Does the chrome effect look like real plating?

It reads close, but it is not the same thing. Effect paint builds a very smooth reflective surface; it does not give the hardness and wear resistance of electroplated chrome. It is made for decorative and display work.

The bright metal range needs neither sanding nor primer. In the effect range the result follows the flatness of the ground, so on rough surfaces a smooth dark primer improves the finish noticeably.

Which shades are available?

Chrome, gold and copper in the effect range; aluminium, gold and copper in the bright metal range — six shades in all, every one 400 ml.

Can it be varnished over?

Yes, and it is necessary on surfaces that stay outdoors. Once the paint has fully cured, use a non-yellowing acrylic varnish; nitrocellulose varnish yellows over time and spoils the metallic tone.

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Metallic & Effect Spray Paint

Metallic and effect spray paints sell a surface appearance rather than a colour. The bright metal range gives wood, metal and ceramic a gold, silver or copper shine; the effect range builds a deep, reflective chrome look. This page lists six shades in 400 ml cans.

Best Elite Effect Spray Paint 400 ml Gold
Best · Metallic & Effect Spray Paint
Best Elite Effect Spray Paint 400 ml Copper
Best · Metallic & Effect Spray Paint
Best Elite Effect Spray Paint 400 ml Chrome
Best · Metallic & Effect Spray Paint
Best Elite Bright Metal Spray Paint 400 ml Gold
Best · Metallic & Effect Spray Paint
Best Elite Bright Metal Spray Paint 400 ml Aluminium
Best · Metallic & Effect Spray Paint
Best Elite Bright Metal Spray Paint 400 ml Copper
Best · Metallic & Effect Spray Paint

Bright metal versus effect

The bright metal range (BEP-400) carries metallic pigment: the surface shines like metal while keeping its texture. It needs no sanding and no primer and gives the same result on wood, metal and ceramic alike.

The effect range (BEE-400) aims at a mirror: a very smooth, high-gloss film that reads close to real plating, and it is acid free. The quality of the result depends directly on how flat the ground is — roughness is the one thing that breaks a mirror finish.

Application

Both ranges are touch dry in 15 minutes or less, hard dry in 2 hours and fully cured within 12 hours. Several thin coats rather than one heavy one prevent both runs and a patchy shine.

Both give their real performance on interior surfaces not exposed to the weather. A surface that will live outdoors needs a clear protective varnish over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the chrome effect look like real plating?
It reads close, but it is not the same thing. Effect paint builds a very smooth reflective surface; it does not give the hardness and wear resistance of electroplated chrome. It is made for decorative and display work.
Is a primer needed?
The bright metal range needs neither sanding nor primer. In the effect range the result follows the flatness of the ground, so on rough surfaces a smooth dark primer improves the finish noticeably.
Which shades are available?
Chrome, gold and copper in the effect range; aluminium, gold and copper in the bright metal range — six shades in all, every one 400 ml.
Can it be varnished over?
Yes, and it is necessary on surfaces that stay outdoors. Once the paint has fully cured, use a non-yellowing acrylic varnish; nitrocellulose varnish yellows over time and spoils the metallic tone.