How to Use Chrome Foil

When model makers want to bring out the details in there model cars they have just spent a few days (or weeks) laboring over to perfection they might turn to a can of silver spray paint to the try to replicate the effect of metallic parts on their model as the finishing touches. But there is another way to make the metallic parts of your model shine through. Chrome foil. Some may have heard of chrome bare metal foil others may have not. What it basically is an adhesive aluminum foil used for detailing metallic parts or portions on a model. It can be applied to any scale model car and it comes in different colors such as copper, silver and black and even comes in different variations of shininess which range from a dull aluminum to a highly reflective. Chrome foil can enhance the metallic parts of your model more than a regular can of silver spray paint can because it is more realistic and is an actual reflective foil rather than just paint. So how do you use it? It takes a little patience initially but is easy once you get used to using it.

1. Prepare Your Model The first thing you want to do is get you model clean and free of dust. Lingering dust can interfere with the application of the chrome foil. Take a dish of soapy water and gently wash your model. Dry it with a non abrasive cloth that won't scratch the paint.

2. Get Your Tools Ready You'll need a couple tools to apply the foil, most can be found around the house. Make sure you have a couple of brand new exacto knives to cut the foil. Why you want the exacto knives to be brand new is because dull or old exacto knives can tear the foil or they can cause you to slip and cut into your model. Next, you'll need a couple of Q-tips. This may seem like a strange modeling tool to use but it is very useful for smoothing out the foil once it's applied. Finally, some toothpicks for pressing the foil down and outlining the details. Toothpicks also help in aiding the cutting of the foil. While you should never try to attempt to the foil with the toothpick pressing the foil down with it will make it easier to cut with the exacto knife.

3. Prepare the foil Ready for Application Make sure the foil isn't wrinkled or torn. Sometimes there are thin wrinkles on the foil cause by handling of customers. If they are not to big smooth them out with a Q-tip, some part of the foil will have to be thrown away due to damage. Also, sometimes the foil on the edges is not as adhesive as other parts. Cut off the edges and start with a freshly adhesive section. Cut out a section which is roughly the size of the portion of the model you want to apply the foil. (If you want to be more exact you can use a ruler to measure the amount of foil you'll need)

4. Apply the Foil Carefully. When you have your cut out piece of foil all smoothed out and ready to go on to the model, carefully lift it off of the backing with the edge of your exacto blade. While doing this hold down the other end gently with a Q-tip. Chrome foil has a tendency to curl when cut into thin strips so you want to try to prevent the curling as much as possible otherwise it can be a real hassle when you try to uncurl it. Once you have it off the backing carefull apply it to the model. The car should be close by the area your working in so you won't have to carry the foil over long distances and run the possibility of it falling on the floor and getting lost. Line it up with the portion you want to apply it to and set it gently on the surface while holding one end down to the model with the Q-tip. Gently press and smooth the foil onto the car with the Q-tip once it is applied. (It's fine if you have overlapping foil on other parts of the model)

5. Cut the Foil to Size Press the foil gently with a toothpick to bring out any details underneath the foil. Now, when you're ready to cut the foil to size you'll need a lot of patience. You can rush the cut or do it with one slice. Cut slowly and don't press down too hard otherwise you run the risk of cutting into the model itself. It may take a couple cuts to get through the foil so don't rush. Cutting takes even more patience around corners of bumpers, curves in the body pillars and intricate details such as door handles. If you cut accidentally tear the foil start over, applying the foil takes practice and patience so don't worry if you mess up. It may take one or two layers of foil to detail a bumper or other curved edges. Just smooth them down with a Q-tip to make the edges seamless.

So there you have it. How to apply chrome foil to any model car. Once you get the hang of applying it you never go back to using that spray can again