Replicating a solar/gold visor as used for space suits

[tubachris85x]

I'm getting kinda stumped on this. I've been trying to figure out a method to re-create a gold visor for a masterchief helmet. I've done some research in regards to the solar visors used by NASA for their space suits. Essentially, it's just a thin layer of gold plating over the dome. See through from the inside but not from the outside. That's precisely what you'd need for replicating this visor accurately.

I've contacted several companies/business which specialize in plating but all don't seem to think they can successfully do this.

I'm curious to know if anyone has ever worked on this before or know how the actual process is done? The alternatives out there are alright, but the closest thing being Mirrachrome. The results on it are amazing but the vision can kinda suck and you can't really handle it without taking some of the material off.

I guess I'm looking for an end-all be-all method? I'm sure it will be pricey though...

Anyone have thoughts on this?

 

[montysaurus]

Plexiglass Mirror Sheets - Plexiglas acrylic mirror sheets - Clear and Color mirror sheet - 2 way - see through You could get something like this and have it vacuum formed. Not sure if it would work,

 

[tubachris85x]

Plexiglass Mirror Sheets - Plexiglas acrylic mirror sheets - Clear and Color mirror sheet - 2 way - see through You could get something like this and have it vacuum formed. Not sure if it would work,

Very nice..thank you. It may be an alternative. I don't think I could form it without affecting the mirroring. Sent them an email anyways asking...

Perhaps they can do custom work in that, if I sent the visors to them, they could coat them with the mirroring material

 

[SuperFLY]

why not just coat your visor in reflective film?

google 'Gold Reflective Window Film' or 'gold mirror tint film' or look for gold mirrored/iridium motorcycle visors to get an idea

i don't know if they can be heated and stretched but I'm sure there are some versions that can

i would add some links but being in the uk there's no real point

 

[tubachris85x]

why not just coat your visor in reflective film?

google 'Gold Reflective Window Film' or 'gold mirror tint film' or look for gold mirrored/iridium motorcycle visors to get an idea

i don't know if they can be heated and stretched but I'm sure there are some versions that can

i would add some links but being in the uk there's no real point

I know what you mean. The problem is that these films don't do well on "complex" surface details, and sharp curves. Now, if there is a film that does work on curves, then I don't know about it

 

[cyberpyrot]

There is a dip type of film out there that adheres to uneven textures it comes in deigns as well like camo it is semi transparent in fact the stuff requires a base coat other wise you would see right through it. The stuff floats on water and you dip the object into it. Its called hydrographics

 

[tubachris85x]

There is a dip type of film out there that adheres to uneven textures it comes in deigns as well like camo it is semi transparent in fact the stuff requires a base coat other wise you would see right through it. The stuff floats on water and you dip the object into it. Its called hydrographics

I've seen this before, it's quite neat stuff. I don't know if they can produce the shiny gold affect though...I'll look into it.

 

[cyberpyrot]

I've seen this before, it's quite neat stuff. I don't know if they can produce the shiny gold affect though...I'll look into it.

If you paint on the inside of glass it will look shiny on the opposite side. I used to do paintings on glass

 

[tubachris85x]

If you paint on the inside of glass it will look shiny on the opposite side. I used to do paintings on glass

True, I agree with that. I have no issues with doing it that method. The other thing I'd have to consider is how well it can be handled. I know with Mirrachrome, you absolutely cannot touch it or it will remove that portion of the chrome. I've contacted one hydrographics place that did a few NFL/NCAA team helmets in a really nice gold chrome.

In the midst of looking into this company, I found this other site which sells chrome-type paint, called "Hydrochrome." I emailed them about this...

Hydrochrome 125ml Gold Tint

 

[Cosmodrome]

Hey, I'm curious what solution you, (Tubachris,) found worked the best, as I'm searching for the same ends. Did any of the above-mentioned manufacturers have useful answers to your inquiries?
I believe I need either a gold mirrored tint that is heat tolerant enough to be thermoformed, when applied to a sheet of PETG; or a chrome paint option that can achieve a convincing finish, without my having to buy any automotive paint sprayers. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[MWiggs]

I myself had this same question a few months back for my current build. After exhausting just about every other option due to price, I stumbled on a tut from the 405th about a halo visor and how to get that effect using only paint. It's see-thru and almost exactly like electro-plating. You can check out his write-up here, and my own findings here. Good luck!

 

[Cosmodrome]

Thanks for the suggestion and links! I'll definitely look further into that method for my visor. You managed to get a really nice mirror finish with pretty decent visibility from the inside. I know you mentioned the chrome layer on the inside being pretty delicate, am I assuming correctly that you did the same clear coat on the inside as on the outside? I'm doing a two-layer visor, with the gold sliding independently over the clear, so I for sure want some durability on that gold finish. Once again, I appreciate the insights.

 

[MWiggs]

Yep just clear coat the inside as well and it's solid. Only the bare chrome paint is fragile. Best of luck! Can't wait to see what you've got cooking.