It's been a while since I've created a thread because it's been a while since I've worked on anything much. At any rate, I thought I'd try something really small just for fun.

So, I came across this video, and ended up wanting to try it for myself:

It wasn't long before I bought my own chrome pen. I had a spare G1 Prowl gun that was nearly bare:



I figure I couldn't make this gun much worse, so I went to work, following some of the techniques in the video. Here is a WIP result photo:




Now, what you can see in the second photo is the pen has a hard time getting into the crevices. The video details a method using a paintbrush and just taking the pen to make a small puddle of excess to paint with.

After I had this experience with the gun, I just got the random urge to take my Classics Prime and have some fun. Here is a WIP photo:



A careful eye can see the same G1 Prowl gun on the paper plate drying (just behind the cup). I took the paintbrush to try to cover the crevices. It did an okay job on it. Now, as a G1 purist, for me, a G1 figure either has its original chrome or it does not. That said, I was able to examine my work with a more objective and more critical eye. My reaction is that it covers pretty well, but it's no substitute for factory-applied chrome.

With Classics Prime, there are more crevices and grooves, making the job a little more difficult. Even using the paintbrush proved to be an inferior solution...but it turned out ok. I'll probably go back over the pieces some after they've cured (usually a week).

Another thing you may or may not can see is the bumper does show streaks a little more. The main thing is the flat surface area is big enough where making the marker streaks show the work a little more. It's dried okay, but there are still some noticeable streaks. One thing the video talks about is the process. You almost have to make a tiny puddle on the piece to avoid streaking. It can be a bit of a finicky process.

At any rate, if you want to have small parts, I say go for it. I wouldn't recommend this for large pieces.

I'll post a photo of Classics Prime once I'm finished and have the parts reassembled.

 

Are you doing the biceps as well?

 

I love my Molotows. I have all 3 sizes *plus* a refill, and the brush trick works great - provided you have a brush fine enough to get into the crevices.
I've found that puddling right above the crevices makes it easier to spread - you're not having to bring the chrome from another source that way, you're just kinda pushing it in.

 

Not sure yet. Maybe? We'll see  

Yep, you're well acquainted, sounds like!

 

Good news!: Gonna paint the upper arms as suggested!
Bad news!: gotta wait another week for it to cure!
LOL

 

DOAH!!!!

can’t wait!

 

Is there no hack to help speed along the drying process?

 

I don't think so. The drying/curing process needs extra time to avoid the wear from handling.

 

Ok, so here's a brief update on my chrome parts:

Hopefully these photos will speak enough. That said, the photos aren't 100% accurate. In some, the work looks better than it actually is; in others, the work looks much worse! At any rate, mainly what I've got to do is touch up some small areas and detail some areas with a brush that I've missed. As you can see, the marker does streak some, as that's most prevalent on the bumper. Again that's an area that's approaching the reach of the marker's capacity. For larger areas, one should really use a chrome spray.














So, you should be able to see that the leg pieces need the most work. I've really got to go in there with all of the sculpt crevices. I've got to go back over the larger areas some, too. Basically my MO will be to detail first, the attack the larger areas again. I'll have to let it dry_cute a few days in between, but I don't care to wait. I basically paint, go about my life, and then come back whenever.

The grill you can see the crevices make it tough to really get in there. I'll see what I can do with a brush, but my hopes aren't particularly high due to the detail difficulty. The crotch pieces are mostly okay; just some light touch up needed. The biceps and smaller hip parts are good enough.

Anyways, thanks for looking! I hope we've had fun together with this! More updates as I have 'em!

 

Nice! The Molotow markers are flat-out perfect for tiny touch-up jobs because it blends in so well. Larger repaints can be a bit risky...

The only negative I've experienced is I feel like the marker loses its shine over time. Anything you paint is fine but once you open the marker, I feel like you have 6-8 months to use the marker before it goes dull. I dunno if it's just me but my 2 cents.

 

I must get some of these.

 

Seriously. I hand cut foil tape and it takes soooooo long. This seems like a GOD send.

 

Agreed. Also, my 4yo son has been playing with some of the ones I've used it on, and that makes it go dull as well. Earthrise prime's gas tanks for sure did, but his grill is recessed, so it still looks great.

 

It's a paint marker so it's probably the thinner drying up.

 

Would the bumper improve with a bit of polishing?

I'm not talking much, but some of my smooth areas on small models benefit from just a gentle rub with a paper towel. Not tried this with molotow though.

 

In my experience, you can't restore the dulling from touching. I've let it dry 6 months and it still wasn't safe to handle on some things. The only way that I've been able to keep the shine is by applying a coat of the Alclad Aqua Gloss. You lose a little shine, but it will be safe to handle.

 

From what I've read, using the ink straight from a refill bottle in an airbrush is the best way to go. I haven't tried it myself.

 

Dude! My son showed me this pen over Christmas, he was super excited to show me it's quality and the customs he was working with. Happy to see how it works with a Transformer, these look great Super!

 

Looking pretty good so far! I'm looking forward to using one on my Henkei Inferno once I get the other custom painting taken care of. Always thought it was strange how they chromed the side panels on his arms and shoulders rather than the bumper. I'll have to wait until it's warm enough to open my windows for ventilation to start on custom projects again since I don't have a safe place to paint otherwise...

 

Update: