Colored Chrome?

[bozosl8]

RiderRocketMan What kind of paint job is this? It is amazing! Obviously, chrome can be painted (or something). What is the trick(s)?

[drtim]

I heard someone mention the term "candied chrome", they also mentioned "big bucks" in the same sentence. Does look good though.

[RiderRocketman]

The "trick" is to use the right paints and equipment.
My site gallery has some more info on that paint here.

The tinted chrome I did is technically candied like DrTim said. I use a specially formulate clear coat that adheres direct to polished chrome and tint it with candy dyes. Same principle as any candy paint job (or kandy as some in the industry like to put it). The chrome is acting as the reflective layer for the candy paint instead of the usual metallic basecoats.

The clear is Alsa's Clear 4 Chrome (alsacorp.com) and can be tinted with any candy color dyes. It is not stuff that anybody should be using though. Like most high quality automotive clear coats it is very toxic, so you need the right setup and equipment to spray it.

Send me a note if you're looking for a painter to do something for you. The candied chrome is some of my favorite custom paint stuff. You should see it in the sun!

[ This message was edited by: RiderRocketman on 2006-01-16 13:04 ]

[Bikernoob]

That does look sweet!

Think I could have a painter do a black chrome to meld in with my black tank?

[RiderRocketman]

Black chrome is doable. A good painter should be able to get some black candy dye. I used some throughout that dragon paint job for the artwork as well as fading the chrome bearclaw to dark at the bottom.

Do note though that even black candy color is not truely black like ink. All I've seen are very dark violet or blue, which is typical for automotive paint.

[bozosl8]

RR - That is truly a wonderful work! I am envious of your genius. I love everything about my III except that chrome "wing." To me, it just seems to push the chromish effect over the edge. I want some sort of dark (mysterious) orange and black swirl/smoke effect. Would you be interested in doing that for me if I sent the piece to you?
ss

[RiderRocketman]

Send me an email, bozosl8, at studio @ mainstreammedia.com
and we can work it out. Also let me know what color your bike is - a dark orange bearclaw won't look great with any color bike. :wink:

[bozosl8]

Started this thread and dialogue with RiderRocketman about six weeks ago. After a disappointing experience with UPS followed by extraordinary integrity and craftsmanship from Rocketman, I have exactly what I hoped for in trying to achieve "colored chrome." Rocketman's MainstreamMedia Studios in MN does astonishing work. Thanx, Ty.

[RiderRocketman]

Thanks for the kind words, Steve. I wasn't sure about your final choice about going with a brighter orange instead of a dark burnt orange but after seeing it on the bike I think it works real well. It's like you can see her heart right out there. Hard not to look at it. Great call!

[vonbonds]

I was just browsing through the photo album and came across bozosl8 painted clam shell. Amazing job RiderRocketman! I think this looks incredible!!!

bozolsl8's Photo Album