Weathering chrome

[jlee562]

So I'm building a Kenobi ANH weathered saber from Roman's parts. I already have his weathered grenade, which looks fantastic and I think I'll leave that alone, but I was wondering about the chromed parts.

I know in the guitar world, to achieve a "relic" look to chromed guitar parts, muriatic acid is used on chromed parts (usually chromed nickel). Would this also work for this application? Or am I better off scratching it up with sand paper and such, and applying a product like gun blue?

I'm not aiming to be particularly anal retentive about recreating the exact wear pattern, just a "lived in" look, if that matters.

 

[franz bolo]

The original OWK had a chrome plated plastic part. So I would think to replicate the original you would make chip marks or rubbed off chrome in some areas.

You could bang it up a little or scratch it with a ******* file.

Once this is done, you can use some black paint to fill in the scratches then rub it off. Dulling the chrome in certain areas could be done with sandpaper or Steel Wool.

Also, silver testors paint can be used to dull the finish and simulate chipped chrome. You need to rough up the surface a little.

On the original, it's hard to see it's weathering patterns. I don't think using the acid would work as well.

FB

 

[pmrjulio]

Originally posted by jlee562@Jan 12 2006, 05:55 PM
So I'm building a Kenobi ANH weathered saber from Roman's parts.  I already have his weathered grenade, which looks fantastic and I think I'll leave that alone, but I was wondering about the chromed parts.

I know in the guitar world, to achieve a "relic" look to chromed guitar parts, muriatic acid is used on chromed parts (usually chromed nickel).  Would this also work for this application?  Or am I better off scratching it up with sand paper and such, and applying a product like gun blue?

I'm not aiming to be particularly anal retentive about recreating the exact wear pattern, just a "lived in" look, if that matters.

[snapback]1157311[/snapback]​

I used Aluminum black for mine. Some people also recommend Perma blue. Both can be found in Sporting Goods stores. Some Walmarts carry them.
Here"s mine (genuine MK1Granade & Aluminum Black, plus some sanding):

This fellow scummer used Permablue (username: Podracer_X)

Good luck.

 

[jlee562]

Thanks for the replies.

If anyone else has any tips or advice to share, I'd be much obliged.