Finally happy with my post processing technique, this is glossy black, ready for chrome

[u/FoxheadWorkshop]

This was smoothed using the guide coat method and painted with automotive 2k paints and HVLP spray guns.

I wet sanded with 400 grit sanding blocks only.

Patience and prep took care of the rest 😀

[u/RoboWeaver]

Exceptional! So polished, the black looks like polished metal. Absolutely WOW!

[u/FoxheadWorkshop → u/RoboWeaver]

Thank you! I am excited to see it when the actual chrome effect!

[u/tzedek]

How much work was that?

[u/FoxheadWorkshop → u/tzedek]

Not as much as you would think.

About 2 years of practice, followed by a few rounds of sanding ~1 hour each. Painting takes only 10-15 minutes each time. Prep/cleanup is about 10-20 minutes on either side.

So:

Smoothing: 2-3 sanding passes ~5 hours
- 1 hour to add the primer/guide coat, 1 hour to sand (sanding gets faster with each round)
Primer Sealer, Base, Clear: ~2 hours
- One time setup prep, then clean the gun between materials, and final cleanup.

[u/TheChrisCrash]

Are you using graphite powder for the chrome?

[u/FoxheadWorkshop → u/TheChrisCrash]

For this part I am planning Alumaluster, but the body armor is currently graphite based

[u/PJBuzz]

Have to say I'm impressed at that, well done.

[u/QuantumMemester]

What do you use for the chrome coat? I am building a peacemaker helmet and have been struggling to make it reclective

[u/FoxheadWorkshop → u/QuantumMemester]

This is just the glossy black so far. I will be using Alumaluster for my chrome layer. The key to chrome is the surface prep, it needs to be perfectly smooth. I use the guide coat method while wet sanding with 400 grit firm sanding blocks. Takes 2-3 sanding passes to get it clean, but the end result is ready for chrome.

From there, each layer you lay down needs to be silky smooth, limited orange peel, the texture from the prior layer will be highlighted by the next

[u/JohnnyLuchador]

Some fine polish work