Graphite Finish Help

[BobRoss11]

so i’m currently working on a 3d printed mandalorian helmet, and decided to take a break from assembly to do a paint test. I’m doing a graphite rub over a glossy black base coat, but i keep on getting a very dark finish instead of the chrome finish that i see in every youtube video i watch. I recall seeing somewhere that a glossy blue paint job gives a better chrome finish, but i’m not sure how true this is, since i’ve only seen it from obe source. Any help is appreciated!

 

[nosequehacer]

Hi BobRoss. First of all, you need a VERY smooooooth surface. Smoother will became better results. After that, paint with a shiny black finish. Now you are ready for the chrome effect. I´ve used Alclad 2 chrome.

The result will be something like this:

 

[robstyle]

Try doing the graphite over a flat black. See how that works.

 

[kalkamel]

I had the same issues like you using a gloss black coat. Turned out very dark chrome which didn't look accurate. So I changed to a silver basecoat and it turned out a lot better. You can also use gloss grey.

And like nosequehacer said above, you need a smooth surface. I use the tutorial by Joseph Silvagi and I've had fantastic results. Its labor intensive but the end result is worth it.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Hi BobRoss. First of all, you need a VERY smooooooth surface. Smoother will became better results. After that, paint with a shiny black finish. Now you are ready for the chrome effect. I´ve used Alclad 2 chrome.

View attachment 1560870

The result will be something like this:

View attachment 1560871

Correct me if I am wrong but Alclad 2 chrome is for airbrushes, right? Not everyone has or wants an airbrush.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

i found this video helpful before. It shows an experiment using four different paint undercoats and the various results they provide.

 

[nosequehacer]

Correct me if I am wrong but Alclad 2 chrome is for airbrushes, right? Not everyone has or wants an airbrush.

That´s right. I´ve bought the cheapest one in Amazon and the finished pieces worth it.

 

[BobRoss11]

Correct me if I am wrong but Alclad 2 chrome is for airbrushes, right? Not everyone has or wants an airbrush.

ya i definitely plan on getting an airbrush eventually but it’s a bit out of the budget for now lol