ByYourCommand.net

I have been building Cylon helmets, and suits for years. I even for a while did some chroming myself. That alone was a very interesting, and very helpful to understand to understand what chroming is all about. Even though I haven't chromed anything in 3 or 4 years I still learn about chroming non metallic items. It is an art that to say the least, but today's lesson might be the most helpful I can pass on to others. Today while making a run to a couple of places looking for 500 grit sandpaper (coming up blank on both stops) I found 1000 grit. I am not saving I haven't seen it before, but in the years I have been making the Cylon's 400 grit is all I have ever had to use. Yes I used other grits also, lower on the food chain like 100 grit is my favorite then yes I made sometimes the jump right to 400 grit. Yes I know I should have used 200, and 300, but not all the time was that needed. I digress and today no 500 grit was available. I see 800 grit, and 1000 grit. Then as I am looking at these I see the words "For removing dust nibs and orange peel" That jumped out me like a Cylon rifle firing at a Colonial Warrior. Orange Peel the death nail in many projects that have left many people not happy with the finish of their project. Believe Cylon's aren't the one guys out here being chrome. C3PO ranks up there along with many other items. Although I feel I have been lucky with orange peel, dodging that bullet many times, but not every time. Below is a pic of what orange peel looks like. This is mostly cause by a silicon based agent coming in contact with the surface of the item to be chromed. No amount of sand papering will ever remove that now barrier til l now? I bought some of this 1000 grit sand paper, and so far I like the feel of the helmet as I sand it with this paper. The wet plastic on the helmet feels like silk. I think this will help improve the luster factor of the chrome. So those Cylon builders might want to upgrade to 1000 grit as a final finish to the project.

So do you prime, sand and then do you use compressed air or something? Blow off ALL the powder, etc? And then check the surface?

I build up the piece and detail it out the best I can. Then I use a primer paint so I can spot the defects. Then I use to higher grit count to detail out even more of the areas that need attention. I am wet sanding and using a lighted magnifying glass to see extreme details. I have a arm mounted retracting swivel.

I was able to get a decent photo of the Mohawk section before I worked my way up to the 1000 grit sand paper. This is a large photo, and it takes a large photo to see the scratches, but when you chrome it it explodes in being able to see it. Those that are going to chrome over paint need to take note of this.

Could you take a photo of the primer you are using? Or post a link to a web page with a write up on it?

Looking good - great tips for all the Cylons here We want our mowhawks looking the best they can!

It was just a cheap ol'e can Rust-Oleum gray primer. I also have used other brands, but this was what I used at this time.