Mirror paint is used to create an unusual decorative coating, which in appearance will be very similar to polished metal to a shine. Such an original effect is achieved due to the special components that make up the material. Chromium plating is not a cheap service, therefore, in order to save on painting, you can do it yourself.
Varieties of chrome decorative coatings
In construction markets you can find mirror paint of several varieties. The compositions differ in structure and external characteristics. Each type has its own method of preparation for work and the technology of application to the surface.
So, there are three types of paints for creating mirror coatings:
- powder;
- one-component;
- two-component.
Consider the main properties and differences of all options.
Powder mixes
Mirror chrome paint powder variety is presented in the form of a crushed mixture, which includes hardeners, resins, various modifiers and pigment additives. The main advantages of this type include:
- The durability of the coating . The decorative layer is quite resistant.
- High strength . The paint is able to withstand strong mechanical stress.
- Excellent decorative qualities . Powder formulations allow you to create a flawless mirror effect.
A significant drawback of such paints is the need for special equipment. To do the work yourself, the master needs a furnace for heat treatment. It can be done independently, but it will require additional time costs.
In general, the technology for applying such coatings is quite simple. The product must be thoroughly cleaned of debris and dust, degreasing and processing with anti-corrosion compounds. Then, a primer is applied to the surface to be treated, and after it is dried, it is painted with a mirror paint. It is applied by spraying. At the final stage, the finished product is sent to the furnace.
One component formulations
One-component varieties are sold in the form of spray cans. Spray paints are quite easy to use and available to anyone.
The presence of a spray on the bottle eliminates the need for sophisticated equipment, which means that the painting work does not cause difficulties. Used aerosol mirror paint for metal, plastic and even wood. The low cost of the material makes this type of staining very popular.
However, there are also disadvantages of such compositions:
- Weak imitation of chrome surface . Using a spray can rarely achieve a good mirror effect. Most often, the painted material acquires a light silver tint.
- Features of the application of aerosol formulations . Before you start staining, you should practice: select the optimal distance for spraying, determine the appropriate angle of inclination of the cylinder.
- Small volume . Such paints are used for coloring small products, as their number in one tube is minimal.
Most often, this variety is used in the decoration of small interior items and for painting spare parts for automotive equipment.
Two-component paints
Two-component paint-chrome (mirror) for metal and plastic is a composition that is made of two components: the base and hardener. They combine before staining and mix thoroughly. The excellent performance characteristics of the coating make these varieties the most popular.
Their positive properties include:
- absolute similarity to polished metal;
- increased wear resistance;
- heat resistance.
It takes a lot of time and effort to conduct an independent staining with two-component compounds, but the result fully justifies these sacrifices.
Features of staining metal products
For painting metal surfaces, bicomponent compositions are most often used. Mirror paint is applied only after preliminary processing of the base.
Metal products are cleaned of old coatings and dust, treated with protective agents and degreased. If there are corrosive processes on the metal, then these areas are carefully sanded and putty coated. After this, a primer is applied.
The staining technology is as follows:
- The surface is covered with black paint, which serves as the basis for the decorative layer.
- The dried base is polished with soft abrasives.
- Paint is being prepared for work. The can is thoroughly shaken, and the two-component compositions are mixed.
- The coating is applied to the surface to be treated. This work is preferably done with a spray gun.
Paint is applied in 2 or 3 layers. After it dries, the surface can be opened with varnish.
Work with a plastic base
Mirror chrome paint (for plastic and metal surfaces) is applied to all materials the same way - by spraying. But the technology of dyeing products made of polypropylene and their analogues has its own characteristics.
The plastic product is pre-polished. This must be done to achieve perfect smoothness. Then the base coat is applied - black paint. After drying, re-polishing is carried out.
Before applying mirror paint, the base is heated with a building hair dryer. The warm product is coated with a chrome composition using a spray gun. It should be noted that to achieve perfect smoothness with a roller and brushes in this case will not work.
After the decorative layer dries, a third polishing is carried out. If the painted surface requires additional protection, then it can be coated with colorless varnish.
Conclusion
Mirror paint for plastic, metal and wood is silver and gold, which makes it popular in the decoration of various objects. In addition, such compositions are used to paint defects on car bumpers and mirrors, to give aesthetics to old metal structures. It is possible to use chrome paints on glass surfaces.
It should be remembered that chrome plating at home does not always give the result that can be achieved with industrial staining. This fact does not depend on the type of paint, but rather on the skills of the master and the availability of special equipment. When spraying, drips can form from the spray can. Work with two-component compositions also requires strict observance of the basic rules. Nevertheless, subject to certain requirements, you can create a shiny decorative layer on a small surface on your own.