The nail polish people HAVE been holding out on us. I bought the polish, the UV resin gel, and the curing unit. Came out to $50 for everything. Grabbed a printed scrap of black PLA I don't think the PLA's color means anything. Painted a small section. WOW. The resin is a little on the thick side, but not enough to leave brush marks. It self-levels. One minute under the light, and put your color on. Damn... good stuff. The finish is like a shiny, anodized look... Like colored chrome, but more of a nickel finish. Doesn't smear. Better than any paint I've EVER used. Thanks, Pete!

45 years ago I was working on a beautiful Art Deco home with highly chromium looking handrails on the staircase. I learned that the secret was a Pepto Bismol pink paint as a base colour before the silver was applied. In the old days, orange was used after the silvering was applied to a mirror to enhance its clarity. Thanks for the nail polish trick.

Did you do any tests to see how robust these finishes are? would be interesting to see what lasts and what doesn't.

I used to work for a company that did vacuum metalizing. The process was to spray the plastic item with laquer and clamp them on a rack that goes into a vacuum chamber. the rack would spin the plastic items slowly. the rack had tungston wires that aluminum tabs would be placed on. After a high vacuum was achieved, a low voltage, high current charge was applied to the aluminum tabs instantly vaporizing them. The aluminum vapor would stick to the lastic parts leaving a beautiful mirror finish. So if you can find an outfit that does vacuum metalizing, they could hook you up.

part of the reason the nail polish performed so well is because of the glossy surface it created before applying the metallic pigment. if you want good chrome finish, you need a good high gloss surface or else the chrome will be more of a semi gloss which in turn makes it less reflective. also with metallic paints it helps to do a wetter coat to allow for a smoother surface finish and to let the metallic flakes have a chance to settle in the paint.

I’d be interested to see some thoughts on durability of the various finishes too. I’m thinking the nail polish might have an advantage there too.

Would be interesting to see the nail polish finished with a 2 component high gloss clear llacquer from a spray can. BTW great 4K video quality on this video 👍👍👍

I do a lot of Hot Wheels customs and found Molotow Chrome pens give an amazing shine. Never tried it on large surfaces. Cool video. And Nail shops have great stuff for scale model building

I build scale models and chrome is always a difficult thing to replicate. Some look really nice but that nail polish one was crazy realistic!

Alclad has been my go-to chrome finish. 2 part process, it has a black first coat then silver top coat (silver top coat lays down really fast so go gentle). Air brush application but looks like a chrome mirror when done.

Thank you for this video! Very interesting to see different kinds of techniques - and to see that what i've been using, nail chrome powder, is the winner haha. I've used it on sword props and cosplay armor pieces. It also comes in loads of colors too. A good no-wipe UV top coats can be hard to come by, because not all of them work with powders, it's very brand-dependent. A non-dry UV top coat that you have to wipe also works - but only if you wipe off the inihibition with a DRY cloth/nail-wipe and really try to rub it clean (Not using any alcohol, because that just removes the tackiness) before buffing in the nail powder. Also, if your dry no-wipe top coat is too "dry" and no powder will stick to it - try applying a teeny tiny amount of uncured coat and rub it in vigorously to just create a tacky surface, apply the powder and then cure. I've found that using some water-based lacquers also works. I've used Liquitex. Great if you already have a smooth finish that could be ruined with applying the UV resin coat. Airbrush it or paint it with a brush and let it dry for a while until it's not tacky anymore, between 30min-4h or more depending on the brand, and then buff in the powder. I tried coating it with the same gloss afterwards and went OK, i think. And a quick note with something that needs to be said; normal nail polish top coats will not work, sadly. It has to be the UV kind.

I'm feeling enamored at the look of that nail powder! Thanks for making this!

Haha, I've been "restoring" auto parts since 1990 and learned about chrome nail polish back then from manicurists. You see, the ladies are very particular about the smoothness and gloss of their nail polish. I've always used that one-bottle chrome nail polish, no two-step process, and it's as good as what I saw you do, at least from the video anyway. 😉

For electroplating (which IMO is the ultimate solution as you create a real metal surface) it sounds like what you need is a primer. One suited to the spesific plastic you use. Plastics can be hard to get good adhesion to just in general, but there are good primer made specifically for most types. Thorough degreasing (some plastics are oily) and super-fine sanding helps a lot as prep in the most extreme cases. You would definitely want a spray though. It's almost impossible to avoid creating imperfections with a brush on complex shapes - and the second you put a mirror finish on top you will see every microscopic imperfection. EDIT: That nailpolish thing was pretty impressive though I have to admit - for a simple two-step process. I have my doubts about durability though. In my use-cases (tools ect.) that is a pretty big priority, but even on decorative piece you need to at least be able to touch it and clean some dust with a moist microfiber cloth - otherwise it's not gonna stay pretty long. A lot of cheap "metallic" paints fail miserably at that, and rub off at a slight touch no matter how long they get to cure.

I'm glad I stumbled across your video. I was looking for a way to do purple chrome for a few small parts on a prop. I think the nail powder kit might do the trick.

I’ve been looking on and off for a reliable review on products claiming to achieve a chrome finish. Just took over two weeks to get this video across my feed. You did a great job and provided great information. Thank you so much!

If you take the last sample, the metallic nail powder, and spray a clear lacquer over it, my bet is it would look exactly as you are looking for. I've done a lot of woodworking working with veneers and dyes and by lacquering over your final color, and buffing with grits up to 8000-12000, you can get dimensionality that is stunning.

Excellent video. Solved some of the problems I have in duplicating chrome appearing surfaces. Thank you for your efforts.

Great video, thanks for sharing your process, results & insights!

Thank you so much for taking the time, and making the investment to make this video possible. That nail paint finish is incredible!

Thanks so much for sharing these techniques... that nail polish powder is amazing! We'll be using this on a LOT of props from now on. Just wish I knew about this years ago. Thanks again!

Excellent comparisons, thank you. I resorted to glueing alfoil (shiny side up) on some parts which worked very well but was susceptible to marks and touching. I will be trying the nail polish for sure!!

Great video. Thanks for sharing and your work and instruction. The nail polish solution really blew me away! 👍

YOU ROCK! Great information that will be helpful across many crafty, repair, and restoration endeavors.

Brother.... I've been looking for this lower-cost at-home solution for painting a chrome finish on plastic for over 30 years, now. I appreciate you demonstrating multiple examples. Thank you, sir!

BIG thumbs up for you! Great video! I ordered some of the nail powder and I can't wait to try it!

Thanks for the input with the resin and the nail polish, I ordered the exact same setup for a Mack R Model Semi truck i am putting together.

Excellent video. I really appreciate the help!

Thank you for this video! Great range of candidates, one clear winner and some also for consideration.

Very interesting and touches on a subject dear to my heart- the quest for finding the ultimate chrome paint ! well done sir !

Way to go! Great video and great results! Thank you!

Really appreciate this video I have been looking for a chrome finish for plastic since I was a teenager. Very informative, Many Thanks 😊

Fantastic video thanks pete. I have just discovered your channel and have subscribed. I look forward to browsing and veiwing your video uploads. Thanks

Fantastic video on chroming plastics. Thank you so much for providing this for us Pete!!! 👌

A Big Thanks for your time and efforts.

Super cool. Thanks for sharing.

Good job!!! Expensive test.

Great video! You do a nice job in narration. Thank you. Nelson

"these nail salons have been holding out on us" LOLZ Seriously though, that one looks amazing!

Not planning to chrome anything soon, but when I do, you can bet I will use the nail polish. You saved me lots of time. Thanks.

I’m glad you were able to use the Culture Hustle product. I’ve been a fan of theirs for some time, going back to their first “2nd blackest black”. Unfortunately I have not used any of their products in my own art. They seem like a cool group who “get me” or “I get them”.

Best coverage on this topic yet. Doing the dash on my 68 Charger and have played with Alclad, nail Lacquer, Chrome pens, chrome/ aluminum tape and most of the crappy sprays. Going to go with the powder. Well done!

Great tests! 👏👏👏

Definitely need to try the Uschi van der Rosten metallic powder metallizers. Tons of different finishes. Their chrome looks great but the old iron patinas look amazing too

Real good comparison, thanks!

That is a very impressive and surprising result! I wondered if you’d also tried the Molotov paint markers? They do give a very chrome like finish.

Thank you for the nice links to what you used

Thanks for the research. I was looking for something to paint or apply to plastic fishing lures to give them a reflective chrome finish. I'll certainly try the nail polish/powder kit.

That was fun. Those nail salons do dome beautiful work.

Fantastic video. I would have never thought of using nail polish as a chrome finish. I am going to have to try that out. Thanks for the great information. 👍

Wow Pete, I just found you. What a great video!! Thank you!

For the spray paints, especially the one intended for the undersurface of transparent plastic, a top coat of clear paint may make a lot of difference. As with all paints, the condition of the surface will determine the final look. The item being painted must be absolutely smooth to get a smooth look. Sand down to at least 1000 grit.

The trick to getting a good chrome paint over plastic/primer is to get your base coat as smooth as possible. If you have a deep gloss black the chrome will lay over it like a wet mirror. If you have any texture at all in the base coat, it will be clearly visible in the metal layer.

Sometimes I just sense good energy from people in videos, you just give off good hearted vibe. Thanks for the video Pete

I know this is OLD but hands down REVELL Chrome spray paint is your WINNER!!!!

Great comparison,..I have little circle missing chrome on my plastic bumper....good job on thinking out of the box with the fingernail polish

Hi Pete, that nail stuff is amazing. Certainly a winner. Regards Kevin

Love the nail polish! FYI...The Spaz Stix makes a special clear coat that doesn't turn colors and protects the chrome.

Great video, I like how to the point it is!

Thank you so much for your video, saved me a lot of money on experimentation. :)

Great video would never have thought of giving the nail polish a go .

Just saved me sooooo much time, thanks for the video !

I was curious to see how the nail polish paint would hold up to it being handled? I've tried almost all those same things and like you said, once you apply a protective top coat, any chrome effect is immediately dulled and without the protective top coat, handling the item reduced the shine and dulled it as well.

cool demo, got to see some 'chrome' solutions i never explored ; ) - i had tried the Culture Hustle but was not.. awed .. that nail polish finish was amazing!

This IS a great video! Gonna do some 60's car armrests! Thanks

I have done fiberglass for may years . I am impressed with the result you got, and expect it could be improved upon with a resin clear coat over the top. In the case of over coating , the first thing is to identify the type of resin . Generally only two types, epoxy or polyester. I expect the nail polish to be polyester. Similar to paint once fully dry / cured it requires scufffing before re coating, this scuffing can show in the finished coat , advise the finest of scuffing mediums. However re coating whilst its still wet avoids this step. What I would advise is getting the painted surface ultra smooth before you begin, avoiding any rub through, as the resin might get under it and cause a reaction. I am very keen to try this myself. I restore cars as a hobby. Genuine chrome is very expensive. Whilst I wouldnt attempt it on something large like a bumper, small parts could work. Especially those that are self made and require filling , being not made perfect to begin with. Cast alloy is also a problem for re chroming, so much so that many chroming places wont even touch it, because the new chrome tends to not stick very well. This could be the solution . Could I also suggest , getting yourself an airbrush, for a quicker and much smoother finish.

Awesome video!!

Great info . Many thanks.

Two things that might help you in your quest. First, use TSP to clean the parts. You can get it pre-mixed or as a powder. Second, for a primer use Zinsser 1-2-3 Bullseye. It is a shellac based primer that is good for metal, wood and everything in between. You know what they say about shellac? Shellac sticks to everything and everything sticks to shellac.

Looks great!

Great expiriment . I have used nail polish many times for painting, it works better than any of the raised lettering paints for tires that I have triedas well. Iwould like to see the uv dried clear go over as a final finsh as well.

Great video!!

Thnx for this video 💪 very informative!!

since watching this video 4 or 5 times and then getting some powders, i keep getting funny looks off people like i was either a mark rober porch pirate box victim or i've been out partying at a men only club. but i wear the glitter with pride! my 3d prints look amazing.. electroforming works but lots of prep and stuff to store! The culture hustle is great but for ease but the powders are a bit more forgiving / drying time awesome video!!!! thank you for changing my workflow forever!

Excellent video

For indoor stuff like chrome trim on an old radio or other restoration Vallejo Metal Color Chrome and Vallejo Metal Varnish works well and has the added bonus you can get them in most countries in hobby/model stores. It can be brushed on but works best with an airbrush.

I like this idea a lot

I have been looking for something like this to do dash chrome on my classic cars. Thanks!

Very cool. You said wow at the same time I said wow at the nail polish part. Great job.

The rub-buff stuff reminds me of zinc antiseize. And that chrome nail powder was actually really cool. Great vid!

Really cool video!

I loved your video I have watched allot of videos trying to reproduce chrome and this has to be the best your presentation and thoroughness was great, I love that nail polish stuff and I bet the other colors are cool as hell, durability is my question I am always looking for outside equipment restoration supplies. Good Job

Thank you for your video and testing all of these. The nail powder and gel turned out so beautiful. I don't know how my husband found your video, but I'm so thankful he did. He needs to rechrome the trim for a rare instrument cluster. I am ordering this stuff now. He said, I just need the chrome. You can have the other colors. 🤣 Can't wait to do a test sample and see how it turns out. Thanks again.

I bought your exact powder kit. Got a supposedly equivalent nail finish from our local Sally Beauty supply, borrowed a light from a nail salon owner my wife knows. I’ve experimented with various drying times but my finish comes out more like brushed chrome or highly polished aluminum rather than mirror chrome. Your finish is immediately shinier than mine. Work in progress here. I’m still searching for mirror chrome . Mine is going on fishing lures so I have to add a super tough clear top coat which will be another challenge to not kill the shine if and when I find it As for the electroplate, I stumbled on a KZfaq from a guy from Eastern Europe that electro silver plated plastic. He used graphite spray paint to coat the plastic surface so that it was conductive. It was all a home process in his kitchen Appreciate all your time and work. It’s a frustrating process. Thx

Thank you, Pete! I know how expensive this test may have cost you! And you've saved me even more in money, time and frustration! 🤣I've been making parts in plastic using Smooth-On products for years. Tooling, materials and labor really add up during the 'learning' stages of figuring out things like this, not counting your electro-plating adventures! 🥰🥰🤝

Great video. I have some nickel plated microphones on chrome stands but the clips are black plastic. This gave me some ideas!

Ali express do some great permanent silver markers. It comes out as a chrome liquid and coats really well (not like a sharpie, more like industrial paint pens). I'm not sure it will be child safe paint but it certainly would give you a chromed look on plastic. It's was that good I used it to chrome an aluminium part I turned out for a computer build rather than polishing it.

Thank you! You remind me of me in your quest, except with a happy ending. Just what I need for a project that initially struck fear into my heart.

Wow, that nail kit chrome looks amazing! I'm going to put in an order to Amazon.

Going to use the nail powder for model kit chrome parts. You can top coat with the no wipe uv gel. Thanks for the review.

Would be interesting to burnish/polish the finishes. Especially the metal coats and see how they respond. I know with the silver leaf quite a shiny finish can result. Also with the silver leaf method you could gold or copper or brass finish with basically the same process.

Thank you for the info this is going on an art piece hopefully it sticks

just stumbled onto your vid !! instantly subscribed the moment of the silver powder ! Dig you experiment! You are awesome my fellow crafty friend !!! Excellent Stuff !!

Super job! Merci bonne comparaison.

That's pretty awesome. Score on finding the nail polish!

I am definitely going to be purchasing some of that nail polish in the foreseeable future.

Wow, I’ve already been looking at nail polishes to do a set of wheels for my RC truck, as it needs to be redone. And after seeing this?! No question as from all the others that I’ve seen and their prices, clear winner for someone on a budget! I have to find that stuff! Thanks for the video!! Ok, well after finishing the video I went to the link that you had posted and added all the nail polish parts and curing light to my cart. I was already on the right track! Thanks again for a great video!

I just experimented with a technique using resin mixed in with the last mirror chrome paint you tested. I poured the resin over the model and used a hair dryer to remove any bubbles. The results look amazing.

I use this on my nails all the time 🤣 I love that you found a great use for it

I enjoy your Bob Ross references 😊.