Chrome paint for reflectors

leedurrant73 · Post by **leedurrant73** » Tue Sep 19, 2023 9:52 pm

Hello guys.

Sorry for so many questions but. Recently tried aerosol chrome paint to respray the edges of the indicator reflectors but it seems very dull.

Is there a certain recommendation I can use?

Thanks

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911hillclimber · Post by **911hillclimber** » Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:08 pm

'Chrome Paint' is a topic I've dabbled with for several years when restoring my bikes.
I have a good selection of rattle cans to prove it. IMHO on the subject is that there is no such thing, just bright silver.
Brightest silver paint I've found is 'wheel silver' paint, but for your purpose try a few alternatives like Humbrol, Tamiya etc model paints are worth a try and cheap.

I think Gary (71) has tried a few solutions too, maybe with more encouraging results Lee.

leedurrant73 · Post by **leedurrant73** » Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:12 pm

I think your right, I’ve tried a few and basically (crap)

Will see what Gary’s say… thanks

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Gary71 · Post by **Gary71** » Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:33 pm

Tried a few, all crap! Think I used a Hycote one in the end. Just satin silver really.

This is from one of the (many!) fit checks to get the alignment right

Pop a decent LED bulb in there and it’s bright enough without reflecting paint.

I think the later cars were just white.

911hillclimber · Post by **911hillclimber** » Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:51 am

double post somehow..

911hillclimber · Post by **911hillclimber** » Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:52 am

I painted my reflecting surfaces white (gloss) in the end!
I used Hammerite Smooth white, sticks to most surfaces, still good after many years.

About 20 years ago, white paint

Nine One One · Post by **Nine One One** » Wed Sep 20, 2023 9:08 am

Just fit LED rear lights, and so long as you have a colour that will reflect something it will not be an issue.

deano · Post by **deano** » Wed Sep 20, 2023 9:33 am

I had pretty good results with this Chrome enamel. As others mentioned, white might work too, although I'm not sure if it would be a good look through the clear parts of the front lenses. As with all of these chrome paints, they look better over a black foundation.

Plastikote 1500 100 ml Aerosol - Chrome https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000TRJBG8/?th=1

Mike Smith · Post by **Mike Smith** » Wed Sep 20, 2023 2:04 pm

In our experience with 356`s

White Paint reflects better than the Chrome Finish

210bhp · Post by **210bhp** » Wed Sep 20, 2023 6:18 pm

Is Lee not asking about the edges of the pre-black indicator lenses which are not really for any reflective properties but simply cosmetic (and correct for his year). I’m sure there is a thread on this somewhere too.

Regards
Mike

leedurrant73 · Post by **leedurrant73** » Wed Sep 20, 2023 6:21 pm

Hello Mike,

Yes that’s right, I’m probably going to use a heigh pigment silver paint as the chrome paint on the part is poor.

Thanks Lee

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tangerineT · Post by **tangerineT** » Mon Oct 16, 2023 5:40 pm

Hello all . I wondered whether bright silver leaf correctly applied to the edges of the lenses would work?

Haven't had a go yet but could be a solution

coomo · Post by **coomo** » Mon Oct 16, 2023 6:22 pm

You need chrome spray.They are in Basildon,Essex.Have done a few pair of SWB lights for me.

coomo · Post by **coomo** » Mon Oct 16, 2023 6:26 pm

210bhp · Post by **210bhp** » Mon Oct 16, 2023 10:30 pm

That’s fine for swb but on a lwb the silvering is on the inside edge of indicator lens itself so will chrome spray work well on that plastic (?) and it’s also very tricky to mask properly. I’m sure there is a thread on here somewhere where someone managed to do a good job. Maybe it’s part of a resto thread which is why I can’t find it.

Regards
Mike

DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker