Quick question for any of you out there working with chrome or metallic paints. One of my favorite paints that seems to really hold up to handling (i.e. fingerprints) is AK Interactive's line of Extreme Metal's, specifically Durlliam. I am not a huge fan of chrome paints as they can be really finicky about surface prep and handling. I also spray a lot of Alcald and have I have always had pretty good luck and it's my other go-to.
I also have a really hard time with Gloss Black paint, I just can't stand it... Even out of a spray can my skills are just not up to the task of getting a really nice even coat, it almost always comes out 'blotchy'.
This is why, as in the IG I am building here I went with a flat black primer and then did the gloss coat over the top. You do not end up with that mirror black shine, but it's good enough for most metal paint jobs.
Now, I do get better results out of a spray can but I also find that many gloss paints take forever, like a week plus to really become fully cured. The reason I ask is that the paint is coming off the saber after very light handling. Now, it's not a big deal at all and this thing still needs a weathering pass and really the paint coming off is adding some character so I am not going to 'fix' it. I only ask as I have a few Razer Crest builds in the works and I am really trying to dial in my metallic paints.
The basecoat for the saber was Tamiya primer and then Tamiya Black (rattle can) followed by the AK Xtreme Metal.
My current theory is that the two paints are just not compatible but open to any other thoughts, thanks!!
As a side note, the process I used on my IG with the black primer followed by the gloss and then the Alclads is bulletproof, probably the most durable metallic I have put down to date.
I am printing a few test items now just to repeat the process and see what I get.