Chrome dash plastic painting

[drce500]

Anyone have a process for painting chromed plastic dash stuff?

[Lynn]

Someone posted a few months ago about a spray can product that he used on some old Cragar SS wheels. Finish looked really good in pics. I wondered about the durability on wheels. That wouldn't be an issue on dash parts.

Are we talking the thin lines, like on a 69 Camaro instrument cluster?

Hobby Lobby sells a brush on silver paint that contains real silver. It doesn't look bad, but definitely not as shiny as the mylar looking finish from the factory.

[drce500]

Thanks, no looking to do the whole dash on a 65 Fairlane radio delete

[Lynn]

Then my post wasn't very helpful.

I have no experience with these guys, but maybe someone on here does.

https://pchrome.com/5-ways-can-turn-...20the%20chrome.

[dvss1]

You can try just dashes or instrument specialities. They have tanks big enough to get that dash face in. Don't know anyone or anything that can paint chrome.

[70post]

Instrument Specialties will paint the vacuum metallized "chrome" pieces that they do. Not sure if the OP here is asking so he can do it himself or if he's just wondering if SOMEONE can/will do the paint work on "chromed" pieces.

They probably just use lacquer paint over the "chromed" plastic surfaces. I've painted various "rechromed" (ie - vacuum metallized) pieces before.....such as the black highlighting on a rechromed '70-72 Olds Cutlass/442 upper gauge bezel).

[69L78]

Originally Posted by drce500

Anyone have a process for painting chromed plastic dash stuff?

I use the Molotow Liquid Chrome 2mm Paint Pen to highlight the horn shrouds and dash housings, you can buy it at hobby lobby, amazon etc, you can also spray this with a small air brush. I have a friend who also builds models & paints the bumpers chrome.

[BCreekDave]

GCar is supposed to do good work, but I have never tried them personally.

http://gcartrim.com

I see from your first post that you are looking at paint. I used the Molotow stuff on my dash trim, but it isn't supposed to have a highly reflective "chrome" finish anyway, but more of a glossy matte, so it worked well for me. I did mine with an airbrush and then followed with a clear lacquer for protection. It turned out well for me, but again, I didn't want a high reflective finish like most dashes have.

[drce500]

Thanks to all for the great replies I will be looking at these ideas, Its a lot of silver plastic

[SS427]

This is what I have used for years. When applied following the instructions to the letter it dries looking very much like chrome and similar to what Dave described above, this product is not a full reflection like chrome but a very nice replication of the original. I also clear mine using their product upon completion. Pretty straight forward and simple affair unless you are doing a dash like this 70 Chevelle as it requires a LOT of masking after you have painted the face of the dash in chrome. I use the Molotow pen to paint the lettering and it too works great. Click the link below and be sure to use the black base coat and the clear finish coat.

https://spazstix.com/collections/ultimate-mirror-chrome