DIY Chrome Plastic
The challenge of giving plastic a chrome-like luster comes not from the paint itself but from the method of application. Even the most careful work with a paintbrush will leave telltale brushstrokes that detract from the overall effect. An airbrush, on the other hand, deposits a uniform layer of paint over the plastic. While you could also use a spray can for this, an airbrush allows you to use your choice of paint and is reusable. The most permanent results come form using enamels, lacquers or other car paints.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Face mask
- Masking tape
- Compressed air can
- Airbrush
- Airbrush paint thinner
- Metallic paint
- Cup
- Spray bottle
Instructions
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1
Lay newspaper over your work surface. Select a work area with a significant amount of ventilation to avoid too many paint fumes. Don a face mask.
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2
Place your plastic object on the newspaper and mask off any areas you do not wish to paint with tape.
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3
Connect the hose of your airbrush to a can of compressed air and squeeze the trigger to test it. There should be a hiss of air if it is working properly.
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4
Pour the metallic paint into a disposable cup, enough to have a steady supply for your project.
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5
Pour some airbrush paint thinner into a squirt bottle and squirt the paint in the cup with it. Tilt the cup back and forth. If the paint flows quickly from one side to the other, acting similar to water, you have added enough thinner.
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6
Pour the thinned paint into either your airbrush's pigment cup (located on the top of your airbrush) or into your airbrush's screw-on container. Different models of airbrush have one or the other. If your airbrush has a screw on container, screw it on to the underside of your brush.
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Aim the airbrush at the newspaper and squeeze the trigger to test the paint flow and become accustomed to it. Cheaper airbrushes just have one flow setting. With more expensive dual-action airbrushes you can adjust the flow of paint by applying more or less pressure to the trigger.
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8
Aim to the left of your plastic piece and squeeze the airbrush trigger. In one smooth motion, sweep your airbrush across the plastic. Repeat and adjust the angle that you spray at to fill any spots you miss.
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9
Unhook the airbrush and break it apart according to the instructions that come with it. Clean each piece in water immediately after use.
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References
- Photo Credit model car. hobby, collection image by Ana Vasileva from Fotolia.com
