Chrome paints for modeling mirror effect

These chrome paints are composed of chemicals that, when applied to the surface, create a liquid silver appearance or looking mirror effect, with a very peculiar shine that simulates a metallic reflection. None of the acrylic-based formulations is good for the liquid mirror paint because they are unable to get the right reflections on the surfaces and therefore are always recommended for the alcohol base versions.

This treatment is based on the application of a thin layer of chromium on the surface of an object to improve its aesthetic appearance and provide increased corrosion resistance. This type of plating is used in a wide variety of applications, from the automotive industry to interior decoration and appliance manufacturing.

There are 2 possible formulations in alcohol version formulas for chrome paints: 

1. Brush version which is valid for either paintbrush or airbrush and also valid for all types of surfaces. No need for priming and needs more time to dry.
2. The Airbrush version is only valid for airbrush paint, but it is much more resistant than the paintbrush version. Needs a gloss black priming to be applied. 

Both formulations are available in various shades, including mirror silver, gold, bronze, copper, and tin, expanding the possibilities for artists to create a range of metallic finishes. Our product line is highly pigmented, suitable for surfaces like plastic, metal, and resin, making it perfect for adding a realistic shine to models and miniatures.

Application Tips for Achieving Mirror Effects

• Surface Preparation: Due to the reflective nature of chrome paint, any blemishes or imperfections on the surface can become more pronounced. Preparing the surface by sanding and priming (especially for airbrush applications) is essential to ensure a smooth, flawless finish. A gloss black primer is recommended as a base for the airbrush version, which helps achieve the best reflective result.
• Drying Time and Conditions: The drying time for chrome paint varies from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, as well as the thickness of the applied coat. Adequate drying time between layers is crucial for achieving a high-quality mirror finish. Allow each layer to dry completely to avoid disrupting the reflective effect.
• Avoiding Overlays and Preserving the Mirror Effect: Adding varnishes, inks, or other overlays can dull or diminish the mirror effect. It’s advisable to avoid layering additional products over chrome paint, as even a clear varnish can reduce the desired shine. For protection, a glass varnish applied via airbrush in very light, short sprays can be used, allowing each layer to dry fully before applying the next.
• Unique Characteristics of Fresh Chrome Paint: Fresh chrome paint can dissolve previously dried layers of the same paint. To avoid unwanted effects, apply it in a single, consistent pass and limit usage to smaller surfaces if possible. This ensures a uniform, uninterrupted mirror finish.

Practical Uses and Advantages in Modeling

The reflective quality of chrome paints is highly effective in adding realism to various models and miniatures. For example:

• Automotive Models: Classic car models benefit from the glossy, mirror-like finish, enhancing their realistic appeal.
• Miniatures and Tabletop Figures: Applying chrome paint to specific details like armor or weaponry on miniatures can bring an extra layer of depth and visual interest, making figures stand out in tabletop gaming or display scenarios.
• Scale Models: From model airplanes to train engines and ship hulls, chrome paint can replicate polished metal finishes, adding an extra level of authenticity and capturing the intricacies of real-world metallic surfaces.

Where to buy Liquid Mirror paint?

Currently, the 2 possible formulations are available in both mirror silver and other colors such as gold, bronze, copper, and tin.

Our product range is the perfect way to add a gleaming touch of realism to your models and miniatures. Our chrome paints are highly pigmented and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, metal, and resin. With just a few simple steps, you can add a realistic finish to your models that will make them truly stand out from the crowd.

Liquid mirror effect paints

Liquid mirror paint refers to a type of reflective coating that creates a smooth, mirror-like surface when chrome paint is applied to a surface. It is made up of a suspension of tiny, reflective particles in a liquid base and is commonly used for DIY, craft, and scale model projects or to create custom mirrors. 

When applied to a surface and allowed to dry, it evaporates, leaving behind the reflective particles, which bond together to form a continuous, reflective surface. The resulting surface is highly reflective and durable, but may not be as clear or distortion-free as traditional-looking glass.

Mirror effect paint for modeling

Modeling can become an exciting adventure in which we can give shape and color to our figures to turn them into unique and exclusive pieces. Metallic paints are an essential element for this purpose. There are different ones to choose from, each of them designed to achieve a different effect. One of the most difficult finishes to replicate is plating, but we have the quality from our range that can achieve it. 

Many miniature kits indeed come with mirror pieces that we can use, but what if they are not enough for the scenario we want to create? While it is true that there are companies that paint figures and can do it realistically and professionally, is there any more satisfying than doing it yourself? With these product, you can do it yourself. 

Can I paint over chrome without losing the effect?

This is really complicated and tricky. In reality, almost anything you put on top of the effect will affect the whole reflection itself, even a clear varnish. The best thing to do is not to put anything on it or to use chrome color paint that already has that color. 

If you need to protect their reflecting finish, you should airbrush glass varnish over it using many and very very short sprays, letting them dry between each application.

How to paint chrome parts?

To color any miniature or piece, a previous preparation is required, but much more with this product. Where to start?

1. Black primer. This is a very important point, as it will allow it to adhere and give the best result. This is only necessary with the airbrush version. The primer must be completely dry, which happens depending on the temperature about 4-8 hours after application.  
2. If you are going to use it with a brush, it is best to use a large amount of product, trying to leave it floating and not to drag the product with your brush bristles so as not to leave marks.
3. If you want a different color from silver, always try to use one that already has that color. If this is not possible, you can try Candy transparent inks which, if applied in very short sprays, may color without losing too much of the effect.
4. Let one coat dry before applying the other. Repeat the process as many times as you think necessary. 
5. Color your project with high-quality, durable paints that will make it shine. This type of product is perfect for creating a realistic, shiny finish on your models and dioramas. Choose from a wide range of colors to get the perfect look for your project.

What are the best chrome paints for miniatures?

The choice of the best chrome paints for miniatures depends not only on the product but also on the personal preferences of each artist, since there are products with different compositions that will provide similar finishes but with small differences that change the way of working with them. 

To achieve the best results, they should have these characteristics:

• Opacity and coverage: a good product with these characteristics for miniatures should have effective coverage, allowing details to remain visible.
• Compatibility with techniques: look for products that are versatile and can be applied with a brush or airbrush, according to your preferences.
• Variety of colors: a wide range of shades allows you to customize miniatures and dioramas more thoroughly. 
• Reflectivity and gloss: a high level of reflectivity and gloss is necessary to obtain an authentic chrome effect.
• Durability: it must be resistant to wear and tear, especially if the miniatures will be used frequently.
• Fast drying: A dries quickly facilitates the work and allows the application of successive coats without long waiting times. Brush products will always take longer to dry.
• Consistency: it is important that the consistency is uniform to achieve the mirror effect.

Adhesion to surfaces: verify that it adheres properly to the surface of the miniature and does not flake over time.

What are the different types of chrome paints?

There are several types, although not all of them are used for miniatures and dioramas. Each has its characteristics, application method, and working sector. The most common are the following: 

• Acrylics. They are composed of a water or solvent base, with fine metallic pigments to be applied with a brush or spray gun. Acrylics are not the most recommended to create a realistic effect of this type. For this purpose, the base of the product must be alcohol-based. 
• Alcohol-based. They are available in the Green Stuff World chroming paint catalog and are the most suitable for artistic works in the wargame sector. Their pigments are fine and reflective, giving a metallic finish with a realistic mirror effect. The liquid mirror effect paints for the brush are valid for airbrushes but not the other way around. 
• Liquid markers. These markers with metallic pigments that are easily and quickly applied on the surface to be colored. It is usually used to repair imperfections in the painting of objects with metallic finishes with looking glass effect, although it is not common to use it in miniatures. 
• Color Shift Spray Paint. These are the well-known aerosol cans available in many different colors. The quality ones give a very professional finish, as they are usually used in the automotive industry for large surfaces.
• Gel. Its texture is gel or paste, applied with a brush or spatula. This type is widely used in nails and other specific surfaces.  

Chrome model paint or mirror chrome paint are specialized coatings designed to replicate the reflective surface of chrome. These paints, often alcohol-based, offer superior results compared to chrome acrylic paint. By applying a thin layer of these paints to a properly prepared surface, modelers can achieve a stunning, mirror-like finish that adds realism and visual appeal to their projects.

Green Stuff World chrome paints, or liquid mirror paint, has been specially created for miniatures and scale models, giving you a metallic reflection of an authentic chrome surface. A wide range of colors are available for both brush and airbrush.

Not what you were looking for? You might be interested in our paint mat.