"Spaz Stix" chrome paint, is this a bad joke?

[fiatboy]

I read in one of the model car magazines about a product called "Spaz Stix".  Has anyone ever heard of it or used it?  It is an application to styrene that gives a chrome finish and is supposed to be easier than Alclad. 

[Fat Brian]

Yes, it exists and that's it's name. It comes in spray cans so you don't need and air brush to use it like you do with Alclad.

[Harry P.]

It works great. I use it all the time. Photobucket is down for maintenance, but when it's back up I will post several examples of what Spaz Stix looks like on a model.

[thatz4u]

Thanks to Harry, I tried it & love it...next use will be restoring chrome on a rebuild.....

[Harry P.]

Not a bad joke. Actually a pretty decent way to do "chrome."

All the chrome on this model is Spaz Stix...

The wheels on this one...

Grille shell on these two...

You get the idea...

[Mark]

I've got a can ordered and on its way to me.  With Modelhaus out of the picture, repairing damaged bumpers instead of just buying new ones is going to be necessary on occasion.  Repairs like fixing glue damage from Continental tire brackets or add-on bumper guards sometimes can't be done without putty, and having puttied parts vacuum plated is a krapshoot.  This looks like the answer in those cases...

[Tesla]

It works great. I use it all the time. Photobucket is down for maintenance, but when it's back up I will post several examples of what Spaz Stix looks like on a model.

Harry,

How many coats do you apply and how long between coats?

[PARTSMARTY]

I use it and absolutely love it !!!

[Harry P.]

Harry,

How many coats do you apply and how long between coats?

One coat.

[Tesla]

One coat.

Thank you!

[High octane]

I've used Spaz-Stix a few times on both resin and plastic parts and really like it. I use two coats over gloss black enamel. Make sure that you "mist" the Spaz-Stix on and don't apply it wet.

[Kustom Rodder]

Do you put a clear coat over it when done?

[ChrisBcritter]

Harry, how long do you let the black base coat dry before using the Spaz-Stix?

[Pete J.]

I think Harry will agree with me on this one.  There are a lot of "chrome" paints out there and most work with proper technique.  None of them is just a "blast it " with a coat of paint.  All require a very very smooth surface and a delicate touch with the amount of paint you put on.  To little and the base shows through.  To much and you don't get the bright reflectivity.  You can give generalizations but you can't give a step by step instruction with out the builder experimenting to develop an eye and technique that works.  The one piece that needs to be done to prevent failure is surface prep.  All chrome paints will magnify any defects in the surface.  The better the substrate the better the result.  A perfectly polished surface is a must before painting the chrome.

I strongly suggest that you experiment on the back of plastic spoons until you can get it perfect every time.  Then move on to your parts.   Good luck!

[Cato]

I know everyone looks to Harry for answers since he's used this very successfully. But it may be some time before he can answer as he's now been hospitalized in his fight with cancer.

See the post in the Lounge section.

[Rider]

I've been using Spaz Sitx Ultra Chrome for close to 10yrs. Awesome stuff, it is much easier to get great results then the other "chrome" paints, can be handled and taped without fear of tarnishing the finish. It also works great for creating a black chrome finish when sprayed over acrylic black.