PLA - Possible to Chrome  

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

I've gotten a 'shinny', but not mirror quality with PLA using a Krylon spray paint.

http://www.krylon.com/products/colormaster-paint-primer-metallic/

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Hello,

Thank you for your suggestion.
Do you have a picture of the result?

Simon

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Hi Simon,
just a quick note,

with any surface treatment the biggest improvement comes from surface preparation, if you can sand the surface smooth and de-grease it before spray painting, you will maximise the performance of the surface coating.

regards Joan

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Hi Simon,
just a quick note,

with any surface treatment the biggest improvement comes from surface preparation, if you can sand the surface smooth and de-grease it before spray painting, you will maximise the performance of the surface coating.

regards Joan

Hello Joan,

Yes, I know. I really don't have tested any product to prepare the surface (filler?) and then sand it to obtain at least a smooth surface.
I know that this the first step I need to accomplish (sand, filler, fine sand) and THEN start with painting. Maybe I'll need a primer first, than the final spray (chrome effect). I've seen some kit that uses water activators and chrome color, but seems too professional for me 🙂
As always we have three options:

Thanks for any suggesion,

Simon

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Check out Alclad II Lacquers. I was never able to get a true chrome finish out of it, but I was able to get some very nice results. As it was said above, it is all about surface prep. You would need to sand the surface to almost glass smooth to get the proper finish.

Eric

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Base on the above, if you print this in Bronze it will shine some, but then use the Alclad II Lacquers.

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Do you have a picture of the result?

Simon

There was no prep on this, it's the first thing I printed on my select mini and immediately did a paint test.

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Here is a different route that involves electro-plating the 3D print:

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Hello all,

Thanks all for the suggestions, very interesting.
The preferred method I would like to test is with Alclad 2 products, but is not what I've choosen.
I would like to try the Alcad 2 approach, so I've contacted some local dealers. I've noticed I need an airbrush to use Alcad 2 products and this has stopped me to follow this way. A day I'll purchase an airbrush, but actually I really don't know how much I would use it. (This could be an interesting question.... how many people uses airbrush for their post-processing? - Maybe I'll open a new thread).
So, I've purchased fiberglass putty and spary primer. The first one to cover the holes, the second one to cover the print layers. Then, after sanding, someone has suggested me to use a spray insulating.
Well, until here the Chrome effect is not done. I'll try so to apply a car wrapping paper/vinyl in Silver Chrome effect.
This will be placed on a helmet, so I really don't know how easy/difficult will be the job, but maybe it's the cheapest solution to get a decent result.

Any suggestion is, al always, very appreciated!
THAKNS!
Simon

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

If it is a relatively large smooth surface, you can try model airplane covering. It's been a while, but I used to use it on the bumpers of my lexan bodies for RC cars. I was never able to get hood ornaments to come out smooth.

For the best finish you will need a heat gun, and maybe a covering iron. Go gentle on the heat so you don't warp the plastic underneath. By heating the covering it will shrink and pull tight. This can make compound curves difficult.

As for an airbrush, invest in a decent one. I have used both Badge and Eagle brand ones and they are much nicer than the cheap ones out there. I'm not recommending going top of the line, just somewhere in the middle.

Re: PLA - Possible to Chrome

Although I haven't tried it on a print I have experience using Alclad and it would possible to get an effect very similar to chrome. However it isn't the easiest paint to use:

As I say I haven't tried it on a print but can't see any reason why it wouldn't work, its pretty much just the amount of finishing required that has put me off thus far. But images on the alclad site are representative of what is possible with enough work.