Realistic CHROME PAINT JOB

Chrome Painted Winter Soldier Arm

Hey There!

We’ve had quite a few requests on how we achieved this Chrome Paint Job on our Winter Soldier Arm. This tutorial is going to outline just how to do that. We also have a youtube video posted for all of you visual learners. So be sure to check that out here!

**Everything used in this How To is linked in our Amazon Storefront.

If you receive a Raw 3D Print from us, you’ll want to follow this tutorial, which outlines how to prep your Raw Print so it’s ready for the paint process. The only super important note we’ll make relevant to this painting process is that you are going to want to sand your print out to the SMOOTHEST levels of perfection. Work your way up to an 800 grit sandpaper for whatever you’re looking to finish in Chrome. We recommend taking extra care on this step because the Chrome effect will highlight any bumps, lines, or imperfections you may have missed…so really take your time in that process.

If you received a Paint Ready Print from us, you won’t have to worry about that step, and can go right into priming.

Priming

To start, you’re going to want to prime your piece before painting. We love and swear by Duplicolors Filler Primer, but a more budget friendly option is Rust-Oleum’s Filler Primer. Both can be purchased here.

Make sure you follow the manufacturers application instructions labeled on the can. After it dries entirely, let the primed print “air out” after your last application for approximately 12 hours.

Painting

After your print is primed and has dried overnight - 24 hours, you’re ready to apply your base coat.

For a Chrome effect, we typically apply a base coat of Gloss Black Spray Paint. Our personal favorite Gloss Black for this application method is Rust-Oleum’s Gloss Black.

We apply two coats of this paint, following the manufacturers application and drying instructions and then wait 12-24 hours before continuing with the process.

Clear Coat

Okay! Now we’re ready for the next step. Duplicolors 1K Clear Coat.

You can use other 1 or 2K Clear Spray Paints, but we swear by Duplicolors, and would advise to use other products at your own discretion. You’re going to apply 2 coats of this, following the manufacturers instructions regarding application, curing, and drying times, and then wait approximately 5-7 days for the piece to gas out.

I know! This is such a long time! But it’s worth it and super important to wait because in this time frame, the paint can gas out and cure entirely this way you’ll be able to buff into the prop easy peasy in our next step.

Chrome

Hey! Look at you! You waited 5-7 days…we’re proud of you! Now we can start the Chrome process.

For this process, we used CRETACOLOR’s Graphite Powder.

We took this Graphite Powder on some cotton balls, and buffed the product into the prop, until it shined like metal. It’s that simple!

Just gently buff away any excess, and then you’re good to go!

If the chrome buffs away over time from excessive rubbing or movement, you can simply buff more product on in the areas it began to rub off…but this should last for quite some time, especially if it’s not being rubbed up against often.

And that’s it! You’re finished with your Chrome Painted Prop! Enjoy it and be sure to tag us on instagram when you take photos with it! @renegade.props