Dash Chrome Touch-Up
Mark SimpsonRe-plating chrome on plastic dash pieces in classic cars is a specialized restoration process that replicates the original shiny, metallic finish often seen on trim parts in vintage interiors. But for many restorers the huge expense of re-plating interior plastic pieces is an expense that can be put off until the car is completed. Mark Simpson explores an alternative (Molotow Chrome Paint Markers) that will work great for those quick touch ups or until you’re ready to take on the time and expense to fully restore these pieces. Here's a detailed explanation of how the restoration process works on these plastic parts when you’re ready to make the investment, plus viable alternatives:
Process of Replating Chrome on Plastic Dash Pieces
1. Surface Preparation
- Cleaning: The plastic part is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, grease, and any old finish.
- Stripping: Any remaining chrome or vacuum metalized coating is stripped chemically or by media blasting (carefully, to avoid damaging the plastic).
- Repairing: Cracks, gouges, or pitting are filled with a plastic-compatible filler or epoxy, then sanded smooth.
2. Applying a Conductive Layer
Plastic is non-conductive, so a base layer must be applied:
- A copper or silver-based conductive paint is sprayed onto the surface to allow electroplating to adhere.
3. Electroplating (Optional but Rare)
If true electroplating is used:
- The part is submerged in a series of electroplating baths—usually copper, then nickel, then chrome.
- This step requires careful temperature and current control.
- Due to the complexity and cost, true chrome electroplating on plastic is rare and mostly done by specialty shops.
4. Vacuum Metalizing (More Common)
Most restoration shops use this more affordable alternative:
- The part is base-coated with paint, usually a gloss black or dark base.
- Then, it’s placed in a vacuum chamber, where a thin layer of aluminum vapor is deposited on the part.
- A clear topcoat (often tinted to mimic chrome) is sprayed to protect the finish.
5. Quality Control & Polishing
- Once complete, parts are inspected, and minor imperfections are corrected.
- A final polish ensures a mirror-like finish.
Alternatives to Chrome Replating on Plastic
1. Vacuum Metalizing (Most Common)
- Used by OEMs and restoration pros.
- Less durable than real chrome but visually accurate.
- Best for show cars or parts that don’t see heavy use.
2. Spray Chrome (e.g., Cosmichrome, Spectra Chrome)
- A multi-layer process applied with specialized spray equipment.
- Mimics the look of real chrome with good durability.
- Requires proper prep and controlled environment to avoid imperfections.
3. Chrome Vinyl Wraps or Foils
- Thin adhesive films that mimic chrome.
- Good for small trim areas or temporary restorations.
- Easy to apply and remove but not very durable on curved or detailed parts.
4. Chrome Paints (Rattle Can or Airbrush)
- Paints like Duplicolor Chrome or Spaz Stix Mirror Chrome offer a shiny finish.
- Less realistic and less durable than other options.
- Suitable for small or hidden parts where perfection isn’t critical.
5. 3D Printing & Resin Reproduction
- Damaged parts can be 3D scanned and printed in resin, then coated in spray chrome.
- Ideal when original parts are too brittle or missing.
When restoring your car from the sixties, seventies, even eighties, you know that you're going to run into a lot of cases where there's chrome plating on the plastic parts you know, and while there's companies where you can send these, like, you know these dash inserts out to, to have them, replated, and they'll go through and they'll plate the plastic and and dye the black parts black or woodgrain or whatever it was originally. It can still be a very expensive process and time consuming. You're going to have your dash out of your car for awhile. So I was kinda, you know, and I, over the years I've tried a few things to really make this look, you know to touch up these panels without having to make a big investment. So, over the years, I've tried a lot of products to try to kind of duplicate that factory chrome.
Never really been satisfied with anything I've used chrome paint to try to touch them up with a brush and, and markers and stuff. So when I came across this liquid chrome product, by Molowto it was, I was, you know, incredibly impressed by the results it gave me, you know, it, you know, sure, it's not a replacement for having your dash completely rechromed, but when you're just looking for a little touch-up or you're working on a budget and you know you're not ready to invest in what it's going to cost, this is a great alternative. And they come in three different sizes. This is the largest size. I think it's called the four millimeter tip.
When you first get 'em, you've got to actually kind of pump them up and down to get the, get the paint to flow. And soon as it starts to flow, you can go in and actually touch up those areas like here, common areas right below the ignition switch, where your keys are hanging or whatever, or, you know, here, the, you know where the cigarette lighter was where people are kind of always reaching for it. All the chrome is missing off our dash right here. And we can go in and touch that up with this Molowto marker. And in a matter of moments, we have like a chrome finish that darn near duplicates the factory.
And what I've found in using these is you want to wait uh, you know, 24 hours. Usually I'll do it you know, the night before, if I, you know, getting ready for a car show or something, I'll go in and apply a coat of this, let it dry. After it's dry, it holds up every bit as good as the rest of the chrome on the dash. And for most of the guys who've looked at it, they can't tell the difference. So, you know, even on the bezels, you know, we've got like these, all the bezels around all the switches can easily, you know, just, it's not a difficult process.
You want to take your time, of course. But you can quickly restore the look of these at a fraction of the expense. Give 'em a try. They, they do the job. I think you'll be pleased.
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