Looking for tips on repainting emblems/badges - Chrome like?

I'm getting my (eBay) Tank, side cover inserts, fairing and luggage repainted this winter. (Hopefully I will find time to polish up aluminum and eventually repaint frame/engine/etc).

Currently I'm pricing some individual stick on plastic/chrome letters. At the same time I want to repaint some existing badges/logos that are faded/chipped/worn/etc.

I want to paint the emblems black then repaint the letters/logo tops as close to chrome as I can get them (or maybe aluminum colored).

Any tips on repainting just the top surfaces of the letters/logos?

So far I'm considering:

* Model paint brushed on (or those paint marker sticks) + Clearcoat
* Metal leafing + Clearcoat
* Fingernail polish + clearcoat ????
* Other types of paints from hobby stores + clearcoat ???

Any other paint media suggestions or TECHNIQUES? (IE paint silver first then mask top of letters and paint black).

- - - -
Here are a few views of two types of letters I'm considering - Alternative views are of the same type of letters


Regular letters similar to my Yamaha tank badge letters


Italic letters similar to my Maxim side cover letters (and slightly smaller)

- - - -

On a side note:
I'm also considering mounting the purchased letters, adhering them to a piece of black plastic. Then mounting that larger piece to what ever part of the bike I wanted to re-badge. (Black plastic might be letter outlined somewhat).

For those who may recommend just buying reproduction emblems, I'm considering adding all or some of the following with new stick on letters:
YAMAHA --- x2 on the tank
1982 [OR 82] -- x2 on the side cover aluminum or tank
MAXIM -- x2 on the side cover inserts
XJ750J [OR SHORTER VERSION OF THAT] -- x2 on the side cover aluminum or tank
VETTER (need to repaint the logo badges) -- x5 total on my hard luggage pieces
WINDJAMMER (need to repaint the logo badges) -- x2 on my fairing

Yes I know that is a lot of letters :roll: I'm also going to play in photoshop adding the 1982 and XJ750J to the side cover aluminum (re-painted black probably).

Feel free to comment on my entire post/ideas - But I was REALLY looking for tips on repainting the tops of the old badges.

 

I have been using a gold leaf kit I got from a craft store to re-do the badges on my bikes. The results are not a good as original but real close. I like the gold lettering , nothing else looks as good. Get the surface as smooth as you can , I'll sand with 600 paper , paint the background then apply the gold leaf. Clear coat on top of everything. I'm still experimenting with the leafing glue to get it just right, so far I thin the glue so as not to leave brush marks in it. Any inperfaction in the surface or glue will show through. I am going to try some contact cement on the next ones.
I have tried painting the letters but they still look painted.

 

Re: Looking for tips on repainting emblems/badges - Chrome l

I have had some success using the Krylon silver leafing pen.

 

Re: Looking for tips on repainting emblems/badges - Chrome l

I did not know they had that. I've seen model paint pens and similar pens at Mendards in the paint aisle. Does it look close to chrome or aluminum?

 

Sort of shiny aluminium.

 

You do realize that new original-style badges and emblems are largely available (with a few exceptions) and they're not super expensive; as always check with Len.

 

Yes I know Chacal sells some. Expensive if a relative term...

Technically I still have all the emblems I want to replace or repaint. I'm considering replacing them to make the painted parts look "newish" and semi-custom while still looking nearly stock.

I may grab this set off eBay for the tanks. ($10 shipped and I like the silver/chrome instead of gold).


"Windjammer" fairing decals are $28 (pair) vs. $20 for 20 letter emblems

"Vetter" luggage badges are $18 each (x5) vs. $30 for letters vs. repaint

"Maxim" side cover repaint vs. $12 in letters

"Yamaha" tank badges $29 (x2) via Chacal - vs. $10 eBay badges vs. $12 letters vs. repaint

I have not many any decisions and I'm waiting on bulk quoting replies on eBay.

I'm still looking for info/tip on repainting the "silver or gold" part of the emblems.

 

There are a couple of plating shops I've seen that have started advertising their new ability to do plastics. You might be able to get everything plated to match for relatively cheap; from what I've seen it costs considerably less than plating metal parts.

Another alternative might be a product like this: http://www.bare-metal.com/bare-metal-foil.html lightly oversprayed with a gloss clear automotive paint to "harden" it against the elements.

 

Spectra Chrome in Florida manufactures a process. The final clear coat can be tinted to almost any finish. I have located a company in London Ontario (closer to home) who does the work but haven't contacted him yet. Still looking for someone in Toronto. Check out this video for results. Also check out Spectra's site. Also Google Spectra Chrome paint.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsGNWmS3WJw

 

Oh my. I just did. THAT looks like it really might be the best thing since beer in a can.

 

The website talks about a paint that can be run through everything from airbrushes to HVLP guns: http://www.sprayonchrome.com/magicchrome.html

Granted, it's probably not quite as tough as their "process" finish, but it might be a solution for badges, etc.

Still ain't cheap though.

 

The materials are expensive but badges etc, are small. If you can find a local shop who is set up it shouldn't be too bad. The "chrome" is put on first then the clear coat is tinted for the colour so they could probably be combined with larger jobs with only the clear being different.

Another option that was explained to me is to paint the items with a conductive paint and then have them electroplated. Haven't found anyone who has done it yet.

 

Just like Spectra, there's Chrome Solutions, too:

http://www.thechromesolutions.com/index.html