Things You'll Need:
- Drop Cloth
- Blue painters tape.
- Newspaper
- Very Fine Grit Sand Paper and a Emory board.
- Spray Primer/Bonder formulated for plastic use.
- Spray Chrome paint. (make sure the type you use is ok for plastics by reading the label or asking)
- Safety goggles
- Painters Face mask
- Gloves
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Step 1
Make sure you have appropriate safety items: Glasses, Gloves, Face mask(designed for painting please) and a well ventilated area to work in. Keep in mind the temperature as it plays a part in the set and finish of the paint job. *note: Chroming is a chemical bath/finish added to steal and iron, so this is not traditional chroming but more a chrome look paint finish.
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Step 2
You need to remove the item you want chrome from whatever you don't want chromed. If this is not possible then use masking/painters tape and newspaper to cover any items you would hate to see chrome. Make sure you allow for a large area of over spray here, better safe then sorry. Take your time and do a neat job at prepping and your item will look a lot better.
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Step 3
Prep the piece by simply washing it and making sure that it is dry. Then using a fine grit sand paper scuff the existing finish (whatever that may be). You don't need to apply a lot of effort and strength here just lightly touch the plastic. Use the Emory board to reach into any corners and hard to reach spots. If this is too large try a paper clip and small bit of sandpaper. *Note: You do not want to gouge the plastic!
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Step 4
Once you are satisfied the piece is sufficiently scuffed. Use a moistened rag to clean the surface of any dust/debris. Water is fine here just make sure the piece is dry before you continue. A normal blow dryer on its lowest setting will work as well to dry, but keep the heat away...
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Step 5
Once the item is dry, clean and scuffed. Check your masking and your over spray covering once more just to be sure nothing was moved while you scuffed.
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Step 6
When using your bonder/primer follow the directions on the can. Make sure you are far away from the table/workplace/item when you shake that can.
*I normally will use a piece of partical board to practice on before I attempt to prime the real item. It gives you and your finger an idea of spray patterns and amount of primer coming out under pressure. -
Step 7
Lightly dust the primer onto the surface to be painted, keeping the can about 6-7 inches away from the piece and moving across the item at all times. Use a fanning motion, beginning your spray before and ending after the piece. Once you've lightly coated the piece STOP! Let it dry and then repeat the process again so you have complete coverage of primer in many small layers. Avoid trying to spot touch areas without fanning the can across the piece, this causes drips and puddling which are bad. Once your satisfied move forward.
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Step 8
Before following step #6-#7 again (this time using your spray chrome), make sure the item hasn't collected any dust by wiping first. It's imperative the primer is dry! Once you have completed the chrome job let it sit and thoroughly dry before removing your tape and over spray coverings. Enjoy!
