror shine, similar to polished silver. In this case, chrome plating does not mix any additional dyes.
- Often you can see gold chrome. A noble shade is achieved through the use of yellow metal particles in the paint composition. When fully dried, such a mixture forms a mirror gold metallic.
- In addition to the two main options, there is the possibility of experimenting with color. Painting under chrome of other tones is carried out by introducing into the varnish a certain amount of pigment of the required shade.
- The original effect, which should be given special attention, has black chrome. Such paint contains in addition to aluminum powder a dark translucent pigment.
All of these types have, upon drying, a glossy mirror surface resembling liquid silver. There is a very different variety from them - matte chrome. This is a fairly popular type of staining, often used for interior details. A beautiful matte effect is obtained with a slight change in the composition of the paint, which gives the reflectivity some dispersion.
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Chameleon chrome
In addition to the usual metallized chrome paints, which give the effect of mirror shine and matte finish, compositions with other interesting properties have been developed. These include thermochromic paint. Its main feature is that it changes its color when the temperature acting on it changes, while being sufficiently heat-resistant. Colors and shades are very diverse, a matte effect is possible, the coating can even become transparent.
Thermochromic paint is classified in two ways: by the type of color change and by the reversibility of this change. In the first case, three varieties are distinguished:
- The coating, being initially transparent, acquires a certain tone when deviating from room temperature towards heating or cooling.
- The opposite is true: paint, which is colored, gains transparency at various temperature fluctuations.
- As the ambient temperature changes, the color of the composition has the property of gradually moving from one to another.
By the second sign, thermochromic paint is divided into reversible and irreversible. As the name implies, reversible changes color as many times as necessary, and irreversible - only once.
The originality of this composition, however, has not found wide application. The reason was the considerable cost and time-consuming method of staining. Basically, the paint with the chameleon effect is used to make souvenirs, for example, mugs with interesting matte and glossy patterns, which can be seen only by pouring a hot drink inside. On the packaging of some food products there are special labels made with thermochromic paint, allowing control over the temperature regime of storage.
to contents ↑Staining technology
It is worthwhile to dwell on how to paint the body parts of a car with your own hands with chrome paint. First of all, surface preparation is important, especially if it is not matte, but glossy. Indeed, on a smooth, like a mirror, details, even the most microscopic defects will become very noticeable. It is necessary to make sure that there is no dust in the room, otherwise all efforts will be in vain.
After checking these conditions, you can proceed directly to painting.
Liquid acrylic composition has its advantages - it is heat-resistant, withstands chemical influences, humidity, and unlike the powder version, you can apply it only to part of the part, making it colorful.
The process itself is as follows:
- Coat the primed surface of the part with a layer of black dye.
- When it dries, polish.
- Apply the required number of layers of chrome paint with an aerosol with intermediate drying of each of them.
- In conclusion, treat the part with varnish.
Powder paint is a slightly different composition, due to which it has increased strength indicators: it is resistant to solvents, less susceptible to rust, heat-resistant and durable.
Alloy rims are painted using powder technology. Modern developments allow you to perform this process with your own hands in a garage environment, since they do not require a high temperature exposure. The whole procedure consists of four stages:
- thorough cleaning of parts;
- primer coating;
- drying;
- applying powder paint.
In addition to alloy wheels, heat-resistant chrome paint in powder form can be applied to other metal parts.
A wide selection of existing types of chrome paint and an extensive color palette allow you to create high-quality coating for every taste. You can apply both a powder version and an aerosol yourself, creating a glossy or matte effect. With proper skill, it will not be difficult to realize any idea.
