Painting a Stormtrooper helmet reflective metal using Alclad Chrome

[@robertlang6968]

Super interested in topcoat (clearcoat)video. I haven't seen a Topcoat that will work on chrome paint.Great video, thank you.

[@HyperSculptor]

Same. I've used chrome paints that look amazing, up until you spray a clear coat on them. Look turns into very fine metal paint.

[@joshkitchen9926]

Just watched one of your video's you have a new fan! Awesome content!

[@sinformant]

That would be the perfect paint finish for a t800 skull!

[@jasperjanderson]

Looking forward to the gold and sealing video. That's always a challenge with the Alclad.

[@paulhymans2354]

Great video and very helpful. I’ll be using that on my terminator skull

[@Kristin-oi8zw]

Thank you very much, it helps a lot! I tried to apply Alclad with my airbrush pistol but the result is not good from my point of view on bigger surfaces. So i want to switch the pistol. Can you please tell me what needle size you used!? Thank you 😊

[@zoltanbod7478]

Thanks for the reply..I'm trying to find it in Canada..you do magic with it!

[@youngjedi799]

Never mind on my previous question. Just saw the video with the cos play teach. Aqua gloss clear is ordered. Thanks for the great videos!!!!!

[@michaelflorence1927]

Awesome video. Thanks so much. You create fantastic content.

[@ttype231]

I think this video has proven to me, that All Clad is the best. In other videos, the Malotaw got hazy when it dried. Side note, fighting the urge to give you crap about the Pistachio Hoodie. ...that's not Heavy, nor Metal... J/K, thanks again for posting. Answered some questions.

[@ihewer]

Awesome thanks mate you have given me ideas for when I finally get around to doing your RA7 head

[@MigMonkey]

I never had luck back in the day with Alclad but that was 15 years ago so I didn't know what I was doing honestly. I'll have to pick some up again. I bet with just the right amount of coverage over a black base you could get that dark chrome look. I want to paint up the Mandalorian's helmet from the new show, and judging from the promo shots it looked very dark chrome/graphite kinda color.

[@onilink6363]

It’s so hard to find a copy that matches the Beskar steel from the mandalorian. The “no spending limit” people have been using alumiluster, but that’s like $170 for an 8oz can. This looks like a good substitute

[@Reality2Robots]

This is awesome Gordon!!

[@kevingreenfield9204]

That is an impressive storm trooper helmet wow that is super cool

[@skyrider4789]

You mentioned buffing the black instead of spraying the 2k clear…is that done with just a T-shirt or do you use some kind of polishing compound?🤔 (I have alclad gloss black prepped and thought I’d try the buffing as you mentioned instead of the 2k clear. Thanks!

[@funvee]

Have you done any testing with replacements for the alclad 107? In the part of Canada I'm from, it is very difficult to get alclad without paying crazy shipping. if there is another brand that does a similar job, that would be great.

[@WishedUponAVlog]

Gordan, wow amazzzzing 😮👌

[@DatFunnyPerson]

2:05 you talk about polishing it instead of using a 2k before the chrome. Would the chrome really even stick if its polished? I thought paint needs something to catch on or it just drips down.? Man your videos are awesome I wish I would have gotten all this Info before doing my entire Mando...

[@sheldonnorton9035]

Very helpful!

[@DesertScum]

Awesome dude! Going to try this with some anodized 👌👌

[@IcanCwhatUsay]

Is the regulator at the handle necessary or even doing anything in this video? (sorry I know it's 4yrs old but it's such a great video)

[@hiba]

Lovee the paint job! Do you know of any chrome paint that would stick on silicone object?

[@DarioDarrow]

Does the Alclad stick to the shiny 2k lacquer ok? I guess the lacquer is still fresh enough that it bonds rather than flakes 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Emtbtoday]

Should do a weathering job with a whitewash and AK interactives worn effects looking like the whites wearing off the bare metal factory finish that would look cool

[@chriscruz2736]

I know this video is old and I'm throwing up a hailmary here but i just wanted to confirm your process. White Storm Trooper Helmet, Black Glossy Base Coat, Alclad Aqua Gloss Clear, 2K Auto Clear Coat, Alclad Chrome? Or does the 2k Auto Clear Coat go before the Aqua Gloss? Tried to piece together your process and updates from the rest of your videos as well. From here I can proceed to gold tinting etc? Also is this still a valid process or have you discovered something better since you made this video?

[@colinmsmall]

Great video. I just ruined my first mandalorian helmet after overdoing the alclad chrome. I’m new to all of this and the airbrushing as well. I also tried to apply a 1k clear coat over the alclad and that didn’t come out well either with some orange peeling etc. I want to buy the same gun you used here and try your process on a fresh helmet. What kind of air compressor do I need to use a gun like this and how do you cleaning it out? Any special cleaner for cleaning the alclad out? Also, how should I set this gun to mimic your video results?

[@gordontarpley]

Just sand it down and repaint. Helmet should be fine under the paint. You'll have to experiment with the settings. I always adjust depending on how much I'm spraying wind, etc. It's pretty difficult to overspray the Alclad. How did your basecoat look before you applied the Alclad? That has much more to do with the finish than anything else. I use alcohol to clean out the alclad. If you can put it in a different spray gun than your clear coat, it's better. I have a 30 gallon husky compressor but you don't need something that big. You can spray the alclad with a tiny airbrush compressor if needed. The trick with the alclad is to spray VERY light coats.

[@colinmsmall]

@@gordontarpley The base coat was decent but not as good as it should have been. I experienced the orange peel on some areas but it seemed subtle so I proceeded. I just didn’t understand at the time, I’m learning though lol I have a small airbrush compressor. I think I will buy that harbor freight gun you have and try to spray that way.. I struggled as a first time airbrush user to consistently apply it and I used wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too much alclad. I really over did it. I will print a new one and begin clean I think. I will take everything I have learned on this one and hopefully produce something to be more proud of. Your video here was very helpful

[@ronlangley6229]

Great video, Gordon. Mad props on that quality of chrome-look! Can I use the same 2k (Spraymax Glamour Clear) to topcoat this Alclad? Any tips or pitfalls to avoid? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@gordontarpley]

You don't want to put 2k directly over alclad but you can use a barrier layer if acrylic high gloss varnish the 2k on top of that. I cover it in one of my medal painting videos.

[@stevek758]

amazing work. I wish they sold this stuff in quarts since i do wheels for cars. Real cars. What gu are you using?

[@mvm3897]

Great video man. I've been trying to learn the spray chrome using the videos you have. Ive had some success but mostly lots of failures so far. Do you have any more or plan on doing any more videos on the spray chrome process? Do you use a oil/air separator on your air compressor? I've been tryin to use the pump spray bottle s but I think I'd get better results if I use my HVLP spray guns. What are your thoughts?

[@alexpleasant69]

That’s the coolest paint ever, do you think it would hold up on a motorcycle rim ?

[@nickanzalone9489]

Looks almost better than Alumuluster. What do you seal it with to keep the shine?

[@cyprusrelax8487]

Thank you for video!!! please make how you make gold paint !!! thank you

[@Michael-vj4yq]

Great job with this! Could you provide the link for where you got the base helmet?

[@Kcb_creations]

What mm pistol did you use and at what bar?

[@retromeatball4402]

after spraying the Alclad do you clear it with anything ?

[@colinmsmall]

If I paint a helmet with alclad and discover some spots I missed a week later, can I spray more Alclad on it or will it negatively affect the original application of alclad?

[@timesup5105]

Hey Gordon, I’ve watched a lot of videos now. But I don’t ever hear you mention what storm helmet you customize. Are they 3D printed models?

[@gordontarpley]

Those helmets were supplied from the client. They're not 3d printed. I believe they were purchased through trooperbay.

[@lovelytanty]

Hi, I want to chrome my fascia bumpers on my car. It's a fairly large area. Any suggestions for what I can use that won't be expensive and look great? Thanks

[@coregeek]

Thanks for this. Always good to see how others approach the elusive convincing paintable chrome. I’ve never had a bad experience with Alclad metallics and I’m with you on the quick dry times. I’m curious about what brand of 2K clear you’re using on base coats.

[@gordontarpley]

Whichever brand is on sale. ;) I've had great results with all of them so far.

[@coregeek]

gordontarpley Fair enough!

[@ronjone69]

Can you put this Alclad on any other items besides plastics like car rims etc. To get that chrome mirror reflective effect?

[@JomasterTheSecond]

...this just makes me think of The Shockmaster. You ever seen that wrestling video of The Shockmaster falling through the wall? Good times.

[@JayJay-jb2uu]

Hi there just order my self today chrome alclad and Aqua gloss still yet to arrive i am in to fishing lures and i add epoxy on them for protection for a maximum shiny do I add a 2k gloss over before adding epoxy ? And also i have see something you use chemicals for chroming can you plz gime more information as i am looking for the chrome shine and not dull when applying epoxy or 2k thank you in advance

[@robot-reboot28]

grate job as usual sir. do you scotch bright the surface to help it bond or dose it bite into the 2k?

[@fantasyforge9312]

Looks like a cool finish, which Alclad is that as there are a number of finishes is it the Chrome II or just the std chrome, Cheers. Looking forward to seeing the gold version

[@youngjedi799]

Is there a tinting video yet?

[@rmatt78470]

I need your help. Can i use this on chrome painting my plastic audi grill which currently is in a grey honeycomb pattern?

[@youngjedi799]

That looks great. For extra durability, would it be ok to do a top coat of 2k gloss clear?

[@matthewlewin5536]

You might lose some of the reflectivity from that.

[@zoltanbod7478]

Good video on the Alclad application! Who is your supplier of the Alclad?

[@gordontarpley]

I buy it at Burbank House of Hobbies.

[@colinmsmall]

Do you use the little filter that drops in where the cup screws on with alclad? Or no filter?

[@gordontarpley]

nope

[@buckaroosan5571]

what kind of compressor are you using? I dont hear one running. Do you just have a big tank?

[@ChrisThatOneGuy]

Could you use an electric paint sprayer?

[@bigjeff4519]

ive been looking for a good spray chrome for my 3d prints , does this alclad come in rattle cans ? as i cannot use a airgun to save my life lol

[@gordontarpley]

not that I know of. You can spray it though a small airbrush too. I think the spray gun has much better control than spray cans. Definitely worth learning them. Not difficult and you'll be glad you have the skill for sure.

[@copper_knight]

Do you think your helmet will be flexible ? I'm looking to buy that same 2k clear that you use but i'm wondering if this will stay flexible at all or it will be rock solid and crack when bent. I'm am using your method with the turtle wax right now and I get good results, now I just have to figure the clear coat. I'm really looking foward your next video to see your new gold tinting method. Thanks for sharing all this knowledge.

[@gordontarpley]

It'll flex a bit. Don't want to fold it or anything but some flex is fine. I use a similar process on my vacuum formed c3po shorts and it's been fine for 5 years.

[@jdrewlayton]

I’m curious what you’d suggest for doing the mandalorian helmet I feel it has less shine than this. Would it be best to use a semigloss/ satin instead or do the car polish method I saw on one of your other videos?

[@gordontarpley]

I actually figured out a look thats basically dead-on to the mando armor. Basically same process I've been doing but when I add the auto clear coat, I don't use the barrier layer between the alclad and the urethane clear. It dulls it almost identically to the mando armor. I've had screen used parts in my hands and they're much less reflective than they look on camera. Did a video that describes the process but can't post it yet. I'll also be painting some mando parts for someone soon and will go over it there as well, whichever comes first.

[@jdrewlayton]

@@gordontarpley awesome thanks!

[@joeynelson5245]

What is the name of the auto clear coat you used to make the black base coat so shiny? Email me at [e-mail]

[@jeffmueller6021]

@@gordontarpley I'm missing something. I thought here you have the Krylon black, 2k clear, then Alclad. What is it you're skipping for mando? Or maybe put simpler, what are the layers for mando? I'm also curious about what compressor you are using here.

[@colinmsmall]

@@gordontarpley I just stumbled across your channel and this comment. Did you ever end up making the video on finishing mando pieces? What is this method you ended up using to get that type of finish?

[@sergioalcorta8773]

What size needle is on that gun?

[@nil810]

What 2K did you use for this one?

[@ShartR]

Hey nice Video 👌 how did you get the helmet ?

[@gordontarpley]

Van's Shoes sent them to me to paint. I'm pretty sure they came from Trooperbay.

[@ShartR]

gordontarpley thank you very much for the fast reply and informations 🙂

[@billhenson1222]

what size is the gun needle your useing and at what psi thank you

[@shanejudd126]

Just wondering if you can tape up over the chrome or do you need to clear coat it first.

[@gordontarpley]

Good question. As far as this exact method, I think it might lift some of the metal if it's not coated. On one of my older methods, where I was putting the alclad over highly polished spray paint, it may work without clear coat but I don't know for sure.

[@gordontarpley]

Good question. As far as this exact method, I think it might lift some of the metal if it's not coated. On one of my older methods, where I was putting the alclad over highly polished spray paint, it may work without clear coat but I don't know for sure.

[@franirvincornell3130]

Sir good day.. Is that a laquer type of paint?

[@rclegg]

How long do you let the 2K Clear to set before applying Alclad. Great vids!!!

[@joeynelson5245]

Do you know the name of the auto clear coat used to make the black base paint so shiny? Is it super max 2x? Email me at [e-mail]

[@writersgroup]

Did I miss where you got the helmets from?

[@zonkerrabi]

Buen vídeo pero que abrir utilizar para acabar el el cromado y que no pierda brillo gracias

[@osvaldoberumen3990]

Your stormtrooper helmet looks very symmetrical for a stunt helmet. What exact helmet are you using for your builds?

[@gordontarpley]

Definitely not symmetrical. Super wonky as the real ones are.

[@HybrydaArt]

I wonder... have you tried to put alclad on green or red base? this is something I want to try alclad soon myslef and the way it lays on gives me ideas X"D

[@MaximilianonMars]

From their range they have a shiny silver base that you can put candy colours on top of. I'm a noob to all this and I'm struggling to get good results, but that's what I've read.

[@cjcosplay3515]

I applied Alclad black gloss primer over the top of Simoniz high build primer and then Alclad chrome over the black gloss and both layers of the Alclad rub off with the lightest touch of my hand. Does Alclad perform much differently depending on what it goes on top of? And is there anything other than the 2k clear coat that it could go over and still be durable?

[@gordontarpley]

I've never had it come off easily. Are you using the 2k as a base coat? I've never tried the Simoniz brand paint so I can't speak for it unfortunately.

[@gordontarpley]

Also, I never use the alclad gloss black so I have no idea about that either. Most paints aren't going to be reflective enough without either major polishing or a 2k clear coat prior to the alclad chrome step.

[@cjcosplay3515]

@@gordontarpley Thank you so much for the reply! I have never tried the 2k, never even heard of it until I watched your video. Think that must be a big factor as I have never seen anyone get alclad chrome as shiny as you. Think the base cost was my problem, just don't think the Alclad had good adhesion to it. Do you ever use a high build filler primer or do you just always use the 2k? From your video it sounds like the 2k acts a lot lot a filler primer in that it self levels and fills in imperfections? I mainly paint 3d prints, that's why I'm asking.

[@charlesforbin6937]

More 2k sealer info please....

[@NathanClevenger1337]

So how are you supposed to get the same finish with an airbrush?? Because I've so far tried two methods. One was having the compressor set at 1 bar and had the airbrush about 7" away and opening the fluid lever wide open with a fast pass. This resulted in a glossy metallic finish which would be a good base for a candy finish. I tried another piece lowering the pressure a hair below 1 bar. I brought the airbrush about 2" away from the piece. I only pulled the fluid lever back about 5-10%. Making a medium speed pass. This resulted in a black chrome finish.... OWUEYGF)O*EG@OPU*YGV WTF!!!! lolol. What am I doing wrong?

[@TheHelicapt]

What gun are u using.

[@imdeaded]

how aboit buffing between coats?

[@FurFeathersandFlowers]

Sweet! Your technique and video is very motivating to give this a try. Your work and attention to detail is boss too. Your video is good but one small suggestion, raising your voice quickly kills the ears. Thanks for sharing.

[@jcb355]

Impressive... ;-) With a clear topcoat, would this work on a motorcycle helmet? Would it withstand bug dings?

[@jcb355]

You may have answered my question with another one of your vids ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYqWinV4rbtgbKs ) where you use an automotive clearcoat. Thanks for sharing your know-how!!!

[@devinborrero7147]

Hi! What compressor do you use?

[@gordontarpley]

I have a Husky 33 gallon compressor but a smaller one would work just fine for this

[@devinborrero7147]

@@gordontarpley Thanks for the quick reply. Going shopping now! :D

[@ey3zdathypnotiz]

Hey! Thanks so much for your videos! They’re very informative and helpful. What size air compressor do you use? Can I use one under 20 gallons? I don’t have much space for large compressors 😅

[@kevingreenfield6866]

It's better to spray I one direction because if you spray up n down left to right it won't look right so it's better to stay in 1 postiton

[@did3d523]

Alclad is hard to find what is like this?

[@gordontarpley]

There are other products that are similar. Spaztix, Duralen, Eastwood Chrome, Alumiluster, and a few others.

[@offearth3d]

What PSI are you running the Chrome at through your HVLP?

[@gordontarpley]

Probably about 25 but if I'm doing it through an airbrush I use around 12

[@TheJondmac]

can this be used on car parts ?

[@royalrevue23]

Can you get like mirror chrome look ?

[@gordontarpley]

This is about the closest you'll get with these products. If you use a spray silver process you can get a true mirror finish. That's how I did my C-3PO parts. For that I used Angel Gilding spray silver.

[@jasonbuben2708]

I’m wanting to restore some chrome accents on my cars interior. Would this work okay?

[@gordontarpley]

Possibly. For a very real chrome effect you'll probably want to do spray chrome. But if you can't remove the parts from the car, this could be a decent fix.

[@jasonbuben2708]

@@gordontarpley what brand of spray chrome would you recommend

[@davidpoblete10]

I wish I could just send you my white stormtrooper helmet to get this mirror chrome paint finish on my helmet 😞

[@crazylegsmurphy]

Does anyone else find when using Alclad chrome it sprays out super fast? I go though bottles super fast and it doesn’t seem to go that far.

[@gordontarpley]

Sounds like you're spraying waaay too much at a time. It should be sprayed in extremely thin coats

[@crazylegsmurphy]

@@gordontarpleyhmmm. I thought I was. I had the PSI at like 15, and I was going light dust coats, but it took a long time to chrome and I went through two bottles (the small ones) on not a lot of parts. I suppose I’ll just have to keep trying.

[@maymaypapa3892]

0:00 hey guys its chris fix here....

[@Spaventacorvi]

Depends on what effect you want to have, this looks more like steel than chrome.

[@thecynicalafro160]

wow rtx 2080ti ray tracing 4k

[@seekertosecrets]

Ahhhh,crap. There goes that "shiny whale" again!