I need a good top coat

[Djinn]

One that can handle contact with skin.


What I would like to do is repaint this thing

It used to be chrome, but over time all of that wore away. So I have decided to paint it. But having problems with paints and clear coat not staying on things that routinely contact skin.

So does anyone here have any ideas on a paint/top coat combination that will stay green while wearing?

preferably something metallic green.

 

[Funky]

I'd recommend something in wool, maybe a good double breasted...um, that's not what you're asking is it?

I never have anything to contribute. :cry

 

[Djinn]

So no one has any info on what paint/clear coat I should try at all?

 

[exoray]

Clear coat with lacquer is probably going to give you one of the better finishes with rattle cans... For a more resilient finish you need to look at some type of 2K (two part) automotive clear coat or paint...

 

[swgeek]

For a more resilient finish you need to look at some type of 2K (two part) automotive clear coat or paint...

I second that. But even with a catalyzed paint repeated abrasion will eventually ware(sp) the paint away.

 

[antigravity]

It's hard to tell from your photo exactly what the ring is made of. It has almost a copperish look to it, but maybe that's a reflection.

Why don't we start by trying to get an idea what material this is. Maybe that'll inspire a thought.

 

[Djinn]

It's pretty much pure copper now, all of the chrome plating has worn off.

 

[micdavis]

You're attempting to hold back the ocean with broom. Even a two-part epoxy will wear off over time. It's the bane of handheld or worn props.

It's worth doing, it's just never going to be permanent if it gets a lot of usage, and who would leave their Power Ring just lying around, I mean really!!!

 

[antigravity]

Interesting. I know a little bit about painting copper. There's a record of copper being used as a substrate for oil painting in the 18th century, and some modern artists are dabbling in it too.

What little I know is this: that priming is extremely important, that the primer should go onto clean shiny copper, and that people have had success with both acid-etch metal primers and UV-curing primer.

In any case, you'll need to find a paint that is suitable for either of these primer types. I'd start at an auto supply store and look for something like a green metallic flake (some of these colors are SO beautiful!) I have to wonder whether you couldn't find a very thin and clear UV-curing primer to use as a sealer over the paint too. Everyone's correct that durability is always going to be an issue; you just won't know how successful you've been except through time.

 

[Replicant]

Powder coat it.

 

[micdavis]

Powder coat it.

That's a great idea.

 

[antigravity]

Powder coat it.

I thought that, then dismissed it because I presumed it'd be kind of expensive.

My very limited knowledge of powder coating always involved one of those air guns. Can you get good results without one?

 

[Djinn]

Yea, I don't know of a cheap way to powder coat anything.

 

[swgeek]

You could buy a powder coater. http://www.caswellplating.com/

 

[robn1]

If you paint it silver the clear will dull it down. Can you get it re plated? I'd say re plate, then spray with a good clear coat. The clear will wear down, but you can re spray the clear periodically to keep the chrome intact.

 

[androidandy]

If it is copper it can be electroplated pretty easily and even mostly cheaply. Talk to a local jeweler. You can even get the kits online to do it yourself.

Andy

 

[Vaderman]

If you want a metal finish, plating would be the way to go. For a colored fionish powdercoating is more durable, but if there isn't a batch of stuff being done in the same color already, there are usually setup costs and it can be $50-$100 for that, For something small, my experience has been that powder coaters will put your piece in with another run of parts for $10 or $20 - if they are already doing the color.
If you want a metallic green or a custom color, it's even more costly.
Won't the copper turn green over time anyway?

 

[antigravity]

I think it's time for a new ring.

Seriously, there are a number of jewelers on eBay who make contraband power rings out of sterling silver. You can easily find them in the neighborhood of US$40-60. Plus I see there's a project in the Junkyard that is in-process.

I think an upgrade would be most cost-effective and easiest. Unless there's some sentimental attachment, it probably doesn't make sense to lose sleep trying to save a copper ring.