DIY Black Chrome Comparison | Shadow Chrome vs Smoke Anodized

In this video we are comparing the looks of Duplicolor Shadow Chrome vs Duplicolor Metalcast Smoke Anodized. After we compare, I'll paint the badges on my Cadillac CTS VSport to put the look to use.
My tip, don't use adhesion promoter. I think it causes the shadow chrome to dull. The product is prone to chipping and is not chemical resistant. Don't expect it to last long. Even tape will pull it off.
10 month update here: • Shadow Chrome Update -...
Black Chrome part 2 video: • Black Chrome 2 | Best ...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Pleas use the links below if you intend to pick up this product, it really helps the channel!
Shadow Chrome kit: amzn.to/38viKyX
Metalcast Smoke Anodized: amzn.to/2RMCeIW
All music licensed through Story Blocks audio. www.storyblocks.com

[@VictorNUribe]

This was one of the coolest video on D.i.y, very well explained. Those badges came out looking great especially for the Cadillac example.

[@KevinAClassA]

Outstanding content.. Step by step, even comparison, no rushing or skipping and easy to follow. Thank you

[@MkwShadowFTW]

Great job! I am putting the newer Cadillac emblem on my V Coupe and wasn’t a fan of the color not being real chrome looking. This is a perfect solution, and now I have the confidence to do it! Much appreciated

[@LCort101]

Thanks for the "Tape Pillows" trick. Learned a new trick. Great info.

[@donkane7308]

A lot of people have been complaining about how the shadow chrome on rims turned them into a aqua green or sometimes a hint of blue. Also they mentioned how easily it chips. Glad I did my research and read reviews, I almost bought this stuff.

[@TheEnergyball]

Thank you for sharing. I have been considering spraying some plastic parts from black to a silver metal effect and was planning on using silver base paint for a car until I saw this. For my purposes, I think the Metalcast is a great fit. Thank you for showcasing and introducing me to it.

[@05redser]

X2 for using a clear coat. Whenever I have painted wheels previously I simply use the spray can non-yellowing clear coat. Works fantastic and paint will not chip.

[@JetFuelOnly]

10 month update has been posted! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5akpGxsodaaaaM New shadow chrome comparison video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaPEnKp4qrFgndU

[@stephenlouden480]

Lovin the shadow chrome and your dope CTS-V. Nice job on the badges and painting. If you think it's too dark you can also submerge the badges in mineral spirits for a few minutes and then rinse them off to lighten it up .. then add a clear or gloss coat after drying

[@fazawah2933]

Black and chrome ,the Best. That is attention to detail, enjoyed watching.

[@Kwago1]

Nice comparison, I found out using my airbrush for the BLACK CHROME you can tint as much, faster, but you have to do it very thin coats to keep it from building up on edges. The adhesion promoter does help, but you should really just spray without the promoter for the chromed surface with the BACK CHROME then clear coat the whole part. For me the blue-ish color only shows up when I'm doing bare metals with or without the promoter.

[@johnslagel1015]

EXCELLENT video! I really liked your technique and I am going to give it a shot on the inside of my headlights this weekend. I have a CTS Coupe and the headlights need to be resealed anyway so this might work out perfectly. Thanks for making it look easy!

[@JetFuelOnly]

Make sure you watch part 2!

[@vancieboy]

Awesome Job!...Looks Great...like the Black Chrome

[@shrimpsalaglimpse]

Finally, i've looking for this color to repaint my motorcycle wheels

[@broken55muffler31]

Uugghhh!!.... I WISH WOULDHAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE I DID MY RIMS!! Friggin metal casts!!! Thanks bro

[@SuperJESSE327]

Great video! Can’t wait to do this to my GTI!

[@SaintLopez556]

Definitely like the darker look of it this time

[@GreggsonWong]

Wow, for a smaller KZbin channel, your videos are definitely on point. Awesome job👍💯

[@JetFuelOnly]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@clarkkent4991]

NICE!!!! I use the exact Superman emblems on my F150. From Amazon. I was thinking about doing that exact color Shadow black. That helped ALOT to see the exact item and color that I plan to use. 🏆🏆🏆. I usually spray a clear coat over items like this to allow it to be more weather resistant.

[@mindflaw3876]

I recommend wet sanding with 1200 grit and complete with a polishing compound for that mirror finish

[@87bjackson]

Jet fuel I know it's repetitive, but the 2k clear in the spray can is a must. I've went down this road and the best way for off the shelf products is 2k clear for your top coat, stay cleaning with acetone then a wax and grease remover. First spray your adhesive promoter, then HOK sells black candy in a aerosol and it's freaking amazing. You can control how dark you want the black by how many coats you apply. Then finish with either HOK clear or 2k clear. It'll last a few years and I know that from experience. Those finishes all have UV protectant in them to stop from fading. Great video!

[@JetFuelOnly]

Brandon Jackson good comment! Thanks for the input. I’ll check it out!

[@ArmySigs]

If the surface youre working with can handle Acetone then you don't need to use WaGR after, Acetone is a much more aggressive and effective cleaner than WaGR. WaGR is safer on some surfaces which is why it's generally recommended.

[@AssadNiang]

@@ArmySigs what us HOK?

[@texascrossbowdude636]

@@AssadNiang House of Kolor

[@busakiller1117]

It's perfect dude 👍 looks sick af

[@chase-db9jo]

Shadow chrome less coats looks great. Made up my mind. Thanx

[@juantuku]

I watched this video for the spray can but I believe your car came out great and thanks for the vid

[@cliffcrabtree4359]

Nice work,looks great !

[@ddgsxr504]

Spray the emblems with a two part clear coat that has a hardener and you won’t have chipping

[@gedionsamuel2256]

Awesome tip

[@jediknight1294]

There are some sweet clear cans now the activator type

[@JetFuelOnly]

Be sure to check out my follow up and part two where I use a 2 part clear! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j33cdZ2kfrSBl8k

[@dodgemopar58]

K2 clear

[@josephercastor8026]

Found this helpful. I like the end tune

[@infidelzombie9382]

They tell you in the metalcast instructions to clean part, adhesion coat/primer base coat optional and then a clear coat for protection. Sprayed my motorcycle mufflers about five years ago and even with the extreme heat they still look great with barely a chip on them.

[@fordguyfordguy]

Great job with this video!

[@dsSpitfiremk4]

Very good demonstration. I find that Duplicolor spray cans get splotchy very quickly. SEM cans are like using a spray gun. Far better usage, even allowing for the far higher cost. They may even be less expensive per usable ounce.

[@torapruitt9491]

Looks nice thanks for tip

[@legione1capone]

Shadow chrome looks great! But I can see the metal cast looking good for a more factory look on older cars and trucks

[@jweezy8645]

Looks good I think. Love the contrast

[@Blitz0065]

Looks really nice!

[@way2fitTV]

Good video. I thought Id just paint mine black, but the shadow chrome is much better!

[@scottmcbride2237]

I would warm the can in a bucket of warm water first then another huge thing to do to keep it from chipping is use a few layers of clear coats.

[@RobertoGarcia-ni8vl]

I did my hood with a rough disk sand to metel. Then hit it with black chrome . It gave me some awesome depth and three demensional illusions.

[@fordman9983]

I am about to do a hood myself. Do you have any pics/vids?

[@eMikeBike]

I would have kept the badges off! thanks for the demo, I will apply it to one of my bikes.

[@GiotheGhreat]

What I've learn about painting with spray cans is that you need to be very patient ! Light coats, light coats with intervals of 1 hour for each layer then once I achieve the result I want I left the piece to dry overnight. Never touch the surface while drying.

[@stealthcustoms2729]

Very well done. I think I'm just gonna drop my V2 off at a body shop and have them do it though. All my chrome was blacked out with plasti-dip by the previous owner and it looks terrible. I don't mind saving a few bucks, but I don't want to re-do all my trim annually. Thank you for helping me formulate a concrete decision on chrome trim dilemma. Lol

[@JetFuelOnly]

Be sure to watch part 2 for important info!

[@randyparsley6629]

Nice video. Thanks!

[@sbjennings99]

Awesome informational educational video experience

[@paulk6240]

Very nice, the car should come out from factory looking like this.

[@dagar8088]

Black chrome is FIRE!

[@callowayusa]

Looks Dope! Thx 4 tips

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks! Be sure to check out the part 2!

[@AssadNiang]

Great video!

[@marcsorensen1184]

A while back I bought some charcoal black candy concentrate from Alsa Corp. If you want to see the results look at 1957 Chevy Sema show. Its a candy brandywine car with brushed candy black trim. Used House of Kolor adhesion promoter before the candy.

[@Mr-E.]

Hey Marc, is this your car: www.superchevy.com/news/1311-1957-chevrolet-bel-air-2013-sema/

[@1994Nic1994]

Another thing that also helps your paint stick is roughing up your surface. Useing sand paper or using scotch brite. And using some sort of clear coat afterwards to help protect your paint from uv rays should keep it from chipping away

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thank you. Check out part two to see if you are right: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j33cdZ2kfrSBl8k

[@irvingguerrero6052]

A good clear coat will make the difference. Definitely too many coats. Thank you for the video

[@bradcorrea9963]

Shadow crome looks sweet. Try lightly scuffing the emblem surface with 800 grit or 1200 grit sandpaper. Then clean with alcohol and shoot the shadow crome to desired richness. Then apply a 2k clear. The top clear coat I use is Eastwood's 2k arospray high gloss or matte clear. Best of luck

[@JetFuelOnly]

Check out Shadow Chrome 2 video. That method doesn’t work for this application

[@sportgoofy1975]

Great tutorial. I like the black chrome.

[@lsosa3743]

I love how much work guys are willing to put into those little details of their car. My wife thinks I am nuts for doing that to my Mercedes. I love the black chrome. I wonder if a better clear would help it last longer. Another post highly recommends Eastwood Durable Paint 2K . I bet a bit of light sanding along w the better 2k would make it last much longer. Maybe that will b the video next year. Version 3.0?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Did you see the second video?

[@p.s8950]

I can't even imagine myself being this detail orientated. Wow...

[@swndle1]

Just an old tip if you play aerosol paint cans in warm water 95-105* F this cause the propellant molecules to move faster and thins out the paint molecules giving you greater control. I place mine in a 1 gallon vip lock bag in water so that I don’t have to worry about water drops on the object I am painting

[@planedr]

I use a bucket with water as hot as will come out of the faucet for 10 min or so. Take them out every couple of min and shake them well. Dry them with a towel and spray away.

[@kickssipop1967]

ោោផឮឮឮឧឮ

[@ssnydess6787]

That is a great tip. When you control the temp, you control the flow rate and kick off. Too cold, and it won't flow or cure, too hot and it runs and kicks off too fast!

[@austinmartin4909]

Try to set up or hang whatever object you are spraying at the most vertical or upright position you can get it. Will prevent less splatters and a more consistent atomization from the can.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks! Tough with these badges but it will definitely be done in part 2!

[@oldmenruleracing]

Excellent content

[@edwardrodriguez5493]

I blacked out a lot of the emblems on my 06 GTO also they look better than they did before

[@NAMULTISS]

Thinking of doing this with my Titan, but maybe I'll try adding clear coat for a finish.to help preventing chipping..great video.

[@JetFuelOnly]

I added clear coat in the video. You may want to try a 2k clear

[@bruces12]

Now you should paint those giant chrome bumpers!!

[@wolfguard1180]

I heard leaving the spraycan in warm water for a little bit helps with application.

[@nismo2103]

I actually use lens tint if I want a black chrome look I guess if I was shopping for special paint I would try that stuff but that's all I had one time and it worked great

[@thedailyvariety4407]

This guy has the most bizarre painting strokes I’ve ever seen in my life

[@DanRoBurton]

I was going to say the same thing. Very odd spray pattern and stops the spray a foot away from w 3" item.

[@gphilpot1]

I see why he is doing this to absolutely ensure even coats by allowing the paint to reach a good flow as it hits each piece.

[@JohnnyP_outdoors]

Looks good

[@vannamuthucat]

Definitely fantastic

[@Mark-OutWest]

Great comparison video. I think the secret to the shadow chrome problem is the adhesion promoter. It doesn't look like you have an orange peel effect going on which I saw in other people's videos. The only thing I don't like what you did is painting this stuff on a potentially dusty garage floor. I would be doing this up on a work bench or from a hook. Having a heater nearby to warm the room might also help with the finish.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks for the feedback! Be sure to watch part 2

[@christiangomez886]

Very helpful, even if a don’t have the products! Y learn one or two tricks whit the spray can 👍greetings from 🇧🇴

[@user-neo71665]

nightshades tail light tint will darken shiny chrome, aluminum, and stainless steel to a nice black chrome without the blue. I used it on the little chrome I couldn't shave on my 69 gmc.

[@808G8GT]

Every light or part that I used vht nightshade on....faded withing 6-8 months. And that's with 3 coats of clear.

[@armystrong8374]

Awesome!

[@bobscott7253]

Another option would be use the tinted film used on taillights. Of course that would depend on the design of the emblem. Use the lightest tint to make it appear like black chrome. Later down the road, if you don’t like it, just peel it off.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Will be tested in the next video!

[@lisab3396]

Very nice, but a hint for you. Very little if anything adheres to smooth polished chrome. However, try this next time for superior results. >>> 1) Remove any and all chrome items to be treated. 2) Remove any and all backing tape. 3) Do a very good wipe clean with lacquer thinner or acetone. 4) Using a OOO6 Steel wool, rub it all over the chrome like you are polishing or sanding the chrome. That will etch tiny scratches for the treatment to bond to and make sure you get into the nooks and crannies. I said crannies, not grannies! 5) Dust off and re-wipe down all chrome with the lacquer or acetone for a perfectly clean finish. Make sure you wear tough vinyl gloves at this last step or you will get body sweat/oils on the items and that will prevent adhesion. 6) Lay-out on the cardboard as you have shown, 7) apply the treatment in the steps as the product says. And the final critical step that you missed >>>>> 8) Pre-Heat the (CLEAN) oven to between 175 and 200 Fh. Place the parts (on the cardboard is fine as long as it's an electric oven, if not then don't use cardboard at any step in this whole process) in the oven and let bake for between 0.45 mins to 1.0 hour. 9) Shut off the oven, open the door partway and let the items naturally cool down to room temp!

[@JetFuelOnly]

Please check out Shadow Chrome 2. You will see I was able to get excellent results without these steps. Thanks for the tips though.

[@thehondarice]

Did you clear it though? If it was just the paint last time then it would chip because of lack of sanding or the adhesion promotor and no clear coat. Prep is key to a good paint job, rattle or not. I have painted my motorcycle fairings with a rattle can and it looks factory and has held up. Id also polish it after like a few days to rid of that orange peel.

[@robignatov]

If your worried about paint splatter, heat the cans in hot water before hand.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Rob Ignatov I always do! Thanks for the tip

[@hyperwebbing]

I don't recommend it if the paint can has been on a shelf for eight or more years or stored where there's excessive Heat as the paint on the inside is probably already thicker and needs to be thin the best I can but when you heat it up it'll just get even thicker and then if there were some paint clumps internally you risk making those solidify faster

[@damnimhigh]

I'm hitting the line button simply because of the superman emblems. I'm about to order some from Amazon/ebay for my car and do mine red n black

[@back-n-actionmodelcollecti1453]

I like the shadow chrome. Think Imma do that to my 750i

[@victormena4147]

Same as your likeing Thanks

[@matthewweisdorfer7757]

Why not use a 2k clear coat to protect it from the elements ??

[@spellbreaker6609]

i would use rubbing compond to give it that look of smoothness

[@Islandbiker10]

Forget whats been said dude. Spray with an adhesion promoter first. Its essentially a clear glue for paint. Ment for plastics or non porous or chrome surfaces. Then paint as desired. Later

[@jamestorres5582]

Thank you

[@garybrooks2753]

I agree with you

[@jpmking9635]

I was wondering if painting over chrome would chip off regardless of product and if it needs to be sanded down and primed. Obviously if you sand down your chrome you ruin it so you have to be able certain you can make a good finish after you do it

[@dbi1036]

Bro, next time heat up ur cans, like in hot water...thanks 4 the video, awesome job

[@ellenoz1]

I like the metalcast...the satin chrome look.

[@adamfreeborn2969]

In the past i have used the adhes prom.cleared it first.theres no thinners in clear so no chance of the fisheyes etc.. Then paint and re clear

[@davidoverman3282]

What if you did the bond promoter then color then a 2k clear coat to finish

[@PenRippyJr]

the metal cast looks amazing! definitely doing this on all the ugly chrome emblems

[@williamirvine7071]

Love it

[@RC-bx6cn]

I think some of the spotting or unevenness can be avoided by spraying upright instead of spraying downward

[@RC-bx6cn]

Warming the cans all so helps get a much smoother spray

[@justshumdude]

I actually use the metalcast for chrome parts... best way to really use it and make sure it finishes glossy.... make sure you warm up the paint first... and wait only 1 minute between coats. not even kidding. first coat very light... then gradually start layering heavier as you go. it'll look sayin or matte with the first coats but till eventually get the high gloss

[@JetFuelOnly]

Interesting tip! Thanks

[@djUpRoar]

The shadow chrome looks the best.

[@JohnnyTrulove]

Hi. Iike the shadow chrome. I Want to color match some wheels to factory black chrome emblems.

[@sobrooklyn-do5gs]

Spray can tip, throw the cans in hot water for 8 to 10 minutes..then spray better spray out

[@MrFishluver]

I was going to suggest that myself. Putting the cans in hot water actually increases the pressure inside the can, thereby atomizing paint much better. Learned this decades ago building models before I was able to afford an airbrush. Good call.

[@ImportDomestic2006]

What about spraying it with some sort of clearcoat afterwards? Do you think that would help prevent chipping. I have a 2015 Infiniti Q70L. It has traditional chrome bezels around the fog lamps that are starting to chip. I would like to black out with similar results to your badge. If I did these changes I think the exterior pearl white paint would look sinister.

[@jaythewhizdog3842]

You read my mind. DupliColor makes a clear to spray over your final finished look.

[@oscarpacheco8096]

If you don't use the clear coat that comes with the kit your going to have issues with it Fading, pealing or chipping. I've used this on my C7 Corvette muffler tips with no issues over a year now and still looking good

[@MarcusTurnerhill]

Is the clear as good as 2k clear? Is there any chemical reaction is you put 2k over the clear that comes with it?

[@laylowwills4096]

Yeah it look nice & black ☻

[@richardesquibel4222]

Thanks😳👍

[@superswamperful]

I have used both including the front grill in shadow chrome. That peeled away in 5 months on the same grill as yours.The metal cast smoke isn't a good paint unless it's a colored one. I used the red on my calipers and that will last but I used many coats of clear and many steps. I think that is the key besides sanding first. The metal cast colors you should sand,prime,base coat silver on all the colors, metal cast color, then clear. This works well and will hold for many years. I have not found any paint that will stick for long without any sanding. DUNELESS

[@JetFuelOnly]

superswamperful thanks for the comment Duneless. Did you switch to the Gm black chrome grill?

[@superswamperful]

@@JetFuelOnly No I wrapped my stock one. But I am buying the 15 surround grill and get the mesh insert. I like the look of it with no emblem in the front.

[@scottclancy3035]

You mentioned your grill is now in a black chrome finish, did you have that plated? One of these products or another method?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thats a GM original black chrome surround. Comes from the factory like that. Available at www.404parts.com.

[@CheckeredFlag56]

Shadow chrome looks great! Thinking of doing this but with the chrome housing of my headlights. Not too dark but just right. I don't know if it's heat resistant enough once I have the lense put back on

[@JetFuelOnly]

Good idea! Should be fine man

[@atxking27]

Did you buy the appliqué in black or was that painted as well? Just got a vsport and it’s got too much chrome for me. Need to cut down on it.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Vinyl wrap!