Bringing design ideas to life

Working out the kinks- Spray Chrome

2010-12-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

Amazing as it sounds, no one in Toronto has a spray chrome system.
Today, I called 3 suppliers in the US that make spray chrome systems, Spectro chrome, Alsa Corp and Goldtouch inc. They have had not a single buyer of this equipment in Toronto.

If you need a quick finish that needs to be "chrome", but don't want to invest in the system, two companies have a aerosol can of spray chrome and you can buy it to use in your regular paint gun. Here is what I found out:

Mirrachrome by Alsa corp: this 3 stage product claims to get a chrome finish, but in fact it is only a brushed aluminum-like finish. About 30% mirror chrome. Closer to a stainless steel refrigerator door, IF you can master the technique and not over spray. AND you only get that kind of finish when sprayed on to a properly primed surface.
Cost: $ 245 per quart

Magic Chrome by Spectra Chrome inc: See mirrachrome.
Cost $175 per quart

In our testing, these are equivialent if not inferior to a can of "spray chrome" you can buy at Canadian tire for $11.

Chrome FX by Alsa corp: this is the closest thing to spray chrome you can get without buying a system. It has the mirror finish and only contains a dual can spray...down side? They only make it in 16 ounce cans, enough to cover a few small figurines for "TESTING" and "SAMPLING" purposes only and the cost $599!!!

That being said, if you are in dire need to make something with a chrome finish, you can purchase a 4 x 8 sheet of plastic with a mirror chrome finish, 1/8 and 1/4 inch thickness to vacuform with.
Cost: $240 per sheet

These are your options today folks!
Indeed it has to be said! 3D Foam Creations will be Toronto's new stop for creating faux chrome without the vaccumforming. Check back later! We may well be 3D Chrome Creations!

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2010-11-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

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Spray Chrome

2010-11-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

We have taken on a project which the client has requested signage to be crafted. The signage has some scroll lettering and a logo ... all which have to have a chrome finished look to it. I have been investigating some options on how to do it with out actually chroming it, and have found several options for fake chrome.

Mirrachrome-www.alsacorp.com
MirraChrome is a spray paint in a can. It is the most reflective paint available on the market today that can be applied without the purchase of expensive specialized equipment. This versatile product can be applied with any high quality paint gun and dries instantly into a brilliant, mirror-like finish. A 4 ounce can of this stuff will cost you about $80 dollars a quart is $375 dollars a gallon is $1300 dollars USD.

Spectra Chrome- http://www.spectrachrome.com
This is a system that you buy, much like a hardcoating or spray foam system. Investment from these guys can range from $4000 and up plus the coatings. This is a 3 step process whereby adding a basecoat that contains a reactive agent that the "chrome" will adhere to. Next comes the metal spray which combines 2 water based chemicals that when mixed together create that mirrored finish. Finally a 3rd layer is added as a protective coating which you can add colour to.

Both of these methods require a proper ventilation booth.

Alsa also makes a mirrored sheet called
FX sheeting: http://www.alsacorp.com/products/sheetingfx/mirror.chrome.htm
you can get it in a 36" wide roll and costs about $42 per linear foot. Not cheap but if you need to coat something that is flat, this could be your product.

See the video s I posted for spray chrome options.