Chrome tape

[Galactifan]

Recently, I picked up another roll of chrome tape at an automotive store. I stumbled across it while looking for something else.

[Flight_Leader]

GoldCylon

That is very interesting you found the exact colors used for the Cylon "ranks".

Did you buy one of each color? If so, could you post a pic of them?

Also, do you have the brand name or find a supplier online?

[GoldCylon]

I found a guy locally that sells the tape, but he doesn't keep it in stock, and I have to order 10 rolls at a time. I have seen it online for sale before, but no longer have the link for it saved. The original tape was 3M, so if that helps any.

[Mr Fett]

Recently, I picked up another roll of chrome tape at an automotive store. I stumbled across it while looking for something else.

Ditto. I found some super shiny chrome tape the same way. I put it over the mowhawk on my helmet to be more screen accurate.

[Cylon-Knight]

So, filling the helmet halves with putty, sanding smooth and chroming the entire deal ... why not do that? I know the tape and (I guess) two halves is screen accurate. But one piece isn't "that bad?" (That's what I had planned on doing.)

[GoldCylon]

You can fill in in most cases, and it works, but sometimes it pops out in the chroming process. If that happens then you need the tape, but the authentic look is the tape down the two half's.

[Cylon-Knight]

Ahhhh... I see. I didn't know that chroming could bust out some of the filler. Interesting!

I am not sure how close to screen accurate I can get (due to cost). Of course that would be ideal, but that'll take time.

[GoldCylon]

Ahhhh... I see. I didn't know that chroming could bust out some of the filler. Interesting!

I have yet to see of any filler popping out, but the chroming shops to cover their back side I bet mention that it has a chance of popping out. They say try sanding more and less Bondo.
C.O.R.A. just had his back pack chromed, and it had Bondo in the seams, and he was warned, and it didn't pop out.

[Cylon-Knight]

Great info, thanks! I am going to fill, sand my helmet soon, I'd hate for it to just pop in half again... yikes!

I guess it really depends on the skill of the chrome shop. It probably all goes back to the old saying "you get what you pay for."

[Mardikrewe]

I am a mechanical contractor ...... A/C's. We use a foil tape for duct work that is very close to matching the chrome. These rolls can be obtained at most any refrigeration or air conditioning supply house (provided they sell to the public) for 8 to 16 dollars per roll. Although I usually do not use Home Depot for my supplies ...... I believe I once saw a roll for sale there. I fit is as good of quality as the actual supply houses .... ?

They also come in different width's, 2 and 4 inch at the A/C supply stores.

Hope this helps.

[Cylon-Knight]

Thanks for the tip, Mardikrewe. Is there a brand that is more common? So one could call around to stores first.

[GoldCylon]

I wouldn't try VAC tape. It does have a close look, but the width and finish are off and if you decide you don't like it it will peel your chrome finish right off the piece.

[Mardikrewe]

My bad Knight. Sorry and I'm glad Gold caught onto this before you tried if it takes the chrome off. I would feel quite bad if that would have happened. I can totally believe this to be true as it does stick very well, some brands better than others.

I tried a brand called Shurtape and it did not take off my chrome but can see how it might be possible ..... guess I got lucky.

DO NOT USE:).

Sorry again.

[trooper18938]

Hi Guys! New to the forum, and just got a KS helmet kit. I have a roll of the "Nashua" brand tape - it is a dull aluminum, my friend an airline mechanic uses it to patch holes in seaplanes. The adhesive it really tough - you won't be able to remove it. I wouldn't recommend it.

[GoldCylon]

One thing that can be done to help preserve your chrome is along the edges that you are going to tape is to tape the edges half way, and fold it over. Here is a diagram of what I mean. You will only damage the chrome tape if you pull it off, and just tape over the now damaged chrome tape to re-tape.