Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my own paints instead of the Cosmichrome™ paints?

A: No. The metallic coating won't adhere to other primers and other topcoats will not adhere to the metallic layer and will also discolor the metallic layer. Only original Cosmichrome™ coatings will provide intra-coating adhesion, accurate color and durability. You can apply your own paints above and below Cosmichrome™ but they can't be substitued in place of the Cosmichrome™ paints.

Q: Is Cosmichrome a new product?

A: No. Cosmichrome has been on the market nearly six years. Cosmichrome has a proven track record. Our gallery pages show work done by many of our customers over the years. No competeing spray chrome product can match the durabilty and sucess of Cosmichrome.

Q: Do I need to apply a name brand topcoat to get good durability?

A: No. Cosmichrome VU-10 is an automotive quality topcoat. If you decide to use another name brand topcoat over the VU-10 you must let the VU-10 dry at least 3 days before applying another topcoat to eliminate the danger of melting through the VU-10 and which could cause the finish to yellow. VU-10 will not yellow. Name brand topcoats will eventually turn yellow if the touch the Cosmichrome plating layer.

Q: A competing system requires I use two separate topcoats and a name brand topcoat. Is Cosmichrome similar?

A: No. Cosmichrome VU-10 is all you will likely need. If you know your parts will be subject to extreme conditions then consider applying additional clearcoats after the VU-10 has dried at least 3 days.

Q: Why do I need a paint facility?

A: To keep dust out of the coating and to provide a proper working environment.

Q. Can it be applied to exhaust pipes?

A: No, The maximum temperature is 350ºF/ 174ºC. Even electroplated chromium plating will discolor on many high temperature parts. Many plastics melt well below these temperatures.

Q. How long does the process take?

A. Including drying times and baking the process takes about 4 1/2 hours.

Q. Can I use infrared lights to bake the paints?

A. One must be careful to heat the parts evenly and to the correct temperature. Lights tend to heat unevenly. Its better to let the parts dry at room temperature than to heat them unevenly. If you make an enclosed "oven" with a black interior and use the lights to heat the walls of the oven you will have better luck with infrared lights. Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the entire part to make sure its being heated evenly.

Q. Do I need to be an experienced painter?

A. Not necessarily. We have plenty of sucessful users that had little painting experience but were willing to learn. Even experienced painters must be willing to learn some new techniques to apply Cosmichrome™. The plating part of the process is not painting and must be learned whether or not you have much painting experience.

Q. Is Cosmichrome™ the same product as others I have seen sold by other companies?

A. No. Cosmichrome™ is made by Cosmichrome™, Inc. in Canada. We have used competing products and found them to be terribly inferior to Cosmichrome™. All Cosmichrome components are made by Cosmichrome, Inc. They do not merely re-label other products.

If you have a competing system, there is a good chance we can help you with our superior chemicals and training. Don't be afraid to call us for help. We have helped many like you that have had poor results with other systems.

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How Cosmichrome™ Works:

Coating 1. Cosmichrome™ Basecoat - A two component catalyzed paint that creates a smooth surface that accepts the Cosmichrome™ coating. Comsichrome™ base coat will work as a primer on many surfaces. (Apply with your painting equipment.)

Coating 2. Cosmichrome™metallic coating - A sprayed-on electroless plating process that creates a brilliant mirror-like reflective coating on the primer.

The specific steps are 1. Activator, 2. Distilled water rinse, 3. Cosmichrome™ spray application, 4 distilled water rinse, 5. Speed Seal, 6 Rinse, 7. Compressed Air Blow Dry. (This coating is Applied with The Cosmichrome™ spray machine.

Coating 3. Cosmichrome™ Topcoat - Protective Cosmichrome™ two component pre-tinted sealer. Cosmichrome topcoat is formulated to bind through the metal to the primer making a single layer final finish without discoloring the metal layer. No competing product has this exclusive feature. (Apply with your painting equipment.)

Pre-tinting the topcoat eliminates guessing and trial and error to achieve accurate chrome color.

For increased durability, additional coats of clear can be applied as well as name brand clear coats on top the Cosmichrome clear coat. See instruction manual.

 

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