CC and Plastic Model Kits

[WIKD]

Greetings All,

I just have a couple noob questions. I wish to CC small 1:24 scale model kits.
I intend to spray the parts with conductive paint (silvaspray or the like) then proceed with CC. My question is do I need the copper/acid kit also to build up a layer to make the chrome adhere to? I would perfer the coat to be thin so the parts will still fit as intended from the factory, yet the finish be durable. Thank you for your time, I appreciate it.

[WIKD]

Im sorry I forgot to ask my second question, could I use a copper conductive spray, then move to the CC?

[jimcarry]

I have never tried copper conductive spray I would say it would work
you need to use acid copper before Copy chrome on these parts

[WIKD]

Originally Posted by jimcarry

I have never tried copper conductive spray I would say it would work
you need to use acid copper before Copy chrome on these parts

First off I would like to thank Jim for his servitude on this forum. Your help is much appreciated my friend. Second, when I look on the Silva Spray it says DO NOT USE acid copper? I am confused. I found a conductive copper paint, can I not just paint the plastic parts, let them dry, and then proceed with the CC? I dont know if it's possible for me to post the link to the copper conductive paint, as I do not wish to break any rules. The parts I wish to chrome are very small, the largest being about the size of a tennis ball, and they are made of thin plastic. The problem is that by building up layers they will not fit together properly and leave large gaps. Also the parts come on what are called "sprues" or "trees" so if I were to paint the entire sprue it would allow me to pass current through the entire thing, correct? The specs on the paint are as follows:

SYSTEM: one component, air dry, water base
SOLIDS: 57 ±3% by weight
DENSITY: 12.5 ±0.3 lbs per gallon
VOC 0.3 lbs per gallon
THINNER: reduce to desired viscosity with water (up to 6:1 for spray application)
APPLICATION METHOD: brush, roll, or standard air gun with pressure pot with agitation to keep copper in suspension
DRYING TIME: air dry or flash off for 5 minutes at room temp then dry for ½ hour at 160°F
ADHESION: excellent to most plastic surfaces
HUMIDITY RESISTANCE: no change in resistivity or attenuation when tested in accordance with MIL-STD-202 Method 106 - 40 cycles: MIL-STD-810 Method 507 Procedure 5 - 480 hours cycling: meets UL specification 746-C
SURFACE RESISTIVITY: <0.3 ohm/square at 1 mil dry film thickness;
<0.10 ohm/square at 2 mil dry film thickness
ATTENUATION: >75 dB from 1 MHz to 1 GHz
COVERAGE: 670 ft²/gallon per mil at 100% efficiency
STORAGE LIFE: 6 months from date of shipment in unopened container. Older material should be checked for surface resistivity before using.
COLOR: glitter mocha

Thank you for your help

[mcaswell]

I checked our labeling on the Silvaspray and it says "do Not use FLASH Copper" to plate Silvaspray.

[WIKD]

So then to simplify this I DO NOT WANT a copper layer it will make the parts way too thick. I has nothing to do with cost, ect. Can I CC over a copperconductive paint base?

[jimcarry]

The reason you would use the acid copper over the silva spray is because the silva spray has small pieces of silver in it the acid copper will give you a smooth finish I have seen it on some hot wheel cars and it looks great the copper conductive spray you are talking about I have not used before but I would give it a try see what happens use test piece

[mcaswell]

The copper plates at the rate of 1-2 thousands of an inch an hour. You only need to apply sufficient to cover the part.

[danmcg]

I have some of that copper conductive paint that you mentioned. although it is conductive as stated, I couldn't seem to plate anything to it. not sure why. you might want to try the lacquer base one instead of the water base that I have.
any chance the silva spray will be available in smaller less expensive packages...I only need an ounce or too for what I wanted to do.
Dan

[ledfordm]

I have tried the Silvaspray on about 30 different parts ranging from plastic , plaster and wood. I cannot find anything it works on. I tried to CC over the Silvaspray and it not not work. Tech support has been no help Silvaspray is not even their product. I am looking for someone that has got it to work and found no one. If you have any luck let ne know.