TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE — METAL SPRAY
IMPROPER SILVERING TECHNIQUE
Spectra Chrome’s metalizing chemistry is water-based, and it is important for the entire surface area of the part to remain “wet” while spraying.
In this example, we demonstrate a number of application errors that can cause artifacting in the silver layer.
Just like with sensitizer, the water-based metalizing chemistry requires the entire surface area of the part to be “wet” as quickly as possible.
The silver layer slowly builds up reflectivity as additional solution is sprayed — and the reflection needs to be built up evenly across the entire surface area.
Trying to “fill in” the reflectivity section-by-section, or starting and stopping the silver mist on the part will cause halos, streaking, or other artifacts to appear.
First, “wet” the entire surface area of the part with chemistry as quickly as possible. Do not worry about the reflective shine appearing right away — instead, focus on getting an initial coverage of silver solution over the entire surface area.
Once the initial “wet” layer is applied, continue spraying the silver solution evenly over the part to “fill in” the silver and build reflectivity to a perfect mirror shine. Always keep the “wet edge” moving, without starting or stopping.
Remember that the lighting in your shop or paint booth can sometimes fool you — using a high-powered LED “truth light” is very helpful in identifying adequate silver coverage.