There’s no denying it—chrome finishes are among the most eye-catching affects you can achieve in custom paintwork. But getting that flawless, head-turning mirror shine isn’t always easy. Knowing how tricky pulling off that perfect chrome finish can be, we at SprayGunner have tested the products for you, made the mistakes, and learned from them so we can give you clear, straightforward instructions so you can avoid the same headaches. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the right way to apply Custom Creative Chrome FX, covering everything from surface prep to tips for keeping that brilliant mirror shine looking great for a long time.
Mastering the Mirror Shine: A Comprehensive Guide to Applying Custom Creative ChromeFX Paint
No matter what you’re chroming, this guide will give you the keys to achieve a finish worthy of display.
What tools do you need for ChromeFX paint?
The following is a list of recommended tools and equipment you’ll need to make sure your project goes off without a hitch and you stay safe doing it.
1. Disposable gloves
You’ll likely need a few pairs of these to work with since you will be needing to wait sometime between steps.
2. Paint suit
A paint suit is highly suggested to protect your skin from absorbing the chemicals in the paint.
3. Eye Protection
Eye protection is extremely important. Your eyes absorb chemicals in the air very quickly, potentially leading to health risks.
4. Respirator mask
A respirator mask is very important to protect you from inhaling the potentially harmful fumes let off by some products. Make sure you are using one designed for paint vapors and not dust to prevent inhalation of the chemicals.
5. Lint- Free Cleaning Rags
8. 70% Alcohol
9. Tack Rags
10. Paint Strainers
All other recommended products used will be listed in our guide, so you know exactly when you’ll need them.
Step 1: Prepping for the Perfect Primer and Base Coat
If you want a flawless chrome finish, it all starts with good surface prep. Remember, any imperfection will be magnified by the reflective nature of chrome, so it’s important to eliminate them from the start.
Wearing gloves, we recommend using a wax and grease remover like the D650 by Custom Creative. This removes any oils and contaminants from your hands and environment that could be left over on the substrate from handling the piece. You want to avoid trapping these things under the surface to ensure a smooth application of the product. Once cleaned, use a second clean rag and wipe down your part again, removing any excess residue left over from the cleaner.
Next, you’ll want to use your gray Scotch-Brite pad to lightly scuff the piece of the project you are working on. This helps your primer better adhere to the surface. Please note, not all surfaces will require this, but we do recommend it for better adhesion.
Once prepped, make sure the surface is clear of any dust from the sanding. You need to remove all debris from sanding your piece from the substrate and your working area. To do this, you can simply blow your working space with air to clear it out and wipe down your project with the wax and grease remover a second time. Don’t forget to wipe a second time with a clean rag to completely remove the degreaser.
We then recommend using 70% alcohol to wipe down your project a final time to ensure everything is extremely clean and ready to paint. The alcohol should flash off very quickly and leave your project nice and dry.
Finally, take your tack rag and wipe down your project very well to remove any lint or microscopic dust particles that may have gathered on your project while cleaning.
Now, it’s time to start painting!
Step 2: The Best Primer for Chrome FX Paint
Using a quality primer like the AMMO Titan Primer is highly suggested. In our video, we used the flat black AMMO Titan Primer. It lays down a solid base without hiding fine details but also helps you spot flaws that could mess up your final finish.
Alternatively, you can use the Createx Autoborne Sealer (in black) mixed with 10% of the Createx Flash 4011 Reducer. Make sure to mix this very well. Now, using a light spray, coat your project evenly with your primer.
💡 Tip: If you notice any imperfections, you might be better off allowing the primer to flash off and then applying a second coat of primer, covering the entire project a second time with an even coat.
Step 3: Applying your Black Base Coat
Some projects may not require an additional black base coat, however, if your project is going to be out in the sunlight, or if you feel the primer just isn’t ‘black enough’ we recommend applying an additional black base coat.
For this, we suggest the Custom Creative Deep Black or the Wicked Jet Black by Createx Colors base paints. The Wicked paint should be mixed with 10 – 20% of the 4011 Reducer, depending on your airbrush needs.
Custom Creative offers their own reducer, with various drying speeds. In our video, we used the custom Creative BC115 Fast Thinner. We mixed this using a 1:1 ratio with the Custom Creative Deep Black.
Make sure your paint and thinner are mixed thoroughly. If using the Custom Creative products, you don’t need to wait for the paint to acclimate before applying it to your project. However, it’s important to note that if you are using a water-based color like the Wicked paint, you should allow it to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before pouring it into your spray gun.
Using a strainer, pour your paint into your spray gun. This helps prevent contamination from any particles that may have fallen into your paint cup while mixing.
💡 Tip: Make sure that when you are using solvent-based products you use all your PPE to protect yourself from harsh chemical contamination. This is when your eye protection, paint suit, respirator, and a fresh set of gloves will come in handy. You should have all your gear on before beginning to mix your parts.
Now, using medium-wet layers, spray your project and apply an even coat of your base color. The layers should not be too heavy or too light. If you feel you need a second coat, wait about 7-10 minutes before applying it.
You will notice that as the product flashes off, all shine will go away, and your project will have a matte finish.
If using the Custom Creative paint, allow your project to cure for about 20 to 30 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Clear Coat Protection Before Chrome
One of the key parts to ensuring a truly mirror-like chrome finish is applying a good, high-gloss clear coat between the base and the chrome application. This is important because the chrome is going to reflect between the black base and the clear, which is what ultimately provides that shiny, mirror effect.
In our shop, we usually use the American Icon C-800 in a 2:1 ratio with their A-M070 activator. However, Custom Creative has their own clear coats with various finishes such as satin and Euroclear. In our video, we went with the American Icon.
Stir your clear coat and activator very well and make sure to use a strainer when pouring it into your clean paint gun. Then, making sure to spray with generous, even layers, coat your project.
We recommend applying 2 to 3 coats of the clear, waiting about 10 minutes between each application.
💡 Tip: Always allow your final coat of clear to cure for a minimum of 48 hours before applying your chrome (unless you have a forced dry paint booth and are able to bake and cure the clear).
Step 5: Applying ChromeFX – It’s All About the Technique
Here’s where the magic happens. Custom Creative Chrome FX comes ready to spray straight out of the bottle—no thinning needed. They’ve even added etching properties to their formula, making it so that there really is no prep work needed!
That said, we recommend using your tack rag before using the chrome paint to remove any dust particles that may have fallen on your project while curing your clear coat.
Pour the ChromeFX paint into your airbrush gun using two paint strainers to ensure it is very clean. You want to use a semi-heavy coat, generously applying it to your project. You need to move quickly while applying and coat the entire project as evenly as possible, then let it flash off.
💡 Tip: If you think you need a second coat, or if you see that you missed a spot, allow the chrome to flash off completely and apply a second coat, covering the entire project, not just the problem area. This will help you avoid the dreaded halo and any overlapping that can cause a fog in your application.
A lot of painters worry about the durability of chrome paints, and with good reason. Some formulas may look great, but if you’re working on an unfinished project where you are taping over it, they can easily lift and peel off. However, the ChromeFX paint by Custom Creative is strong enough to withstand even duct tape being applied directly over it and ripped off, as demonstrated in our video.
We also want to note that the color of your base coat will greatly impact your finished project’s look when the chrome is applied. As you can see in the video, a solid black base provides the cleanest chrome finish and mirror look.
Step 6: Optional Candy Coats for Custom Paint Colors
Want to add some color to your chrome? If you’re aiming for a custom look, spraying a candy color like those from the Createx candy2o line will really make it pop! However, any candy color you prefer will work just fine.
Before you start spraying your color over the chrome, make sure to apply another clear coat layer by following the application method in step 4 again. However, you want to avoid using a solvent-based clear in this step. For this, we recommend using the Createx 4053 UVLS High Gloss Clear.
You want to mix the 4053 with your reducer and stir well. Allow it to acclimate to your environment for about 5-10 minutes before pouring it into your spray gun with a strainer. This should be a medium-wet coat. The 4053 has a blue tint to it when first applied. This is normal. Allow it to flash off and your beautiful chrome finish will return just as it was before!
Now, following the application instructions of the candy color of your choice, apply your candy coats. The chrome shine will still come through, but the candy layer will add depth and color. Following these steps, you can get golds, reds, blues—whatever your imagination dreams up.
Step 7: Locking It In – The Final Clear Topcoat
So, your project is almost done, and it looks GREAT! Now what? Well, there’s one final, very important step: your final clear topcoat. For this, we recommend another coat of the American Icon C-800 again. In our video, we were testing products for possible alternatives to the C-800, and we used the Car-Rep 2k High-Gloss clear coat, and while it provided a beautiful finish, we still recommend the C-800. The curing time takes less than the 2k, and it provides more depth, providing a shiny, brilliant seal, and bringing that mirror-like finish to life.
Carefully follow the application process in step 4 and make sure to allow the product to fully cure before handling.
⚠️ Warning: Never apply your final clear coat directly onto Chrome FX without first sealing it with the 4053. Even if you are not adding a candy color coat, you must seal your project before applying the final topcoat. Not doing so could ruin the mirror effect.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Effort? Absolutely.
Custom Creative Chrome FX is one of the most realistic chrome finishes you can get on the market today, and the best part is that you can achieve it using standard paint guns and airbrush guns. It’s a beautiful effect that works great as automotive paint, motorcycle paint, and even works for smaller projects like scale models and tabletop miniatures. When applied correctly, the results are stunning—intense shine, sharp reflections, and a professional finish that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
We hope this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of the process of creating the chrome FX you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t forget, at SprayGunner, we’re only a phone call or email away to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us today at (813) 336-4201 or sales@spraygunner.com for assistance.
Happy Chroming!