Beveling Fins
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Things That Didn't Work

Chromes will break your heart
Chrome and silver paints are some of the most difficult paints to work with. Let me try to discourage you by saying you will only find varying levels of compromise, disappointment and heartache. Most “chrome” paints are far too delicate for high powered rocketry and should be avoided.

It is my opinion that most metallic paints will oxidize and become dull. A clear coat will help seal the finish, but tends to make them look unnatural. Other chrome paints will be destroyed by a clear coat. It is very import to test the combination before hand. Grab an empty aluminum can and start testing.

Pick Your Poison from left to right Duplicolor Instant Chrome CS101, Duplicolor Ultra Silver T191, Krylon Bright Silver, Rustoleum Aluminum 7715 and Rustoleum Silver Metallic 7271.

Ratings
The five paints were compared to each other and rated on a scale of one to five on durability and particle size. Five was considered the most durable. For particle size, a larger number represented the largest particle size.

Further details about these examples
All five examples were painted on the same day within an hour of each other. The temperature was 86 degrees and the humidity was an insane 63%. All examples were painted outdoors, then immediately stored in cabinets indoors. Even with the high humidity, each example is a fairly accurate representation of my typical experience with each paint. Significant effort was made to photograph the examples under identical conditions.

The horizontal examples are intended to showcase each paint's color, highlight and shadow characteristics.

The vertical examples are intended demonstrate the reflective quality of each paint.

Duplicolor Instant Chrome CS101
Particle Size: 1
Durability: 1
Clear Coat: No
Recommendation: Display only, no handling.

Stunning, spectacular appearance, but a real heart breaker. Cannot clear coat, touch, buff or dust. Too delicate for model rocketry. Should not be touched, fingerprints are permanent. Rustoleum has comparable chrome.

Note the sharpness of the reflections and ability to reflect the light on to the magazine.

Duplicolor Ultra Silver T191
Particle Size: 4
Durability: 4
Clear Coat: Yes
Recommendation: Suitable for flying

My personal favorite, in spite of being more challenging to work with. Particle size is a little large, but coats are very thin (I would prefer thicker coats). Most durable against chemicals. Can recoat any time.

Somewhat difficult to work with, it can fog up and look absolutely awful while wet and dry to perfection. If you can't handle that kind of stress, try the Krylon instead.

Strongly recommend at least one clear coat.

For other examples, see:
PML Quasar
Upscaled Intruder

Krylon Bright Chrome 1401
Particle Size: 3
Durability: 3
Clear Coat: Yes
Recommendation: Suitable for flying

High recommended. Easy to use, easy to produce an even appearance. Somewhat of a matte finish with diffuse reflections, highlights and shadows. Can recoat any time. Remarkably durable, can be handled and buffed. For additional protection and durability, consider a clear coat.

Rustoleum Aluminum 7715
Particle Size: 2
Durability: 2
Clear Coat: Caution against
Recommendation: Suitable for flying, with limited handling

Very convincing appearance. A clear coat will degrade the appearance and is not recommend. Durable enough to be flown on smaller rockets. Minor problems with fingerprints. Limit handling and buffing as much as possible.

Rustoleum Silver Metallic 7271
Particle Size: 5
Durability: 5
Clear Coat: Yes
Recommendation: Suitable for flying

This paint was not really designed to be a convincing metallic paint. The large particles are intended to be very visible and glitter. Two or three clear coats will significantly enhance the effect. Imagine a motorcycle helmet or a motorboat.

Very high build, dries almost instantly, very rugged. Unlike many Rustoleum paints, can recoat any time. Requires three to four coats for an even finish. This can has three coats and you can still see the logo slightly.

For other examples, see:
PML Explorer