Chrome (Harley Earle's favorite color)

[JHertzman@domain.elided]

Responding to the questions Rich Hirsch asked about simulating the "chrome" 
vacuum-deposited on the backs of transparent plastic parts such as taillight 
lens rims, badges, etc  Paul Rollins suggested "silver Mylar film, like that 
from which helium party baloons or gift wrap are made. It is about as 
reflective as the chrome finish on the plastic, and  it seems to hold up 
well. Probably wouldn't cost you any points at the concours d'elegance unless 
the judges take your light apart and find a clown face or other decoration on 
the other side of the reflective material."

A variant on that is a thin silver mylar tape which is made for masking-off 
photo transparencies. It has a clear adhesive coating on one side, and in my 
experience both faces are equally reflective. The brand my local supplier 
stocks is 3M, and a 72 yard roll 1/4" wide lists for $13.50. Other 
widths/lengths/sources may be available.

Two other approaches I mentioned to Rich are the "Bare Metal Foil" used by 
builders of plastic model cars and model airplanes, and the silver leaf used 
for lettering by sign-painters. I haven't tried either (more interested in 
dechroming than rechroming) but either might be worth looking into.

John H.
Raleigh, N.C.

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