Testing Spaz Stix Mirror Chrome - Does It Hold Up To Other Chromes ??

[@jeffjohnson6763]

Another great review. I’m not even a modeler, I’m a EVA crafter, but you have provided so many great reviews and tips on tools, paints and finishes, that it’s taking my game to a new level. I’m currently experimenting with Mica powder and clear coat thanks to you, and I’m getting finishes that I’ve never dreamed of. Keep up the great work.

[@wallace49]

The Spaz Stix clear coat is for backing the mirror chrome when used on the inside of a lexan body to prepare it for gloss black backer or other colors to be sprayed over the mirror chrome. It's not meant to be used as a shiny clear coat finish.

[@bradmason8334]

I’m a beginner, so are u saying spray the clear, then the chrome (or black then chrome) and it should work?

[@daarionaharis3675]

@Brad Mason what he is saying is that Spaz Stix is used for clear RC bodies. You spray it on the inside of the body instead of the outside.

[@MileHighScaleModeler]

Thank you for doing this review of the spaz stix clear.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Your welcome. I was interested in this paint myself. I'd like to report to you that the longer this paint has dried it looks a bit better to me. Not light years better but it looks good. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this paint.

[@shenkyeirambo5601]

i have yet to try it myself but you might test the spaz stix gloss on the molotow. i've heard that this is a good combination. i've played around with the molotow, but none of the other chromes, and got it to shine real good but it is sensitive. i have yet to properly varnish it with the aquagloss. i have some more testing to do myself but it might be that the difference between alcohol paints and acrylic varnishes might be fighting each other, which might cause the dulling and clouding you're getting. my next plan is to try the molotow chrome with the spaz stix gloss

[@gearscodeandfire]

Dude, thank you so much for doing these; you're my primary resource anytime I'm trying to figure out what I can airbrush. You rule 🤘 Also- New England Italian… Sounding like a bunch of people I met in New Haven who reminded me of a bunch of people i grew up with in New Jersey. Accent rules 🤘

[@barbatosrex9473]

Ha, ha.. Thanks dude 👍

[@817Godism]

always look forward to these videos!! dont forget our names when you blow up and have cool sponsors!! cant wait to see more

[@PopArow4702]

I see why know, that coating in a can switching really was not good glad you tested it just sad about the results know that I bought the candy apple red and green i was 24:13 waiting for the alclad II black gloss/backer and spaz stix black gloss/backer and well know im looking for same colors in different paints

[@tcj226]

While it can be used to simulate chrome, I use Spaz Stix mirror chrome for things that I want to look aluminum. Unless it's going over their black backer or polished plastic, it doesn't "chrome up" but for use as an aluminum sheet style look, this stuff is fantastic. I find it to be the most simple to apply and deal with, clean-up wise, than anything else. I just used it on a motorcycle skid plate for one of my kits and it looks like the piece is actually made out of aluminum. Great stuff.

[@SOAxZIPPER]

This video is definitely going in my favorites tab so I can come back to it later for baseline ideas how to get all these different color combinations.

[@solarismoon3046]

I've already seen someone else say that they hated the clear coat for the Spaztix as it dulls. I don't remember where but I could've told you not to waste your money. I have the Spaztix and it only looks like polished aluminum over a Sopwith Camel engine in 1/32nd scale. I painted it gloss black first and then painted it with this stuff (Mirror Chrome) and I think it might be a little thin as it rubbed through after handling it a few times. Back to the drawing board..... Thank you for sharing this with the rest of us. It gives a little more insight into this type of finish.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Check my back log of videos too, I've tested several brands of chrome with varying results. Alclad and Molotow both came out great. Plus check my video on coating them, one on Vallejo Metal Varnish and the other on Alclad Aqua Gloss

[@williamlorimer8927]

Trying something crazy here, I just spray painted two Dexter trailer rims, went white glossy then chrome spray, these are real trailer rims and not a model, interested to see how long it will last! Well in reality one is done and the coat of white on number 2 is drying and waiting to spray it with chrome spray but the first one looks great! 2nd one should look better since the white coat is a bit thicker on #2

[@gat-x105strikegundam5]

That is a dang nice color you’ve got on that dodge. Awesome video!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Hey buddy, could you tell me if there's more ads on my videos than normal? I don't see ads on my end so I never know what's up with ads. I don't want a ton of ads on my vids but I think they ad more after I hit 1,000 subs

[@gat-x105strikegundam5]

@@barbatosrex9473 I don't actually get ads on this account, because i have the youtube premium subscription, but i can make a second one real quick to tell you.

[@gat-x105strikegundam5]

I just made an account, and got two ads before the video started, one around the 2 minute mark, one around the 10 minute mark, and on at the very end.

[@shannonchurchill4556]

Thanks for this video Just picked up a bottle of this for a 1/12 Fujimi Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R750. The real bike's aluminum frame is highly polished and I didn't feel like Alclad airframe aluminum (which I've used before) would give me quite the luster I'm looking for. I might have been wrong on that, but I'm glad I didn't buy their top coat as I have plenty of aqua gloss, and from this video, it seems to work very well.

[@davep4703]

May I ask, did you Buff the paint when dry before covering with Aqua gloss. I ask because I don't think you confirmed this.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I did 👍

[@dreday9480]

This review was great. Thank you!

[@sirfrancisarthur]

Thanks! But what chrome would you recommend. I'm kind of tired of the Molotow because it's so vulnerable but that is the most shiny I know. So you use the SpazStix here with that other bottle? I could not pick up what that other bottle was - I found Alclad II 600-60 Aqua Gloss Clear in my store. I'll browse some videos but if you can reply, that would be nice!

[@mitchellkirkwood8772]

Not trying to knock you at all but base black needs to cure 2 days so it doesn't react. Then put on mirror crome.. then set for a day or two. Then put on gloss in a very very light mist, wait 20 min and another light mist. after 30 min a even simi heavy coat x 3 or 4 30 min between. You will find much better results..

[@TheRandomDave]

Thanks for another informative vid. Looking forward to the airbrush vid for sure.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks buddy, I'm also looking forward to the cheap airbrush test, I have no idea what to expect

[@michaelbaykara2322]

the light coat gives off a gunmetal like finish, i like that. Unfort i bought the trio...lol, i wish there was a way to post a pic of the can version, i have it and bought it to use on a computer case design i'm working on- thanks Rex.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I will be testing the spray can versions in the near future

[@ryanschweitzer1494]

How long before you can buff? I had poor results on my spoon test with Spaz Stix Little to no shine

[@DJ_Fuji]

Rex, I'm brand new to Airbrushing, bought one for the purposes of this chrome paint. It goes on seemingly "dirty" for me. leaving a powdery finish. Any advice?

[@barbatosrex9473]

After each coat you need to get a little closer and slower giving a wet shiny coat

[@DJ_Fuji]

@@barbatosrex9473 wow insanely fast reply! thank you! From what I've read on forums, I think I was also running too high of PSI and too far of application distance. Thanks so much Rex!

[@stratdx]

Hi! I would like the pick guard on my guitar to have a chrome finish. Right now it is a cream color. What should I use to get a nice chrome appearance? In what order should I apply and buff? Thank you!

[@barbatosrex9473]

These hobby paints don't hold up well to being handled. Any chrome I've tested just won't hold up, they're made for modles that sit on the shelf. The most requested question I get asked is how to make these chrome paints more durable.. I'd look to a more industrial paint or have it chrome plated

[@onlygod5667]

Can you clear coat the mirror chrome? Some chrome I've used in the past doesn't go with a clear coat...it will turn solid gray when dry. Please do lmk ASAP!

[@codysdreamfactory1176]

Great video man keep it up

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Another great vid!!! Where did the Gatlin gun come from that's sitting above the Challenger?

[@barbatosrex9473]

It's a generic kit I found on eBay

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@barbatosrex9473 I would love to get one or two of those. Was it a kit all by itself or was it with a Gundam?

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@THROTTLEPOWER it wasn't official Gundam, it's an accessory. Chinese or Korean I don't recall. But search Gundam weapons or beam sabers, I found it there

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@barbatosrex9473 Ok, will do...... By chance, do you know the kit manufacturer?

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

I've been searching every where and cannot find that Gatling Gun......

[@vidaldiddy]

How did you get the chrome to come out your air brush so easy? Mine works then the paint just stops coming out …. I have to pour it out and re pour it again in order for it to work it keeps clogging up my air burst gun…..

[@kyllerkill]

The saps stix clear coat works just as good as aqua gloss. You just have to know how to use it. Its not the same as alclad. If you let it sit for 24-48 hours it hardens great. Spaz stix is actually as good if not better then alclad with some of there colors. It blows alclad away. Both are still good. But overall toy can’t beat Gaia or if you can get your hands on it ipp paint. Very hard to get. But the best. I don’t think your very good at airbrushing. You use way to heavy of coats for metallics. Which need super light coats.

[@tonywarden1977]

I m using that now but I keep getting a dull grey color do some reason I’m using the spray can version on my resin made rims do anybody know why

[@sectorse7en]

Have you made a video on how to use spaz stix candy colors? I'm pretty sure I ruined my model car haha

[@barbatosrex9473]

I haven't tested the candies yet

[@TheSpectreIguana]

What gloss black did you use? Because I used the spaz stix gloss black and it comes out matte and it clogs the hell out of my airbrush

[@robertmunoz7543]

Spaz clear may have tetrahydrazoline?🙄 Jman

[@jamesbgreat]

How do you find it sprays over an acrylic gloss black? Tamiya for example. My hobby shop had the Spaz chrome and I did a compulsive purchase, but they didn’t have Spaz mirror black base coat. I’m thinking of trying the Tamiya but I’m worried it will react to the Spaz Stix. Your thoughts? Thank you!

[@barbatosrex9473]

The Tamiya should be fine. I use Tamiya black all the time for my chrome base coats. Just let it dry 24 hours at least

[@jamesbgreat]

@@barbatosrex9473 Thanks for the quick reply. Cheers!

[@keithsmodelsandrcs6593]

New sub great to see people like u doing it years likes to teach and show tips and tricks, 👍Keith

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks pal 👍

[@samuelvasquez8170]

So the first spoon with spastic chrome was protected by the Aqua clear?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Yes

[@eb311235]

Thank you for trying out these paints in your videos. I wish you test how masking tape affects the paint too.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I do masking tests in several of my videos. As you go through my backlog you should see a few. I used to wait days before a durability test for it to cure but with my new dehydrator I can test them sooner. I did test Vallejo Liquid paints and they pass the tape test 100%

[@eb311235]

@@barbatosrex9473 Thank you for your reply. I'm retired and want to get back into modeling . Your videos and others are helping me in so many ways like what to buy and what to steer away from. The last kit I built was some 25 years ago. For the last forty years I have amassed quite a collection of kits, mostly 1/72 scale aircraft. A lot of them are long since out of production so it is imperative that gather as much knowledge on tips, techniques , & tools before I tackle some of the irreplaceable ones. Thank you for videos!

[@jerryhernandez477]

What black gloss do you use? Rattle can or something specific? I've painted a model before and used I think a 2K high gloss black rattle can and the Mirror Chrome looked fantastic but after a few months it started spotting black spots all over and worsened over time.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I use Alclad Black Base mostly but I've also used Tamiya Gloss Black spray cans

[@howardharaway2259]

I WISH......I could get more 3 oz. Cans of Testors Aluminum plate buffing. I have 3 cans left. 3 months ago I ordered 4 cans . I got lucky cuz NO ONE on the internet has it now. They still have bottles of metalizer though which I am thinking of stocking up on. I Love metalizer paints. They are supposed to be used through airbrush only by using with a brush over time for painting carburetors master cylinders all kinds of little engine parts. I actually took Don Yosts idea and prime the entire car body with it but I need to save it for other parts. I will only use it on cars I am going ALL out on. Seeing Testors ( Rustoleum) is discontinuing a good portion of their product line,we need to have other avenues for paint. Acrylics are a option but I am hesitant using them. Like Don Yost, I think Testors model masters enamel paints are great. I hope a company buys the paint formulas and the Modelmaster name and start producing it again. Revell is late getting their line of model paints out to market. Anyway sorry for the long comments. It was for anyone. Keep on building ! 🚗 🚘 🚔

[@barbatosrex9473]

I love Metalizer paints. I focus on them a majority of the time on my channel. I just got a set of 6 Testors Metalizer spray cans I'll be testing here. Rust-Oleum is only going to deal with big box stores like Lowes, Walmart and Home Depot. And because those stores don't carry Model Master then Rust-Oleum has canceled the entire line. Very sad. I'm grabbing all the Model Master paints I can before there gone.

[@howardharaway2259]

@@barbatosrex9473 absolutely grab em up ! You know, I have a real hobbyshop I go to in Magnolia, Nj. Called AAA Hobbies, and the same place does mailorder under MEGA HOBBIES. Their testors paint racks are getting sparse where "Hobby Lobbys" testor paint racks are full with almost every modelmaster paints including enamel. I do commercial HVAC, so I travel all over the Philadelphia area. I stop at all the Hobby Lobbys for bottles and canned paints AND once a month they have 40% off all plastic kits. I spent $200. 1 day in December just on kits.. I could not help myself LOL. You probably already know this but just incase . I have given up on the real hobbyshops. Today I shot my new project, AMT's 67 Chevelle Pro/Street first with Testors Aluminum plate buffing paint as a base, then sprayed a coat of testors clear BLUE ,and right after laid down testors clear green. The color is AMAZING ! Its like an Aqua green/blueish metalic . The metalizer base coat makes this work great. Anyway,thanks for your comments. Howard

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@howardharaway2259 send me a Pic. Here's my email, from there I'll give you my test number [e-mail]

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Thanks for sharing.

[@donaldvaldiviezo9341]

Try the revell chrome

[@chuckanderson2190]

Could this be used under a catylized clear coat?

[@barbatosrex9473]

I sprayed 2K auto grade clear over it but it loses its chrome look and becomes silver

[@OLIVIERdeStRaph]

Hello, I am a french modeler and as my english is not very good, can you tell me if finally, you prefer this Spax Stix than the Chrome Alclad? As anybody, I would like to get the best shiny Chrome effect. I am ready to pay more to get that... Up to now, my own experience is that I get the best results using TS-14 Tamiya (sprayed from my airbrush) and then Chrome Alclad. Thanks Olivier

[@barbatosrex9473]

They are almost identical when you see them in person. The Spaz Stix however seems to be more durable as it dried weeks later. That said, I do love Alclad. Durability to me is personally over rated because I don't handle most of my kits when finished. If I had to pick a brand it's Alclad

[@sectorse7en]

What kind of primer do you use

[@barbatosrex9473]

No primer here, I just used the black base as a primer.

[@mikeweber3315]

i have been watching you test these paints but i noticed you never spray on wood or metal, only on plastics, which just not doing the paints justice, there are hobbiest out there that have the wooden cars, trucks there dad or granddad made them for toys that need painting.

[@charliegarcia4183]

It works but only in plastic not on aluminum steel nor metal

[@MehakGulzar]

Should try it on diffrent medium not just spoons like cup, metal,plastic etc

[@barbatosrex9473]

You are correct I will be doing that going forward. I'm always thinking in terms of plastic because my channel is about plastic model building.

[@MehakGulzar]

@@barbatosrex9473 yeah right but you are representing product too i liked this experience however this product performance in different material will helpfull too

[@kyllerkill]

You spray way too much on. For a mitrror chrome you should put on as little as possible for the desired effect.

[@parnashwind]

That Vallejo Chrome is just silver but that should be expected. XD

[@shendoshi865]

I dont like Spaz, it smells too strong and req too much layering for little effect

[@mikevi33023]

Your voice sounds like Dan Bongino's

[@barbatosrex9473]

A fellow Italian. My mom loves Dan Bongino 😀

[@tcung]

Good review but way too much talking & repetition

[@reasonsvoice8554]

Spaz stix 😂😂

[@jeffjohnson6763]

Another great review. I’m not even a modeler, I’m a EVA crafter, but you have provided so many great reviews and tips on tools, paints and finishes, that it’s taking my game to a new level. I’m currently experimenting with Mica powder and clear coat thanks to you, and I’m getting finishes that I’ve never dreamed of. Keep up the great work.