Chrome paint: varieties and colors, top 4 manufacturers and how to apply

RAL is the most popular and used color standard in the world. It has the form of a code designation consisting of the RAL prefix and numbers. It has a very wide application and is in demand in almost all industries where a correct and accurate understanding of color is necessary.

The first RAL standard was developed back in 1927 in Germany and consisted of 40 colors. Since then, the RAL Institute has been actively developing, adding new color samples, in accordance with the needs of the growing market. Currently, the RAL system has several thousand colors.

Distinctive features of chrome paints

The main difference between chrome paint is its mirror surface. Other coating features:

Available in three forms - aerosol, can and powder;
applied with a brush or spray gun;
requires leveling, degreasing and cleaning the surface from dust;
black nitro enamel or varnish is used as a base.

Chrome paint creates a mirror surface on plastic, wood, and also protects metal from corrosion. The compositions are used in painting cars, plumbing fixtures, interior parts, Christmas tree decorations, and souvenirs.

Application

• In the textile industry for dyeing natural wool, cotton and silk fibers and fabrics. The reagent refers to mordant dyes that form strong compounds of chromium and protein fibers directly on the fabric. The azo dye Eriochrome Blue SE is easy to use and easily dissolves in water. Fabrics dyed with it do not fade in the sun and are not afraid of numerous washes. • In laboratory practice for analytical studies, titrations. The reagent can be used as an acid-base indicator to determine the acidity level of a medium. • To study solutions for the content of magnesium, calcium, zinc, cadmium ions using volumetric (quantitative) complexometry methods (for example, in complexometric determination of the degree of water hardness). The sensitivity of the indicator to magnesium and calcium ions is very high; higher than that of another popular metal indicator - eriochrome black T. • The indicator is in demand in photometry; it is used to determine the exact calcium content in cement mixtures and in special additives to brick mixtures. • In the chemical industry for the production of dyes. Chrome dark blue is used in the manufacture of printing inks, stamp inks, ink coating in copy paper, typewriter ribbons, colored pencils, violet ink, etc.

Composition and characteristics of chromium compounds

Chrome paints are divided into three types, which differ in strength and purpose. But each of them contains aluminum powder.

One-component

Paints in cans are one-component compositions. The aluminum particles in them are combined with alkyd or nitrocellulose varnish. The compositions are ready for application, durable, dry quickly and can be easily sprayed without any means at hand.

Aerosols are used for painting small parts, plastic, wood and glass products: car rims, bumpers, moldings, door handles, taps. Chrome aerosol paint is suitable for any surface, subject to proper preparation.

Two-component

Two-component paints include chrome effect paints in cans. Acrylic or epoxy hardener included. The two components are mixed and applied to the prepared surface.

To paint with two-component chrome paint, use brushes or a spray gun. It is also suitable for surfaces made of various materials. The difference between chrome paint in a can and an aerosol is that it is convenient to use for painting large surfaces and individual parts: furniture legs, lamps, car bodies, bicycle frames, motorcycle exhaust pipes.

Powder

Chrome powder paint is characterized by heat resistance, anti-corrosion properties and durability. But painting occurs according to a more complex scheme: nitrocellulose varnish is applied to the cleaned surface, powder is sprinkled on top, and then fired in an oven at a temperature of 180 degrees. When exposed to heat, aluminum melts and hardens into a durable, shiny layer.

Powder paint is used to paint cast car wheels and grilles to look like chrome.

What does chrome plating do?

Applying chromium to a metal surface brings enormous benefits. Car owners should be well aware of this, since they are more likely than other people to deal with rust and cleaning parts. What are the advantages of additional processing?

Durability;
Corrosion protection;
Damage protection;
Silver glitter.

Its smooth surface is like a mirror, although in its pure form it has a dark tint

The amazing color changes a lot.

It is primarily recommended to use chrome plating on exposed surfaces, in particular on disks, but it is also indispensable for engine parts. Through it, it is possible to change their service life, increasing it by several years.

Durability

The surface of steel usually degrades quickly. There are many reasons for this, so it is impossible to find the optimal chemical composition for 100% protection. This is evidenced by analytical studies showing that even anti-corrosion coatings gradually lose their properties. It is much more practical to use a completely smooth layer of another metal.

After applying chromium, it is possible to obtain a new surface. The outer thin coating becomes an ideal way to quickly remove moisture and dust, which helps keep the base in excellent condition for a long time. You shouldn’t look for alternative options, they don’t exist, it’s better to learn how to cope with the work at home.

Corrosion protection

Pure chromium practically does not oxidize in air. This requires long-term and constant exposure to moisture, so a thin layer on the surface of the steel can easily cope with harsh operating conditions. It is difficult to find something similar, so the studied technique is widely used by specialists.

Chrome car door handle

Corrosion protection has always been a top priority for car owners. They must understand perfectly well that not only the body, but also the engine remains in danger. Yes, some chemicals and oils delay the formation of rust, but it is still an unpleasant reality.

Damage protection

Some people admire the discs, what a wonderful shine, but few of them understand that the reason is poor polishing. The silver shade hides light protection from mechanical damage. This is evidenced by statistics showing that a solid heavy metal surface can repel small particles.

While driving on the roads, the driver has to deal with crushed stone, pieces of asphalt and metal parts. They leave behind minor scratches and cracks on the surface of the steel. At first, their appearance only spoils the appearance, but over time it becomes a source of corrosion. It is more useful to foresee such consequences in advance, using a proven technique.

Silver glitter

The color chrome is a fantastic silvery sheen. It is difficult to confuse it with any other metal, so you should not even try to find an alternative. A thin layer of metal applied using galvanic elements becomes as pure as possible. As a result, it turns into decor for any engine or body part.

Applying chrome to individual parts and body elements has become a common procedure

If young drivers prefer to order treatment solely because of appearance, experienced motorists are well aware that various advantages are hidden under the shine. Although the attractiveness of the car also cannot be discounted. You always want to amaze others with your elegance, so you should take an interest in the works offered.

Advantages and disadvantages

the car looks original with a shiny mirror body;

durable coating protects against precipitation and rust;

the car can be painted in one or more unusual shades;

restores beauty to old plumbing;

Canned paint is easy to use.

the result of spray painting does not always correspond to what was expected, the surface becomes bright and shiny, but it vaguely resembles chrome;

compositions of the same color from different manufacturers are not compatible;

the surface must be completely cleaned of dust, but small particles will clearly stand out under the coating;

on a white base the color is distorted;

aerosol paint cracks on flexible plastic;

highlights the shortcomings of an unprepared surface, falls off;

the roller leaves traces.

It must be remembered that mirror paint only creates the effect of chrome plating. Chrome spray paint can be used to cosmetically repair scratches on real plated chrome. But it is not advisable to use it to repair surfaces painted with two-component paint. They differ in composition, so the painted mark will stand out.

RESERVES AND PRODUCTION

Pure chrome

The largest chromium deposits are located in South Africa (1st place in the world), Kazakhstan, Russia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar. There are also deposits in Turkey, India, Armenia, Brazil, and the Philippines.nThe main deposits of chromium ores in the Russian Federation are known in the Urals (Don and Saranovskoe). Explored reserves in Kazakhstan amount to over 350 million tons (2nd place in the world). Chromium is found in nature mainly in the form of chromium iron ore Fe(CrO2)2 (iron chromite). Ferrochrome is obtained from it by reduction in electric furnaces with coke (carbon). To obtain pure chromium, the reaction is carried out as follows: 1) iron chromite is fused with sodium carbonate (soda ash) in air; 2) dissolve sodium chromate and separate it from iron oxide; 3) convert the chromate to dichromate, acidifying the solution and crystallizing the dichromate; 4) pure chromium oxide is obtained by reducing sodium dichromate with coal; 5) metallic chromium is obtained using aluminothermy; 6) using electrolysis, electrolytic chromium is obtained from a solution of chromic anhydride in water containing the addition of sulfuric acid.

Coverage options

Various dyes are added to chrome paint, which creates a unique special effect.

Classic

The composition with the natural white-silver color of aluminum is considered classic. The surface looks mirror-like, as if covered with white foil. Classic white imitation chrome can be found in the design of furniture parts for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, as well as on curtain rods and jewelry.

Black chrome

A translucent black dye is added to the aluminum powder. Dark paint looks impressive on car rims and grilles. A more discreet option is matte chrome. It lacks an eye-catching shine. The surrounding objects are only reflected in muted colors. Matte finishes are more often used in interiors.

Colored chrome plating

Of the colored paints, golden compositions are the most popular. They contain yellow metallic powder. Using yellow shades, they create an imitation of gold or brass. Like classic silver, gold plating is found on lamp shades and stands of lamps, floor lamps, curtain rails, door handles, and home decor.

Expert opinion

Zakharova Irina Yurievna

Cleaning professional with 15 years of experience. Our best expert.

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Chrome effect paints come in green, red, crimson, purple, and blue. Silver compositions can be colored according to individual preferences.

Chameleon

The most interesting, but less practical coloring option is using a composition that changes color as the temperature rises. Thermochromic chameleon paint comes in two types:

reversible - colored or white, changes color when heated and returns to the original when cooled;
irreversible - changes color once and is not restored.

Chameleon paint is not widely used in everyday life. A transparent composition is applied to glasses and cups with designs that appear when the drinks are hot and disappear as they cool. In industry, a color-changing composition is used to paint indicators that warn of a critical increase in temperature.

Properties

The indicator is a solid powdery substance, homogeneous, finely crystalline. The color of the crystals can vary from dark brown to black. Soluble in water and ethyl alcohol. From a chemical point of view, it is a sodium salt. Crystals burn with great difficulty, only after their temperature reaches +300 °C.

Eriochrome black T "analytical grade"

Chrome dark blue indicator

In acidic and neutral environments (pH from 0 to 9.5), solutions of acid blue 13 turn cherry red. At a pH greater than 10 (in an alkaline environment), the solution turns blue-violet. The indicator is sensitive to acids, which is why it is called “acid”.

The reagent forms complexes with zinc, calcium, and magnesium ions. These complexes color solutions red in an alkaline environment.

How to choose the right chrome paint

When choosing a mirror effect coating, consider:

area of the surface to be painted;
the degree of its susceptibility to mechanical damage, adverse weather conditions, high temperature;
who will paint - an amateur or a professional;
The purpose of coloring is to create an artistic tuning or add a slight shine.

Only two-component paint is suitable for painting a car. After several training sessions, an amateur motorist can handle it. But if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a car service. When choosing paint that imitates chrome, the properties of the components and the nuances of the work are also taken into account.

Acrylic hardener is resistant to high temperatures and chemical solvents. The two-component composition can be applied to individual areas and create color transitions.

Powder dye is used to make a single-color coating. Powder paint is considered more durable than others, but the result depends on the skill of the car service employees and the quality of the composition.

What is chrome plating?

A pleasant chrome shine allows you to get chrome plating. It is carried out by galvanic method, remaining a simple process. You can cope with it even at home, without having professional knowledge. It's time to get to know him on a personal level, explaining some details.

First, a bath with electrolyte is prepared. It is needed to move chromium ions formed after the decomposition of its oxide.
The cathode is placed on one side of it, and the anode must be attached to the workpiece.
After connecting the electric current, the movement of ions begins, and the positive ones from chromium move to the part, becoming a thin layer.

After an accessible explanation, the process turns out to be not so scary. Yes, some workshops scare drivers because they have to use special equipment. On the one hand, it is useful, but on the other hand, when working with small metal surfaces, you can do without it. Today, experienced drivers carry out the work themselves, especially since it requires a minimum of time. They may have to polish the surface more actively before installing the part, but the result is the same as the professional services of large workshops.

Performing staining

In order for chrome paint to last long, you need to properly prepare the surface. General rules for working with chrome paint:

requires almost sterile cleanliness in the room, complete absence of dust;
smooth surfaces of any material and the primer must be sanded to improve adhesion;
Apply layers of chrome dye at intervals after drying.

To make the coating more durable, it is secured with varnish. You can varnish with any paint - from an aerosol, can or powder.

Plastic

Method of painting plastic parts:

clean the surface with sandpaper;
prime;
apply chrome paint.

It is recommended to warm up the plastic a little after the primer has dried. Without primer, the mirror coating will quickly peel off. When the painted surface is dry, it also needs to be polished.

Metal

How to paint a metal part:

remove rust and dust;
degrease with alcohol;
coat with anti-corrosion primer or black nitro enamel;
polish the primer;
apply paint in a thin layer.

To achieve the effect of chrome plating using an aerosol, a minimum of three layers of paint is required.

What color is chrome?

Chrome is a heavy silvery metal with a bright shine. Its smooth surface is like a mirror, although in its pure form it has a dark tint. It acquires its true appearance after galvanic application to another metal. This minimizes the thickness of the layer, making it negligible.

The chrome color attracts the eye with its shine

The true dark color of chrome is due to the formation of oxide on the surface. It perfectly resists corrosion, but over time it becomes covered with a light film, which only affects the tone and eliminates the silvery sheen. Because of this, it is recommended that parts treated in this way be polished regularly.

International designation of most foreign manufacturers:

AGF - aluminate gold full polish - gold with aluminum chips fully polished AGL - aluminate gold lip polish - gold with aluminum chips with a polished rim BKF - black full polish - black fully polished BG - black green - black-green BGL - black green lip polish — black-green with a polished rim BLF — blue full polish — blue with a polished rim BLP/BKL — black lip polished — black, polished rim BKL — black lip polish — black with a polished rim BM/BFP — black with face polished — black, front side polishing BR - brown BRL - brown lip polish - brown with polished rim BZF - bronze full polish - bronze fully polished CH - chrome - chrome plated DG/P - dimond gray polish - gray + diamond polished rim DB/P - dimond black polish - black + diamond polishing of the rim FCGL - flash champagne gold lip polish - golden splashes of champagne with a polished rim GM - gun metal - matte black GMF - gun metal full polish - black matte fully polished GM FP - gun Metall FP - dark silver with spokes and rim polished GMCL - gun metal left lip polish - matte black with polished center hub and rim GMCF - gun metal left full polish - rich dark gray with polished center hub and face GML - gun metal lip polish - matte black with polished rim GRC — gray machined face — gray with polished center hub and rim Gray FP — gray face polished — gray, face polished HB FP — hyper black with face polished — rich black, polished face HP — hyper silver — rich silver HPL — hyper silver lip polish - rich silver with polished rim HPCL - hyper silver left lip polish - rich silver with polished center hub and rim HPB - hyper black - rich black HPBF - hyper black full polish - rich black fully polished HPBCL - hyper black left lip polish - rich black with polished center hub and rim HPBL - hyper black lip polish - rich black with polished rim H/P Blue - hyper color series - rich blue H/P GOLD - hyper color series - rich golden H/P Gray - series hyper color - dark gray HPBF - hyper black full polish - rich black fully polished HPT - hyper titanium - rich titanium HSCMLP - hyper silver left machine lip polish - rich silver, polished rim H/S - hyper silver - silver HS/DP - hyper silver diamond polish - rich silver + diamond polishing of the rim HS FP - hyper silver with face polished - rich silver, polished face LBR - light brown - light brown LG - light gold - golden LGF - light gold full polish - golden fully polished LGL — light gold lip polish — golden with a polished rim LML — light metal lip polish — light metallic with a polished rim MB — mist black — black with haze MB FP — mat black face polished — matte black with polished front side MBR — mist brown — brown with haze MGM - mist gun metal - matte black with haze MLG - mist light gold - golden with haze MLM - mist light metal - light metallic with haze MS - mist silver - silver with haze NM/BM - mat black machine face - black matte, polished front side PWL - pearl white lip polish - white pearlescent with polished rim RF - red full polish - red fully polished S - silver - silver SAP - silver acril powder - silver with acrylic coating SAPF - silver acril full polished - silver with acrylic coating, fully polished SF - silver full polish - silver fully polished SL - silver lip polish - silver with polished rim SLP - silver lip polished - silver, polishing the rim SM/SFP - silver face machined - silver, polishing the front side SP - sand polished — sand SSP — silver + shine+ polish — silver, front side polished, glossy varnish W — white — white White — color series — white White FP — white face polished — white, front side polished WL — white lip polish — white with polished rim
iFree discs
: have Russian-language branded color designations. You can't figure them out without a hint. Ice - Light silver diamond Neo-classic - Classic silver color Liberia - Black glossy color Alaska - White glossy color Hai Wei - Rich dark silver color Tarmak - Gray matte color