Then it was time for chroming!
I watched quite a few youtube videos on various ways to chrome things, different paint types and how to apply them.
This was my first time really learning about anything more advanced than a rattle can.
What is HVLP?
What kind of Spray Paint Gun do you want?
What is PSI when you're talking about paint? (I know what it means when filling my tires)
What kinds of chroming are available?
Should you clear coat chrome?
I probably could've researched this for months and still not know everything there is to know.
First:
There are lots of pretty good chrome paint options on the market right now. The top couple that seem relatively simple to apply are:
Alclad
Duralumen
Revell
There are more complex and probably more durable systems, such as Alsa Corp Easy Chrome or Angel Gilding Chrome Starter Kit, but I can't afford $500+ CAD for something that might work.
(Turns out I didn't save much in the end by not going with these)
There are also a ton of comparison videos out there for different Chrome products in the model builders community.
Spray Paint Chrome Showdown Revell Rustoleum Duplicolor Krylon IronLak Review Scale Model How To - hpiguys Workshop
Testing Revell Chrome Spray - Is It Worth $35 ?? - Barbatos Rex
Testing Different Chrome Spray Paint - Barbatos Rex
AK Super Chrome: My First Impressions #akinteractive #superchrome #modelcars #modelcarbuilding - Time Machines Scale Models
Comparing Alclad and Duralumen Chrome Paints. - gordontarpley
Will Duralumen Paint hold up to handling without a topcoat? - gordontarpley
I chose Duralumen because it had lots of good reviews and seemed pretty easy to apply.
NOTE: You're going to need more of this than you would of Alclad. I started with two 4oz bottles because I'd read a doc on the Phasma group that said they only used about 6oz of Alclad. I'm currently waiting for my 1 Litre bottle to be delivered.
The owner of The Digitial Armory, the North American Duralumen seller on etsy, has been SO responsive and kind every time I've had a question.
How to Spray DURALUMEN Chrome Airbrush Paint from The Digital Armory - Prints and Props
Ok, so, time to learn about airbrushing and air paint spray guns.
I didn't do my reading, so I didn't know what kind of spray gun or airbrush I should use. I ended up getting a VAPER .5 mm Gravity-Feed Touch-Up Paint Spray Gun (Princess Auto) after consulting The Digital Armory for advice.
For settings, it's available on the Lumin's Workshop page:
Then I watched a ton of videos on how to calibrate a Spray Paint Gun.
HVLP Spray Gun Basics- How To setup - Tom Stringham
How to Setup your Paint Gun to Spray a Car Guide! - Paint Society
How to use a paint spray gun. Vaper HVLP gun in this video - backyardmech
And a few more on cleaning an airbrush.
How To: Cleaning the Airbrush - The All-In Nerd
Hobby Cheating 213 - How to Clean Your Airbrush Fast - Vince Venturella
Cleaning Airbrush Between Colors // Quick Tip Airbrushing - Baker Builds
I ended up getting some Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (BC Hobbies) prior to starting the paint.
The first coats were on the fingers, shoe plates and butt since either they're small and not going to be noticed as much or will eventually be hidden behind the cape.