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      07-15-2008, 01:21 AM   #1
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Gunmetal / Dark Chrome Grills

I really don't know what to say for this simple DIY...

First of all, take out the grill
HERE: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7484

Next, grab a can of Smoke paint by Tamiya or Pactra...



Prep your grill by washing with a light soap and water... like hand soap. You don't want anything that will be abrasive. Next, fully dry the grill. Paint will not adhere to wet spots! Take your time here.

When it is fully dry, take a lint-free cloth, microfibre cloth or a compressed air can and clean off any particles left over on the grill. Once it's as clean as you can get it, bring it to your paint area. Watch where you hold it... your hand oils aren't good for painting either.

LIGHTLY spray over the chrome areas. Your BEST bet is to do four to five LIGHT coats. As with any painting job, less is more. A lot of light coats is better than one dripping wet coat.

You must let it fully dry before you judge the color. Give it at least 15 minutes to dry and darken. Let dry overnight.

If you'd like, lightly overcoat your work with a glossy finishing spray (no recommendations yet... Krylon?). Let dry one more night... then you're all set!

This isn't the best picture, but you can see the difference between the outer lip portion and the retaining clasp color. I purposely let it go with a semi-matte finish, rather than glossy.

I'll add a car pic soon. When you have a chrome and a dark chrome one side by side installed, the difference is stunning.

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      07-15-2008, 02:37 AM   #2
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Actually, I had intended to do this to the side markers, ultimately, decided not. Hint?:iono::wink:
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      07-15-2008, 09:47 AM   #3
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Hrmm, looks interesting. The on-car pics will tell the full story, of course.
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      07-15-2008, 10:05 AM   #4
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Sounds cool, but is that enough prep? I would think you'd need to scuff the surface at least a little, or use an adhesion promoter like this:

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/spr...-promoter.aspx
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      07-16-2008, 08:45 AM   #5
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The paint is designed to be used as is. Plus, I don't want to scuff because I want it to be still 'chrome' like base. Just use a good clear.
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      07-16-2008, 08:49 AM   #6
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My only concern would be that a model car isn't going to get peppered with rocks at highway speeds, so it may bond properly but get all chipped in 2K miles.

I recently refinished a RUF spoiler on a 911 turbo and had to do many levels of prep given the debris on today's roadways.

I'm not trying to diminish your DIY, it looks great.
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      07-16-2008, 08:58 AM   #7
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You'll be surprised at the abuse a car just over 1 cm from the ground going 40-50kph (nitro) gets Think of the scale of the debris compared to it, heh. I use the same body for parking lot running, and club sport stock racing.

I did the same for my wife's earlier Focus, and it held up great. A good clear is a must.
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      07-16-2008, 08:59 AM   #8
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Cool, I was thinking model car, not RC car crashing through my backyard Thanks for the DIY!
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      07-16-2008, 11:06 AM   #9
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RC cars are painted from the inside not the outside and that paint is designed to adhere to the lexan body. Plus, those things are designed more to flex versus holding up to being "peppered". I think you will see different results painting over a slick "chrome" finish. Let us know how it holds up, Im interested.
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      07-17-2008, 12:05 AM   #10
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I find that the polycarb paint adheres nicely to chrome without pre-prep AND holds up well if you clear it. Again, if you don't clear it, I can't guarantee results
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      07-20-2008, 10:10 PM   #11
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This is more in my price range :biggrin: any pics?
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      07-21-2008, 10:50 AM   #12
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I meant on the car
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