Mirror effect paint for plastic and other surfaces

Chrome is a stylish metal that is often used for a variety of details in furniture and other interior elements. It stands out with a dark gray hue and is capable of mysteriously reflecting surfaces. Recently, it has become fashionable to use metal parts in design. However, this does not mean that you can only use the material itself; the interior is complemented by color schemes in the desired range. The color chrome, how to use it in the design of a room, what makes it stand out will be discussed below.

Coverage options

Various dyes are added to chrome paint, which creates a unique special effect.

Classic

The composition with the natural white-silver color of aluminum is considered classic. The surface looks mirror-like, as if covered with white foil. Classic white imitation chrome can be found in the design of furniture parts for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, as well as on curtain rods and jewelry.

Black chrome

A translucent black dye is added to the aluminum powder. Dark paint looks impressive on car rims and grilles. A more discreet option is matte chrome. It lacks an eye-catching shine. The surrounding objects are only reflected in muted colors. Matte finishes are more often used in interiors.

Colored chrome plating

Of the colored paints, golden compositions are the most popular. They contain yellow metallic powder. Using yellow shades, they create an imitation of gold or brass. Like classic silver, gold plating is found on lamp shades and stands of lamps, floor lamps, curtain rails, door handles, and home decor.

Expert opinion

Zakharova Irina Yurievna

Cleaning professional with 15 years of experience. Our best expert.

Chameleon

The most interesting, but less practical coloring option is using a composition that changes color as the temperature rises. Thermochromic chameleon paint comes in two types:

reversible - colored or white, changes color when heated and returns to the original when cooled;
irreversible - changes color once and is not restored.

Chameleon paint is not widely used in everyday life. A transparent composition is applied to glasses and cups with designs that appear when the drinks are hot and disappear as they cool. In industry, a color-changing composition is used to paint indicators that warn of a critical increase in temperature.

Examples of interiors with chrome elements

You can get a cozy interior by painting the walls with light gray paint, the sofa and chairs can be taken in a warm beige tone, a cream wardrobe and chest of drawers will complement the decor. Curtains can be light, chrome is added in ornate coffee table legs and unusually shaped mirrors, and shades of brass and steel should be used in mirror frames.

This is one example where metal does not make a room cold, but maintains comfort while introducing a touch of fashion.

Chrome color is fashionable and cold, but if you combine it with warm colors, you can create a design where it will be pleasant to be.

Chrome color is fashionable and cold, but if you combine it with warm colors, you can create a design where it will be pleasant to be. And the comfort of the room will be combined with fashion trends. But you shouldn’t add chromium in large quantities.

Variety of colors

Mineral chrome paint is the most common coloring composition, one of the components of which is aluminum powder. The coating usually has a classic silver tint, but there are other color options:

The gilding effect is achieved by adding yellow metal particles to the coloring agent. The dried surface acquires the appropriate shade and mirror shine.
If aluminum powder is diluted with a translucent black pigment, the result is a very elegant coating. Black chrome surfaces look stylish and unusual.
To enrich an ordinary metallic with some other shade, they resort to tinting the varnish, which is applied over the dried layer of paint at the final stage of work.

Chrome color - what does it mean, what does it look like?

If we talk about chrome coating, the shades of paint can be different. The paint and varnish material creates the effect of a metal surface. In this case, different types of metal can be imitated - brass, gold, silver, chrome, nickel and others.

The use of metal in the interior is in fashion; designers create a variety of decorative elements, lamps and emphasize details on furniture. The material can bring a cold nobility, but it must be used correctly so as not to overdo it and turn it into a utility room instead of a living room.

Metal objects can be installed in a small room, but in limited quantities; this option is more suitable for spacious rooms.

It is allowed to place different metals at once, but then there must be wooden objects that can neutralize the cold from the material, the remaining colors must be warm shades.

The use of metal in the interior is in fashion; designers create a variety of decorative elements, lamps and emphasize details on furniture.

Dimensions

The variety of sizes of mirror plastic is enormous, considering that these are different materials, which are also produced by numerous manufacturers around the globe. For example, polymethyl methacrylate can be found in the form of sheets of various sizes and shapes, but with dimensions no more than 305 by 205 cm. The thickness is relatively small - only 2-3 mm. The adhesive base may or may not be present.

Mirror polystyrene, despite its flexibility, is also sold not in roll form, but in sheets. At the same time, the fragments are slightly smaller - it is difficult to find a sheet larger than 300 by 122 cm on sale. The thickness of the product ranges from 1 to 3 mm, and here you still need to think about the choice: a sheet that is too large a priori cannot be thin, but increasing the thickness negatively affects flexibility and increases fragility.

PVC sheets of the standard type are characterized by a small thickness - often at the level of 1 mm. Their dimensions are the most modest - up to 100 by 260 cm.

Isotopes

Isotopes of chromium have atomic weights from 43 to 67. Typically, this chemical element consists of three stable forms: 52Cr, 53Cr and 54Cr. Of these, the most common is 52Cr (83.8% of all natural chromium). In addition, 19 radioisotopes have been described, of which the most stable is 50Cr with a half-life exceeding 1.8×1017 years. 51Cr has a half-life of 27.7 days, and for all other radioactive isotopes it does not exceed 24 hours, and for most of them it lasts less than one minute. The element also has two meta states.

Isotopes of chromium in the earth's crust, as a rule, accompany isotopes of manganese, which is used in geology. 53Cr is formed during the radioactive decay of 53Mn. The Mn/Cr isotope ratio reinforces other clues about the early history of the Solar System. Changes in the 53Cr/52Cr and Mn/Cr ratios from different meteorites prove that new atomic nuclei were created just before the formation of the Solar System.

Two-component paints

Two-component chrome paint (mirror) for metal and plastic is a composition that is made of two components: a base and a hardener. They are combined before dyeing and kneaded thoroughly. The excellent performance characteristics of the coating make these varieties the most popular.

Their positive properties include:

absolute resemblance to polished metal;
increased wear resistance;
heat resistance.

Carrying out self-staining with two-component compositions requires a lot of time and effort, but the result completely justifies these sacrifices.

Properties

The indicator is a solid powdery substance, homogeneous, finely crystalline. The color of the crystals can vary from dark brown to black. Soluble in water and ethyl alcohol. From a chemical point of view, it is a sodium salt. Crystals burn with great difficulty, only after their temperature reaches +300 °C.

Eriochrome black T "analytical grade"

Chrome dark blue indicator

In acidic and neutral environments (pH from 0 to 9.5), solutions of acid blue 13 turn cherry red. At a pH greater than 10 (in an alkaline environment), the solution turns blue-violet. The indicator is sensitive to acids, which is why it is called “acid”.

The reagent forms complexes with zinc, calcium, and magnesium ions. These complexes color solutions red in an alkaline environment.

Chrome spray paint: pros and cons

In order for the surface of the car to acquire the desired color, you need not only to choose the right coating, but also to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of this method of changing the appearance of the iron horse.

Pros of chrome paint:

guaranteed result: silver color and mirror shine;
applies to all types of surfaces: plastic, wood, iron;
quick drying;
Anyone can use paint in cans.

Minuses:

the application process is complex; after drying, the paint can easily come off the surface;
The best option is powder paint, but it is suitable for application under special conditions.

To be on the safe side, you should set aside a few days to transform a large part, and gradually clean one side, immediately applying the coating.

Processing small parts will take no more than an hour PHOTO: degirmenciler.com.tr

Application of chrome effect in design

It's appropriate to add different chrome accents in different rooms. Chrome color must not only be dosed correctly in the setting, but also take into account the cold effect. In some rooms it is used more actively, in others less.

Chrome color must not only be dosed correctly in the setting, but also take into account the cold effect.

Living room

In the living room, if it is large, you can choose large objects of designer art with a chrome base. Gray curtains and handle-shaped furniture details will complement the effect. The use of warm shades will add coziness.

In the living room, if it is large, you can choose large objects of designer art with a chrome base.

Bedroom

You should not add a lot of chrome in the bedroom so as not to lose the necessary level of warmth for relaxation. The headrest of the bed can be made of leather material in the desired shade. By placing a couple of metal accessories against a terracotta background, you can combine cold with warmth.

You should not add a lot of chrome in the bedroom so as not to lose the necessary level of warmth for relaxation.

Kitchen

Here there is an opportunity to use more chrome surfaces. Heat-resistant chrome paint can be applied to the stove, and a tandem can also be created using a refrigerator with a similar color. In general, the equipment can be in the same range, but the necessary comfort will be created by walls in a warm palette and the addition of plants.

You can also choose a dark gray kitchen set with a glossy surface, which is typical for the high-tech style. Stainless steel dishes can serve as decor.

Here there is an opportunity to use more chrome surfaces.

Bathroom

In the bathroom, you can decorate the walls with tiled material; now there are imitation metals, the usual version or mosaic. Or simply the emphasis is on sanitary fittings, towel holders. You can create a contrast in the lamp - accessories are taken from one metal, fittings from another.

In the bathroom you can decorate the walls with tiled material; now there are imitation metals.

Hallway

In the hallway, the easiest way to introduce fashion trends is to choose a mirror frame, hooks, and lamps. You shouldn’t use a lot of chrome; the room is usually not large, and excessive cold will be inappropriate.

In the hallway, the easiest way to introduce fashion trends is to choose a mirror frame, hooks, and lamps.

Production and characteristics of acrylic mirrors

An acrylic mirror is a smooth transparent plastic surface coated with a layer of amalgam. The reflective layer is applied in the same way as on conventional glass mirrors. However, the resulting material has unique properties that allow the most daring design ideas to be realized.

Excellent reflectivity is the only thing that a plastic mirror has in common with the glass one we are used to. But unlike their prototype, acrylic mirrors have significantly greater lightness, increased strength and ease of processing.

Features of acrylic mirrors are:

thickness 2 and 3 mm;
maximum size 2000 x 3000 mm
strength;
versatility of use;
ease of fastening;
the edge is not processed;
safety for children.

RESERVES AND PRODUCTION

Pure chromium
The largest deposits of chromium are located in South Africa (1st place in the world), Kazakhstan, Russia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar. There are also deposits in Turkey, India, Armenia, Brazil, and the Philippines.nThe main deposits of chromium ores in the Russian Federation are known in the Urals (Don and Saranovskoe). Explored reserves in Kazakhstan amount to over 350 million tons (2nd place in the world). Chromium is found in nature mainly in the form of chromium iron ore Fe(CrO2)2 (iron chromite). Ferrochrome is obtained from it by reduction in electric furnaces with coke (carbon). To obtain pure chromium, the reaction is carried out as follows: 1) iron chromite is fused with sodium carbonate (soda ash) in air; 2) dissolve sodium chromate and separate it from iron oxide; 3) convert the chromate to dichromate, acidifying the solution and crystallizing the dichromate; 4) pure chromium oxide is obtained by reducing sodium dichromate with coal; 5) metallic chromium is obtained using aluminothermy; 6) using electrolysis, electrolytic chromium is obtained from a solution of chromic anhydride in water containing the addition of sulfuric acid.

Advantages of reflective glasses

Rice.
10. Breakage of coated glass Reflective glass of mirror glass units has the following advantages:

high aesthetic qualities - the use of modern technologies allows you to give the material the necessary shade;
the possibility of improving the microclimate of the room due to the property of partial transmission of light rays;
high reflective properties do not allow you to see what is happening behind them. There is a choice of specularity: from minimal to full;
thanks to processing and hardening they have high strength;
it is possible to laminate and additionally harden;
if it is necessary to improve the characteristics, it is possible to apply additional layers;
the building acquires a presentable appearance thanks to panoramic glazing;
Can be used in single glass, double glazing.

Notes

Michael E. Wieser, Norman Holden, Tyler B. Coplen, John K. Böhlke, Michael Berglund, Willi A. Brand, Paul De Bièvre, Manfred Gröning, Robert D. Loss, Juris Meija, Takafumi Hirata, Thomas Prohaska, Ronny Schoenberg, Glenda O'Connor, Thomas Walczyk, Shige Yoneda, Xiang-Kun Zhu.
Atomic weights of the elements 2011 (IUPAC Technical Report) // Pure and Applied Chemistry. — 2013. — Vol. 85, no. 5. - P. 1047-1078. — DOI:10.1351/PAC-REP-13-03-02.
Editorial team: Zefirov N. S. (chief editor).
Chemical encyclopedia: in 5 volumes - Moscow: Great Russian Encyclopedia, 1999. - T. 5. - P. 308.

oxide CrO3 years Cr compounds Cr (III) containing Cr (VI) concentration of Cr (VI) containing Cr (VI) compounds Cr (VI) Cr Fe with chrome effect and under chrome painting with chrome liquid chromium (packaging with chrome effect sometimes under chrome in the effect of chrome for two-component chrome paint formation of oxide on its oxide was obtained oxide CrO3 to oxide Cr2O3 silicon oxide crystals include oxides have the formation of oxide on its oxide

iii reacts potassium to obtain alkali chloride

Performing staining

In order for chrome paint to last long, you need to properly prepare the surface. General rules for working with chrome paint:

requires almost sterile cleanliness in the room, complete absence of dust;
smooth surfaces of any material and the primer must be sanded to improve adhesion;
Apply layers of chrome dye at intervals after drying.

To make the coating more durable, it is secured with varnish. You can varnish with any paint - from an aerosol, can or powder.

Plastic

Method of painting plastic parts:

clean the surface with sandpaper;
prime;
apply chrome paint.

It is recommended to warm up the plastic a little after the primer has dried. Without primer, the mirror coating will quickly peel off. When the painted surface is dry, it also needs to be polished.

Metal

How to paint a metal part:

remove rust and dust;
degrease with alcohol;
coat with anti-corrosion primer or black nitro enamel;
polish the primer;
apply paint in a thin layer.

To achieve the effect of chrome plating using an aerosol, a minimum of three layers of paint is required.

What is chrome plating?

A pleasant chrome shine allows you to get chrome plating. It is carried out by galvanic method, remaining a simple process. You can cope with it even at home, without having professional knowledge. It's time to get to know him on a personal level, explaining some details.

First, a bath with electrolyte is prepared. It is needed to move chromium ions formed after the decomposition of its oxide.
The cathode is placed on one side of it, and the anode must be attached to the workpiece.
After connecting the electric current, the movement of ions begins, and the positive ones from chromium move to the part, becoming a thin layer.

After an accessible explanation, the process turns out to be not so scary. Yes, some workshops scare drivers because they have to use special equipment. On the one hand, it is useful, but on the other hand, when working with small metal surfaces, you can do without it. Today, experienced drivers carry out the work themselves, especially since it requires a minimum of time. They may have to polish the surface more actively before installing the part, but the result is the same as the professional services of large workshops.

Anti-reflective coating

Anti-reflective coating also has other names: anti-reflective, anti-reflex. Its task is to increase transparency and reduce the reflection of light from the lenses (the same anti-reflective effect). When light rays pass through its surface, they are partially absorbed and reflected due to the different refractive indices of the lens and the air environment.

To understand the principle of operation of the antireflective coating on spectacle lenses, let's turn to physics. It is based on the phenomenon of interference of light waves, in which light rays cancel each other out. Depending on the coating used, the residual reflection of light has different shades: greenish, blue, yellowish, lilac.

Lenses with high-quality anti-reflective coatings do not reflect light rays passing through them. They are completely transparent, that is, achromatic, or have a faint greenish tint. However, models with a brighter residual reflection (lilac, gold) have an attractive appearance, so they are chosen by a certain category of buyers.

In a single-layer antireflective coating, neutralization of the reflective light flux occurs only in one part of the spectrum. To cover different parts of the spectral range, several layers of coating are applied.

The advantages of antireflective spectacle lenses are the absence of glare and aberrations, and, accordingly, a decrease in eye fatigue. Models with anti-glare effect are the best choice for drivers.

These glasses provide guaranteed protection from sun glare and flashlights, and can also be used as computer glasses. However, on such lenses the slightest contamination is immediately noticeable - greasy or water stains, so they require more careful care.

Reflective glass

Rice. 6. Example of reflective glass

It has a number of properties, the ability to absorb light reaches 70%. The manufacturing technology involves applying a layer of metal oxide. The strength characteristics and impact resistance of the surface are increased.

There are several types of reflective glass, differing in features and manufacturing method. Types of materials:

Absorbing. The main function is to absorb harmful solar radiation.
Reflective. Protect from sunlight.
Combined. They combine the positive features of each type of product.

Working with a plastic base

Mirror chrome paint (for plastic and metal surfaces) is applied to all materials in the same way - by spraying. But the technology for coloring products made of polypropylene and their analogues has its own characteristics.

The plastic product is pre-polished. This must be done to achieve ideal smoothness of the base. Next, a base coat of black paint is applied. After it dries, polishing is carried out again.

Before applying mirror paint, the base is heated using a hair dryer. The warm product is coated with a chrome plating compound using a sprayer. Please note that in this case it will not be possible to achieve perfect smoothness using a roller and brushes.

After the decorative layer has dried, a third polishing is carried out. If the painted surface requires additional protection, it can be coated with clear varnish.

Self-processing technique

The technology for painting various surfaces using chrome plating compounds involves the following sequence of actions:

We clean the base from corrosion and oxides, level it with putty and prime it. Polymer compounds that protect the metal from rust should be used as a primer.
After the primer is completely dry, apply a base coat of paint. For this, black pigments are used, which must be laid in as thin a layer as possible.
Dry the painted product and polish it using felt.
Degrease the part using an organic solvent.

Part preparation

Note! For degreasing, you need to choose a composition that will not damage either the base paint or the chrome layer.

To ensure the most even application of the chrome coating, we heat the base using a hair dryer. At the same time, we make sure that the already applied paint does not melt or bubble.
We spray a pigment containing particles of aluminum and other metals onto the warm coating from a spray bottle or can. After polymerization, these particles form a mirror coating, which can simply be polished again.

Advice! To prevent the “spark” pigment from settling to the bottom of the container, it must be stirred periodically.

Photo in the process of spraying metallic

In some cases (most often when decorating cars), a different scheme is used:

Automotive varnish mixed with a black tinting component is applied to the prepared and primed base.
The varnish layer is heated, after which the chrome-based paint is sprayed with a large amount of air.
In the third pass, we apply a decorative coating containing tinting components. It gives the shiny surface the desired shade, so you can imitate silvering, gilding, etc.

Combined reflective glasses

Rice. 9. Reflective glass

This type of glass is able to absorb and reflect sunlight. Manufactured using standard technology, but with additional improvements. After heating and giving the required shape, 4 layers of metal oxide are applied. The surface is hardened with the help of air. Then, after partial cooling, another layer is applied - silver and the workpiece cools.

Solar radiation is reflected from the surface to a given extent. Harmful radiation is almost completely absorbed. One of the additional benefits is the significant degree of heat retention in the room. The creation of this type of glass is expensive, since it requires the application of a large number of layers. The process is labor-intensive, long, and the final cost of the material is high.

The thickness of the product can be 6, 8, 10 mm. The length varies according to customer preferences. For example, glass in large shopping centers is often made with dimensions of about 6x3 meters with a thickness of 6 mm.

ORIGIN

Chromium crystals
The average content of Chromium in the earth's crust (clarke) is 8.3·10-3%. This element is probably more characteristic of the Earth's mantle, since ultramafic rocks, which are believed to be closest in composition to the Earth's mantle, are enriched in Chromium (2·10-4%). Chromium forms massive and disseminated ores in ultramafic rocks; The formation of the largest chromium deposits is associated with them. In basic rocks, the Chromium content reaches only 2·10-2%, in acidic rocks - 2.5·10-3%, in sedimentary rocks (sandstones) - 3.5·10-3%, in clay shales - 9·10-3 %. Chromium is a relatively weak aquatic migrant; Chromium content in sea water is 0.00005 mg/l. In general, Chromium is a metal in the deep zones of the Earth; stony meteorites (analogues of the mantle) are also enriched in Chromium (2.7·10-1%). Over 20 chromium minerals are known. Only chrome spinels (up to 54% Cr) are of industrial importance; in addition, Chromium is contained in a number of other minerals, which often accompany chromium ores, but are not of practical value themselves (uvarovite, volkonskoite, kemerite, fuchsite). There are three main chromium minerals: magnochromite (Mg, Fe)Cr2O4, chromopicotite (Mg, Fe)(Cr, Al)2O4 and aluminochromite (Fe, Mg)(Cr, Al)2O4. They are indistinguishable in appearance and are inaccurately called "chromites".

Unusual Effects

Thermochromic materials have earned the name “chameleon paints” due to their special qualities. Such coatings can change their appearance under the influence of temperature changes, for example:

initially colored paint becomes invisible;
when the temperature is heated or lowered, colorless paint takes on a certain shade;
Due to changes in ambient temperature, the coating may change color completely.

There are compounds that can produce any of these effects every time the coating is exposed to heat or cooled, and some are designed for a single “reincarnation”. They are called, respectively, reversible and irreversible.

There are materials on sale that, when painted in chrome, give the coating a matte finish. When producing such paints, a special component is added to the composition to reduce the reflective potential of the coating. This paint is used to chrome plumbing fixtures, furniture fittings and much more. Matte chrome looks strict and elegant.

Use in interior decoration

Due to the coldness, the chrome tint is rarely present on finishing materials. But for some styles, the option can give a unique design.

Due to the coldness, the chrome tint is rarely present on finishing materials.

Ceiling, floor and walls

Dark gray floors should transition into a warm tone or a lighter version of gray. On the ceiling, chrome can be used only for small details. Wallpaper with patterns in gray tones with a mirror effect is glued to the walls. But it’s still better to limit yourself to one wall.

Dark gray floors should transition into a warm tone or a lighter version of gray.

Applying chromium to plastic: stages

The coating will lie flat only if all stages of work are followed. If there is old paint on a part, it must be completely removed. Then the surface is treated with degreasing agents.

Paints of different shades with a mirror shine are available for sale. PHOTO:

The longest and most difficult stage is applying paint. You need to walk over the surface to be treated with a napkin moistened with a grease-removing compound, and then immediately begin spraying.

The final stage is re-application of the layer to create a protective shell.

You can process individual parts by first removing them from the car PHOTO: i5.photo.2gis.com

You should not buy the cheapest paints - they, as a rule, adhere worse to the part. PHOTO: 8.allegroimg.com

Matte and glossy shades of chrome, how to combine with other colors

If we say what color chrome is, then it is close to gray, which can be combined with many shades. The paint is available in different shades.

The coating may have a matte or glossy finish. You can combine elements in the interior, but still there should be more matte surfaces. Too many reflective details can create a glow that is too cool.

It is advisable to use a contrasting combination of colors, heat and cold to create a cozy room.

They think about the introduction of each color in advance, especially metallic shades, so that there is no feeling that these objects ended up in the room by accident. An approximate ratio of 70 to 30 is made.

It is for chrome that it is suitable to combine only with natural paints - brown, brick, beige, white, brown, sand.

They think about the introduction of each color in advance, especially metallic shades.