How To Spray Chrome Step by Step | Cosmichrome Process Video

Watch the Complete Cosmichrome Process Explained Step by Step

If you’ve ever wondered how professional spray chrome finishes are created, this video provides a complete overview of the proven Cosmichrome process step by step. Watch each step of the application procedure as ordinary surfaces are transformed into brilliant mirror-like chrome finishes.

Video Demonstration Steps

This detailed Cosmichrome process video explains the complete spray chrome system workflow used by manufacturers, automotive restoration shops, custom finishers, artists, fabricators, and entrepreneurs around the world.

Whether you’re researching spray chrome technology, considering a chrome plating alternative, or evaluating a spray chrome business opportunity, this video provides an excellent introduction to the Cosmichrome process.

What Is the Cosmichrome Process?

The Cosmichrome process is a professional spray chrome technology that creates highly reflective metallic finishes on a wide variety of substrates including:

  • Plastic
  • Fiberglass
  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Glass
  • Foam
  • Resin
  • Composite materials
  • 3D printed parts

Unlike traditional chrome plating, the Cosmichrome process does not require large plating tanks and can be applied to non-conductive materials while producing exceptional mirror-like results.

What You’ll Learn – Cosmichrome Process Overview

  • Base coat application
  • Plasma treatment
  • Activator application
  • Metallization
  • Topcoat application
  • Transparent color effects
  • This video explains each major stage of the spray chrome process from preparation through final finishing.

    Step 1: Surface Preparation

    Every successful chrome finish begins with proper substrate preparation. Surface quality directly impacts the appearance of the final chrome finish.

    The video demonstrates how properly prepared surfaces provide the foundation for exceptional reflectivity and durability.

    Step 2: Base Coat Application

    The Cosmichrome process begins with the application of a high-gloss black base coat.

    This specialized coating creates the optical depth required for a brilliant chrome appearance. The smoother and glossier the base coat, the better the final mirror effect.

    Step 3: Activation

    Activate the base coat with our A22 Activator. This critical stage ensures optimal performance and uniform chrome development.

    Step 4: Metal Deposition

    The video demonstrates the unique Cosmichrome spray chrome process that creates a genuine metallic silver layer.

    This is the stage where the dramatic mirror-like chrome appearance develops on the surface.

    Viewers can watch the transformation occur in real time as the reflective finish emerges.

    Step 5: Rinsing and Inspection

    The process includes rinsing and inspection procedures designed to ensure consistent finish quality.

    Proper technique during this stage contributes to the exceptional appearance of the final product.

    Step 6: Protective Clear Coating

    After the chrome is applied, apply our proprietary non yellowing top coat. Cosmichrome Top Coat is guaranteed to not turn yellow. It meets OEM UV resistance. Important fact- Cosmichrome is the only spray chrome guaranteed to not turn yellow!

    The clear coat protects the metallic finish while providing long-term durability and resistance to environmental exposure.

    Why Do Businesses like Ford and West Coast Customs Choose Cosmichrome Spray Chrome Technology?

    Companies throughout the world use spray chrome technology because it offers significant advantages over traditional chrome plating for many applications.

    Benefits include:

    • Works on plastic and non-metallic surfaces
    • Lower equipment investment
    • Greater design flexibility
    • Fast production turnaround
    • Outstanding visual appearance
    • Ideal for custom and low-volume production
    • Suitable for complex shapes and large parts

    Numerous Industries use Cosmichrome.

    Automotive Restoration and Customization

    Restore trim, grilles, emblems, interior components, wheels, and custom fabricated parts.

    Manufacturing

    Produce premium chrome finishes on consumer products, prototypes, and production components.

    Architecture and Design

    Create reflective metallic finishes for displays, fixtures, signage, and decorative installations.

    Marine Applications

    Apply chrome finishes to marine accessories and custom boat components.

    Art and Sculpture

    Artists use the Cosmichrome process to create unique reflective surfaces and visually striking installations.

    For information on equipment, training, business opportunities, and professional spray chrome systems, contact us today.

    Key Takeaways

    • The Spray Chrome Process transforms ordinary surfaces into reflective chrome finishes through a step-by-step application.
    • Key stepson the spray chrome process include surface preparation, base coat application, activation, metal deposition, rinsing, and protective coating.
    • Cosmichrome offers advantages over traditional chrome plating, such as working on non-metallic surfaces and faster production turnaround.
    • This process is suitable for various applications, including automotive restoration, manufacturing, architecture, marine, and art.
    • Businesses like Ford and West Coast Customs prefer Cosmichrome for its flexibility and outstanding visual results.

    Video Transcript

    The Cosmichrome Process – Main Steps

    Base Coat Application

    The Cosmichrome base coat must be applied in a clean, well-ventilated environment.

    Use a gravity-feed spray gun equipped with a 1.3 mm nozzle tip. Open the fan pattern fully and adjust the air pressure to between 35 and 40 PSI at the gun.

    Before painting, ensure the part has been properly prepared and sanded to a smooth finish. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust or contaminants from the surface, then blow the part clean with compressed air.

    Begin spraying from the edges and work evenly around the part. Apply multiple light coats rather than one heavy coat. Allow approximately 5 to 10 minutes between coats, depending on the size of the part and environmental conditions.


    Plasma Treatment

    Once the Cosmichrome base coat has fully cured, the surface must be plasma treated.

    A small propane torch, commonly available at hardware stores, can be used for this process.

    Before treatment, blow the surface clean with compressed air to remove any dust. Do not touch the base coat with bare hands or gloves, as fingerprints or contamination can become visible after plating.

    Pass the blue flame quickly and evenly across the surface. Several fast passes are preferred over one slow pass to ensure complete and uniform treatment.


    Preparing the Cosmichrome e-Gun Select™

    The Cosmichrome e-Gun Select™ uses a simple electronic selector system.

    • Green LED: A22 Activator
    • White LED: Distilled Water
    • Red and Blue LEDs: G4 and G5 Metallizing Solutions
    • Off Position: System Shut Down

    Before spraying any product, briefly trigger the gun to purge air pockets and establish a smooth, consistent flow.


    Activator Application

    Select the green LED position for the A22 Activator.

    Spray the entire surface evenly, ensuring complete coverage of the part.

    After activation, switch to the white LED position and thoroughly rinse the part with distilled water.


    Metallizing Process

    Select the red and blue LED positions for the G4 and G5 metallizing solutions.

    Begin at the bottom of the part and move upward in smooth, continuous passes until the entire surface is covered.

    Do not wait until metal begins forming in one area before continuing. The metallizing solutions should be applied quickly and uniformly over the entire surface to achieve an even chrome finish.

    Once metallization is complete, switch to distilled water and thoroughly rinse the entire part.


    Drying the Chrome Surface

    Use compressed air to remove any remaining water from the surface.

    Start at the top of the part and work downward, pushing water away from the finished chrome surface.


    Topcoat Application

    Apply the topcoat using a gravity-feed spray gun equipped with a 1.3 mm nozzle tip. Set the fan pattern fully open and maintain air pressure between 35 and 40 PSI.

    Always begin by coating all edges and difficult-to-reach areas before spraying the larger surfaces.

    The topcoat serves two important functions:

    1. It provides the final appearance and color.
    2. It seals and protects the chrome layer from environmental exposure.

    Apply the edges first and then finish the main surfaces.


    Applying Transparent Color Topcoats

    Transparent dye colors should never be applied directly to exposed chrome metal.

    First, seal the chrome with a clear Cosmichrome topcoat. Once sealed, transparent color topcoats can be applied safely.

    In this demonstration, an orange transparent dye topcoat is applied over the sealed chrome surface. Because the dye is transparent, additional coats will produce progressively darker color intensity.

    By selectively applying the color topcoat to portions of the surface, a striking two-tone effect can be created that combines brilliant chrome with vibrant transparent color.


    Conclusion

    The Cosmichrome process consists of six primary steps:

    1. Surface Preparation
    2. Base Coat Application
    3. Plasma Treatment
    4. Activation
    5. Metallization
    6. Protective Topcoat Application

    When performed correctly, the Cosmichrome process produces a highly reflective, durable chrome finish suitable for plastics, metals, fiberglass, wood, glass, ceramics, and many other substrates.