Minor/Repaint: the sound of the vacuum goes WOOOOOOOOOOOO!

bombatron · Apr 2, 2009

OMEGAPRIME1983 said: ↑

Man, I'm so sending you parts from the new leader prime when it comes out. Maybe even some other pieces too. Is vaccum meatlizing expensive?
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i cant wait for the new figures to come out too.. megatron will be blingtastic! VM can get pretty expensive, especially 1 offs. the most time consuming part is racking all the individual pieces. IMO i enjoy spraying the chrome over VM.

Kusanagi said: ↑

Looking better every time.

And moving on to vac-metalizing. Awesome.
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thanks kusanagi... i know you're into SS. im working on a pretty big seeker project right now.

Erector · Apr 2, 2009

bombatron said: ↑

i cant wait for the new figures to come out too.. megatron will be blingtastic! VM can get pretty expensive, especially 1 offs. the most time consuming part is racking all the individual pieces. IMO i enjoy spraying the chrome over VM.

thanks kusanagi... i know you're into SS. im working on a pretty big seeker project right now.
Click to expand...

*hoping for a blinged out MP seeker*

Rumble02 · Apr 2, 2009

awesome

JOHNDILLINGA · Apr 2, 2009

I think potentially you could restore the worn chrome on possilby most G-1 weapons and parts I know their are some people who would love this alot of the non reissued (lost damamaged molds) figures like Sunstreaker could benifit from new Chrome/VM on his wing and missiles.
The cassette transformer weapons (Almost all have chrome worn off entirely or in spots).

The possiblities are endless...

Sabrina_Ng · Apr 2, 2009

bombatron said: ↑

thanks for all the positive feedback!

discuss my technique eh? ok!

technique #1: airbrush

so where do i begin.. if you've been a frequent visitor of the radicons page, you've probably seen some of my earlier work. when i first started experimenting with chrome, i was using alclad applied with an airbrush. an ounce of alclad chrome will run you around $8 and you can find it at many of your local hobby shops. i didnt get the results i wanted at first but after ALOT of patience and some practice, i began getting the mirror like results. im not doing anything special when it comes to using alclad. just follow the instructions on the bottle and WATCH your PSI when you're spraying.. i believe the PSI is the key. as for the airbrush brand.. meh.. im just using a cheapo $10 brush. to be honest, im a noob at airbrushing and im still learning.

there are other brands of chrome paint on the market but they are significantly more expensive. alsa is another name brand that im using (and currently using over alclad). alsa, in my opinion, has a better shine quality over alclad. the only drawback to using alsa is their prices. an ounce of alsa chrome will set you back $20. not including their base coat and clear coat
if you are new to spraying chrome, i highly suggest experimenting with alclad first until you feel comfortable with your technique.

technique #2: vacuum metalizing

i am fortunate enough to have access to a vacuum metalizer. VM is a process where the part is placed in a vacuum chamber and the air is completely pumped out. Aluminum metals are then atomized into the chamber and bonds to the part to form a thin silver finish. since the metal bonds by 'line of sight', the parts are rotated in the chamber in order to form a nice even coat. gold and other colors are achieved by applying a transparent paint over the silver finish. the shine of a vacuum metalized part is in fact more brilliant than a part that has been sprayed with alclad or alsa. ive come close to matching the shine with alsa but the VM part always takes the cake. as for the durability of a VM part? the figures that ive done so far hold up to transforming with no chipping. of course, these were mainly made for displaying with the occasional transformation. im pretty sure that after numerous transformations, the chrome at the joints will most likely start to wear. as for the chrome flaking after a few year? i have no idea

for those wanting custom parts done, shoot me a PM.

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I'm truly impressed. It seems that customizing is becoming more and more advanced. With it traditionally being seen as an art, the science aspect is seriously becoming more prominent! I'm really marveled by your innovative techniques Bombatron! Keep on surprising us!!!

QmTablit · Apr 2, 2009

bombatron said: ↑

thanks kusanagi... i know you're into SS. im working on a pretty big seeker project right now.
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Wait. With the figures you just ordered? Or something else?

frilly toothpick · Apr 3, 2009

f*cking amazing work sir.

TTT · Apr 4, 2009

Wow !
That's hot !!!

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Minor/Repaint: the sound of the vacuum goes WOOOOOOOOOOOO!

bombatron adobocon

Erector I ruined the Hall of Fame

Rumble02 Radicon of Obliticons

JOHNDILLINGA This Space For Rent!

Sabrina_Ng La Femme Fatale

QmTablit BotBot in the what, I said BotBot in the what

frilly toothpick Decepticrumb

TTT OutOfCommissionToys.com

Log in or Sign up

Minor/Repaint: the sound of the vacuum goes WOOOOOOOOOOOO!

bombatron adobocon

Erector I ruined the Hall of Fame

Rumble02 Radicon of Obliticons

JOHNDILLINGA This Space For Rent!

Sabrina_Ng La Femme Fatale

QmTablit BotBot in the what, I said BotBot in the what

frilly toothpick Decepticrumb

TTT OutOfCommissionToys.com

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