[Longboard]

Howdy, I just got some parts back from the chrome shop (see pictures) They have tiny pits in an area that will be painted. Is there a filler I can use to level the pits so they won't show when I paint them? The chrome shop and I have a disagreement about whether I asked them to fix the area to be painted. Now they won't fix them without me paying them more money. Oh well so goes life . . .

[BarryK]

Hand sand ( no DA) with 180 dry, clean with wax and grease remover twice, don't even think about cleaning with lacquer thinner , if you are keeping the car.

Check with your local supplier and and see if their epoxy will stick to chrome or stainless, if one, it will work on the other, some will, some won't.

Apply a wet coat of epoxy, let set 30 minutes and do a second coat.
Let set over night and apply a two part glazing putty over the epoxy.

Nothing to it.

[Longboard]

Is there such a thing as a self-leveling epoxy?

[OneMoreTime]

Not really just apply thin coats..JB weld can be a good option for a small area and likely you will need just enough to fill the pits..

Sam

[BarryK]

Sure is! I just used some on a hood brace for the vette, I'm doing.

Slow down and hold the gun closer, most likely it will fill the pits you are talking about, just check and see if the epoxy is flexible, if not, don't do it.

[Longboard]

I've never used this stuff before so please forgive the naiveté, or stupid questions.

Sure is! I just used some on a hood brace

Barry what brand did you use?

hold the gun

What gun?

[Longboard]

The description sounds like it would work, but wanted some insight as to its applicability and quality.

http://www.eastwood.com/usc-icing-24-oz-tube.html

[Longboard]

Anyone use resin? Do you think it would work? I found this stuff
EnviroTex Lite
It looks like it should work?

[BarryK]

None of that stuff will stick to chrome.

Here are the epoxies, I know will work. Glasuit, Spies, SPI, spray a couple of coats, let set overnight and then sand smooth with 180, you may or may not need more fill, then any glaze can be used over the epoxies.

It is really very simple and straight forward.

[Longboard]

Well here's how I fixed the problem. I ruffed up the chrome and then poured EnviroTex Lite into each cavity. Let it dry, taped for paint and presto. No pits! The Enviro stuff self levels and left a baby but smooth surface. I think they turned out great.

Here's the stuff: EnviroTex Lite

[302 Z28]

I don't think the EnviroTex will last outdoors. A while back it was recommended on an radio controlled airplane site to glass balsa skinned foam wings. Several guys tried it and reported good results until the plane set in the hot sun for several hours then bubbles started to appear. If I remember correctly that stuff is meant for indoor use.

Vince

[Longboard]

Vince, you might be right. I re-read the directions and is says not for exterior use. I just placed the scallops outside so we'll see what happens. I rather find out now than after they get put on the car.

Any suggestions for an exterior resin that's as easy to use? Everything I found so far comes in giant 5 gallon cans.

[OneMoreTime]

Being the cheap guy I am I will avoid buying any special one time kind of stuff if at all possible..so here is how I fix pits ..first I DA the piece and get it clean and then I shoot one coat of SPI epoxy..yup the pits still show don't they..Not to worry as I have a solution. I use those stainless measuring spoons like your wife uses in the kitchen to measure my epoxy for mixing and I can measure that way and make a batch of epoxy as small as 2 teaspoons which is not all that much..So i mix my little batch and let it set a bit to inoculate or what ever that is called and then mix in a small bit of those microballons that i got from the hobby store to thicken up the epoxy mix. I then use a disposable brush to work my mix into all the pits. when it is cured i then sand the piece and now have a nice smooth surface and then shoot another coat of epoxy over the whole thing..

See this is an easy deal and does not require a big lot of pain to take care of..

Sam

[Longboard]

It's the sanding that's got me freaked out. The cavities are so shallow and small and so close to the chrome I don't want to do any damage elsewhere. All the bondo products dry so hard and require some strong sanding to get smooth it's too easy to harm the good chrome. The application of the EnviroTex was so simple by just pouring it in. Surely there has to be something like it but can be used outside?

[302 Z28]

You can buy some 1:1 clear epoxies that will self level. Your best bet for a smaller size is your local hobby shop. They will have it in 5 minute cure and 30 minute cure. Get the longest cure time that they offer.

Vince