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Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 9:52 pm
by leedurrant73
Hello guys.

Sorry for so many questions but. Recently tried aerosol chrome paint to respray the edges of the indicator reflectors but it seems very dull.

Is there a certain recommendation I can use?

Thanks


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Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:08 pm
by 911hillclimber
'Chrome Paint' is a topic I've dabbled with for several years when restoring my bikes.
I have a good selection of rattle cans to prove it. IMHO on the subject is that there is no such thing, just bright silver.
Brightest silver paint I've found is 'wheel silver' paint, but for your purpose try a few alternatives like Humbrol, Tamiya etc model paints are worth a try and cheap.

I think Gary (71) has tried a few solutions too, maybe with more encouraging results Lee.

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:12 pm
by leedurrant73
I think your right, I’ve tried a few and basically (crap)

Will see what Gary’s say… thanks


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Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:33 pm
by Gary71
Tried a few, all crap! Think I used a Hycote one in the end. Just satin silver really.

This is from one of the (many!) fit checks to get the alignment right

Image
Pop a decent LED bulb in there and it’s bright enough without reflecting paint.

I think the later cars were just white.

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:51 am
by 911hillclimber
double post somehow..

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:52 am
by 911hillclimber
I painted my reflecting surfaces white (gloss) in the end!
I used Hammerite Smooth white, sticks to most surfaces, still good after many years.

About 20 years ago, white paint

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Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 9:08 am
by Nine One One
Just fit LED rear lights, and so long as you have a colour that will reflect something it will not be an issue.

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 9:33 am
by deano
I had pretty good results with this Chrome enamel. As others mentioned, white might work too, although I'm not sure if it would be a good look through the clear parts of the front lenses. As with all of these chrome paints, they look better over a black foundation.

Plastikote 1500 100 ml Aerosol - Chrome https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000TRJBG8/?th=1
FrontLightsPlasticote1500ChromeEnamel.JPG
FrontLightsMaterials.JPG

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 2:04 pm
by Mike Smith
In our experience with 356`s

White Paint reflects better than the Chrome Finish

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 6:18 pm
by 210bhp
Is Lee not asking about the edges of the pre-black indicator lenses which are not really for any reflective properties but simply cosmetic (and correct for his year). I’m sure there is a thread on this somewhere too.

Regards
Mike

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 6:21 pm
by leedurrant73
Hello Mike,

Yes that’s right, I’m probably going to use a heigh pigment silver paint as the chrome paint on the part is poor.

Thanks Lee


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Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2023 5:40 pm
by tangerineT
Hello all . I wondered whether bright silver leaf correctly applied to the edges of the lenses would work?

Haven't had a go yet but could be a solution

Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2023 6:22 pm
by coomo
You need chrome spray.They are in Basildon,Essex.Have done a few pair of SWB lights for me.
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Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2023 6:26 pm
by coomo
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Re: Chrome paint for reflectors

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2023 10:30 pm
by 210bhp
That’s fine for swb but on a lwb the silvering is on the inside edge of indicator lens itself so will chrome spray work well on that plastic (?) and it’s also very tricky to mask properly. I’m sure there is a thread on here somewhere where someone managed to do a good job. Maybe it’s part of a resto thread which is why I can’t find it.

Regards
Mike