HELP NEEDED - HCG Terminator Flying Hunter Killer 60 inch Model Paint Damage

mikmik

Hey guys, just thought I'd update you all on my "no success" fortnight to get this Damaged Hunter Killer rectified and looking like it should !!!!

It's coming down to the line where it might be cheaper paying the airfare for a professional Chinese/Philippines modeller to come to Australia for 3 days and respray the model to it's original form.

Why you ask, well that's easy...................

1 - I haven't herd back from the company "A Class Metal Finishers” suggested by LastBattlestar, which could have possibly have done electro chroming on plastic, but they obviously don't want to know about me or wish to tackle the situation.
Fair enough, may be out of their league, but a simple courtesy E-Mail saying 'we can't help you' would suffice.
Moving onto option 2................

2 - As for the suggestion of a Car Auto spray painters, well a few have had a few look over the model and offered suggestions but the $$$$ cost of the job is adding up very quickly and getting rather too high for my liking.

Chrome spray paint is looking to be out of the question unfortunately to my disappointment.
Apparently it will cost $700 dollars for 500ml's and im not even sure how much the Hunter Killer would need?
Both professional spray painters are hesitant on spraying the Hunter Killer in chrome because if you put
slightly more chrome paint on the model, then the chrome actually begins to dull the model........ well it can't
be any worse then it is now but then there's the extra cost of labour which isn't cheap.
So pretty much around $1500 for going with a Chrome look.
or
I can still have the the Hunter Killer in dull silver which is much cheaper but will still cost around $1000 dollars as it will be a x3 day spray job to make sure all the area's get painted, top, bottom, sides and in every little space.

And now, this is where we get to the airbrush painter to spend 4 hours applying all the black details for lines and shading on the model at a cost of $250 dollar per hour, so $1000 dollars in total. Not a bad few hours work I must say.
But he's declined to do the job as it's too big for him. He'd rather concentrate on business sign making then take on this challenge.
His words, not mine.

So to make the Hunter Killer look the way it should will cost me around $2000 dollars, which is very disappointing.
no wonder Insurance never came to the party, the cost would is huge.

So guys, put up your hands for who'd pay those dollar figures?
Keeping in mind the Hunter Killer cost $3500US...... any other suggestions out there?

Im really running out of options and edging that little bit closer to just buying x15 silver spray cans and spraying the dam thing myself. I wanted to avoid this option and wanted the model to look good since im an amateur but it may have to come to this.

Sorry for those that have been waiting to see it in chrome... I will however buy x1 can of Chrome spray paint in a can and see how I go spraying the underside section of the rear wing stabiliser. The wing sits on the model and is detachable so it's perfect for testing on.

Just to satisfy my own curiosity as to how Chrome would look on the model, it won't even be noticeable since is till be hidden.

I'll do that this weekend so I'll post some pictures for those interested.

Thanks again, Mike

Nwerke

Mike, don't assume they aren't interested just because they haven't emailed. Many companies that maintain a web presence are USELESS about actually using it! It doesn't excuse them and I get angry too, but pick up the phone would be my suggestion.

It could possibly need more than 500mls depending on coverage. But who told you that? That's a ludicrous price.

Best option:

1) buy a dual-action airbrush, a small compressor and some buffable chrome model paint. If you don't go high-end you should have PLENTY of change from $700.
2) Find a web tutorial on using an airbrush. Spray some paint on some scrap plastic or whatever until you're happy you're getting it right. Follow the cleaning instructions religiously.
3) Paint the model.
4) Gloat.

Seriously, you'll be very happy if you do it yourself, provided you're critical, take your time, learn from your mistakes etc.

If you go with a rattle can, try it on some plastic other than the model, first off. Also be sure the can is not cold. Put it in warm water first, and SHAKE IT WELL.

ralphee

Just found this stuff, looks pretty good, and very low on cost, factor in a gun, and compressor, its still a good bet, that id jump on in a heartbeat, as Martyn said, go for it yourself, using a gun, really isnt hard.
Do a few practice runs, they seem to offer a discount on the 1l kit, cant hurt, but its really not rocket science, just go for nice light passes, and make sure your surface prep is clean.
Id rather go this route, than rattle cans over an area that big buddy.

lee

CHROME EFFECT PAINT

mikmik

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the advice and I will defiantely be going with purchasing an aircompressor, airbrushes, paint and anything else needed as it will definately cost way cheaper then a car auto spray painters.
The cost for someone else to do it was ridicilous, and they're certainly only after to make money $$$$. Hardly an offer to help when your charging 1 weeks worth of wages for the labour of 3 days max worth.

Now to go airbrush equipment shopping...... and now I may even consider
purchasing a chrome paint to see how it will airbrush on especially since I'll have time to experiment and learn.

Thanks Guys

PepMaster

I hate to say this but I have owned one Cylon Centurion in my lifetime that was one 2,000 costume I am glad I don't have anymore it was also a pain to get in and out of I also work in a auto paint shop with my brother. When the kit for my Cylon originally arrived from a member on ByYourCommand.net it was a crummy kit that I had to do a lot of repairs to and it was very close to con time, the only person I could find to chrome it wanted over 1k to do it and I did'nt have those funds at the time so I went to my local wal-mart and bought 8 cans of Bumper Chrome Spray Paint and when I finally took it to the con most of the people around me could not belive that the armor had been sprayed with bumper chrome, as long as you do the spray painting in a room that would not be exposed to gusts of wind you would be fine spray painting, I would reccomend making a portable spray booth using PVC pipe and clear plastic sheeting to make that then just go in the portable shop and get the job done. Me and my brother now have a electroplating machine so we can do chrome jobs and we do it cheaper than a lot of these professionals.
EDIT: If you see the pepakura rifle and boots in my avatar the toe caps and the top of the rifle were chromed with bumper chrome.

Vos

I have used the Spanish (CHROMIROX) Chrome effect paint recently on Captain America. It is nice stuff....not quite as good a FANTACHROME (LINK) but wayyy cheaper and is fine to be left to air dry. We put the CHROMIROX over a 2K basecoat (like with FantaChrome) but it looks like you don't need to do that.

TRIMITE do a very nice high-reflective silver cellulose. I would guess it would be readily available in Australia. It is widely used by painters in the film industry (over here at least). You can apply it to a gloss black cellulose basecoat. It is the most cost-effective option LINK Contact TRIMITE here: LINK or phone them: +44 (0) 1895 251234

Whichever system you go for you will need to build the paint up in layers so thin they are almost not visible at first. You won't need to thin the chrome down...they all have the consistency of water.

Personally, I would go with the TRIMITE HIGH-REFLECTIVE SILVER. It is in a different league to any of the crap you get in a rattle can. I would avoid that option at all costs on something so valuable. It air dries nicely and is the cheaper, less hazardous option.

Make sure you do tests first. Try a 2K gloss black base coat and a cellulose base coat...see which works best. Take your primer back to at least 1200 grit wet and dry. Make sure you panel wipe all your surfaces before applying any of the chrome paints.

Cheers
Neil

Vos

By the way...the TRIMITE HIGH REFLECTIVE SILVER is around £300 for 5 LTRS

mikmik

It seems like any Chrome paint isn't cheap, but 5 ltrs is a large amount as I suspect I might only need 1.5 ltrs maximum but more is best.....
$300 pounds ain't bad, but I suspect shipping will be $150 pounds......

Vos

TRIMITE is a global company I believe....you may find a supplier near to you.

mikmik

Thanks Vos for your posts here and on the chrome discussion,

As I've said, I don't wish to delay my project too much so at the moment im looking at the following "Chrome" paint providers (non spray cans suppliers) as I will be using a airbrush to complete the job.

If I've missed anyone that you think provides a good product and a reasonable price then please post it with a link.
I require between 500ml to 750ml for a reasonable size job.

The problem is since I live in Australia, postage prices for some of the product is getting ridicilously high because it has to be sent via Hazmat, so shipping from overseas will be a dilemma unless an Australian supplier is available which is highly preferable.

1. MirraChrome $700 Aust for kit 560mls
(Australian supplier available but higher cost for products)

2. Chrome Effect $75 Euro for 100mls
(Europe shipping price unknown yet)

3. Innate Chrome paint $229 US for kit 945mls
(yet to receive an E-Mail about shipping price from the US)

4. Trimite - Trying to find out if they have any distributers in Australia.
Nothing mentioned on the website about Australia, just UK, USA and Eire.
Might not be in luck with this supplier Vos

Wish for feedback from anyone who has used the above.

Cheers,

Mik Mik

LastBattlestar

I agree on the above comment regarding the chrome plating business. Give them a call. Maybe ask for a discount: they may like to use your model as some sort of promo for their business? Some of the old-schooler businesses are notoriously bad in returning emails in my experience!

Mike

mikmik

Hey Mike,

I've sent out those sorts of E-mails but have had "no" responces unfortinately, which is why i'll have to go down the path of purchasing it myself.
Unable to get even a promo bottle, yet alone some paint in return of advertising and promotional help by them using the model.
Never mind........

Cheers,

Nwerke

No no, what I, and Mike, were saying is that your emails may not even have been read. Some companies use a web presence like a billboard - post it and forget it.

Pick up your actual *telephone*, call them, and ask outright. They can't ignore that and you may even get a taker.

Firefoxm31

you may want to pursue Mirrorchrome again by Alsacorp. This time, look at the Killer Chrome in a can product...it's cheaper and a tiny amount goes a long long way. you mist it on, much like a very light tooth coat... I'm thinking three to four cans should do a five foot model easily..

Will

Grant Da Modeler

Agreed with NWERKE .... call them.

I've tried contacting a few companies, through their web sites, and
received no response. I then called their shop .. only to find out that
the company is owned by some "old-school" guy who has no clue how to
use his email software.


Oh .. and to add to the mix of products being suggested, I haven't used it yet,
but have read that this product is good :

Spaz Stix,...


They sell a surface prep paint as well :

Spaz Stix,...


Thinking of picking up a bottle and trying it out .. it seems really popular
with some of the RC (Radio Control) Car crowd.

mikmik

Hey Grant Da Modeler,

Thanks for the heads up on the Spaz Stix, I've checked out the product and prices and think this could be a goer.........

I've E-mailed them to get a shipping cost from the US to Australia so hopefully they can send it to Australia as I have been informed other suppliers won't.

As for the other suggestions of calling up suppliers instead of E-Mail, well not even that is getting me anywhere. I've now called three or four times to each of the local suppliers in Australia and frankly, I don't care for them anymore.
Nor would I support their product in any way because when they're not even competent to return a phone call then why should I deal with a company which is so arrigant.
I'll rather pay and order from someone which offers customer service!

Mik Mik

Nwerke

At this point, yeah. You've given them every chance to make a sale and they've blown it.

Funny, I have the same problem with car parts chroming outfits. Unless they already know you, they don't want to know you. Oh well, it was worth trying.

I don't understand some companies. Run by total jerks.

Grant Da Modeler

Mike/MikMik ... no worries, glad to help.


I purchased a spray can of SPAZ STIX ULTIMATE MIRROR CHROME from a
local hobby shop yesterday. All this talk about Chroming got me curious.

I sprayed, first, a casting I had lying around of the T-1000 police badge
but I think I sprayed too much on ... they warn you to apply small quantities
in thin layers. The paint didn't look impressive on that casting :




I'd also cut a scrap piece of ABS plastic (see top of above pic) which I
did not prime with any undercoating .. just wiped the plastic clean.

This time I sprayed VERY light coats of the paint onto the ABS. It dries
in about 15min, so you can do some fairly quick recoats.

About 3 very thin spray coats, yielded the results below :



Not bad !!!

Yeah, it's not nearly as impressive as having vacuum metalizing done on the
part .. that process will give you a stunning, chrome mirror-like finish.

But, for a relatively inexpensive paint, that you can easily get through a hobby
shop, SPAZ STIX is not bad. It seems a bit better than ALCLAD II Chrome
which I've used before.




Neil/Vos .. I'm interested in seeing any pics you might have of the
TRIMITE or CHROMIROX products sprayed on something. It's difficult
to find any actual photos out there of the products used on something.

Any chance you have anything to post ?

mikmik

Hey Grant Da Modeler,

That's fantastic you've gone out of your way to test what Spaz Stix Chrome
is actually like. I really appreciate you doing so and seeing the results.
Very surprised at the reflecting results from your last PVC spray!!!!

Can I ask you a favour, can you get another piece of PVC and spray a base
coat of gloss enamel black (if you have any handy).
From what I've been reading about most Chrome paints is that they all like a shiney black gloss (eg Black Gloss basecoat) to bring out a true chrome effect.
Im no expert but if it works I'll be spraying black gloss prior to spraying chrome.

But you have proven that it's fairly impress as it is, I think over spraying and putting too much on dulls the chrome effect. This is what may have happened the first time you tried.

Im trying to see if I can get 500 to 1000ml's of Spaz Stix Chrome (bottle, not can) for airbrushing so I have enough to do the T2 Hunter Killer and to test/experiment on prior to doing the Flying Hunter Killer.

Thanks once again for sharing your results,
Mik Mik

leach145

Silly comment but if you are new to painting/spraying. Take your time. It is very easy to try to put too much paint on too quick.

Make sure that you wash you piece fully to star with to remove any crap. Then thin layers of paint fully cured before the next is added. That said I have only used I brand of chrome here in the uk and it was quite thick from the start. Luckly your piece is not too detailed. Be careful of any thinners you use as if you get it wrong best case you further mark the piece, worst case yo melt a hole.

As you are new make sure you learn to use the spray gun/airbrush you buy with spare paint on practice poieces to get used to it.

When it comes to spraying large flat areas. Always start and end your spray off the piece you are doing othewise you endup with an uneven finish.

Good luck I look forward to seeing your results.

CessnaDriver

As with Alclad, how long will the Spaz Stix stuff last?

I've had the Alclad look great for perhaps a year then turn into just a run of the mill "chrome" spray paint look. I didn't seal it, I didn't think I had to. But clearly it would have been smart if it didn't ruin the chrome appearance. Perhaps an automotive clear cloat isn't a bad idea to try.

Grant Da Modeler

Well, as per Mike/MikMik's request .. I grabbed another couple scraps of the
white ABS plastic, and primed them.

I primed one piece with a cheap black lacquer paint from Walmart.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a high-gloss black, which I know ALCLAD II
calls for when using their Chrome paint, so I just used the Walmart stuff.

I also primed another piece with a matt-finish gray primer.




As you can see in the close-ups below, it appears that STAZ STIX CHROME
demands, more than anything else, a glossy, smooth surface. Both the
black lacquer and the gray primer left a surface that was not mirror smooth
and obviously affected the outcome of the SPAZ STIX finish.




I'm starting to think that it might be worth looking at the products that
Neil/Vos recommended, before you commit to anything MikMik.

mikmik

Hey Grand Da Modeler,

Thanks heaps for devoting the time and spraying your plastic with primer to see what finish Spaz Stix would produce.
I really didn't like the difference when when you sprayed it on to black primer, perhaps it was too dull. The test piece where you put it directly on the PVC looks much better (amazingly better) but unfortinately my Hunter Killer isn't made from smooth PVC. So I made a choice to not go down the Spax Stix path (plus the Aust supplier is all out and awaiting stock, which they're not sure when it will arrive).

I could have kept searching and going round and round in circles for the next 3 months on what Chrome paint to use, so today I made a choice and purchased some. I don't wish to dely my project further and further.

I only came across this company this week after visiting their website as suggested by a paint supplier.
I began to think the product looks as good as any (fingers cross).

The product "Virtual Chrome" is locally made in Australia so I won't have issues obtaining more if needed, and the cost was pretty much the same as what everyone else offers it at (amazing that?) but cheaper because of importing/shipping costs.

So for your viewing pleasure in seeing some company pictures click on the link below:

DNA® – Custom Paints & Finishes


I may have made the wrong decision but having to import paint in from the US and the high postage costs becuase of Hazardous Cargo, it wasn't worth my time if I could get something locally.

With "Virtual Chrome", it can be sealed to protect the Chrome look, but if I can get half the result from what the company pictures look like I'll be estatic and will be able to look at the Flying Hunter Killer once again, instead of cringing and avoiding it.
The supplier actually said that a Mag wheel repairer uses the paint to touch up damaged/scratched Chrome Mag wheels, so if they're using it, it can't be too bad?

Let me know your thoughts and tip if you've used "Virtual Chrome" before? or if you just have any appling tips.

Hopefully it's not bad, and will produce a decent result without spending big dollars.

I'll have the Chrome Kit this coming Monday, and as a bonus it's coming with an Airgun.

Next on my to-do list is to strip the paint fully from the Hunter Killer and build myself a basic spray booth to use in the garage.

I might start a new thread for those who wish to see my progress on airbrushing and coating the 60 inch Hunter Killer.
This way for all interested in seeing a Chrome 60 inch version will get to share either my joy, or perhaps disappointment.........

Stay Tuned.......

b26354

dna have application tips on their site:

DNA® – Custom Paints & Finishes

as with all "chrome" finishes it requires a mirror smooth black basecoat.