Thanks for the hints and encouragement damo,
As usual it's 90% prep and 10% real stuff...what I thought would take me an hour turned into an all arvo sanding job- only two passes (roughly 120 and 240 grit). Aluminium, chrome and galvanised materials. The chrome did sand back, copper was exposed underneath, this makes sense as as far as I remember it requres copper plating on the base steel, folowed by nickel (the shiny surface) and lastly chrome which forms a clear hard oxide protective layer on top. The aluminium sanded easily except for label removal (white spirit) and the gal metal was sanded easily without disturbing too much. So I got multiple learning experiences
Started the painting this evening. 2 different primers- high zinc gal and etch primer, 2 coats of each on their respective pieces. And yes, I got the hammertone blue
so 2 different topcoats, chrome finish ( more a shiny silver as you say) and the hammertone blue on their respective pieces. And going to try 2 coats of clear over all, except bolts, etc.
Only one major hiccup with the painting- second coat of primer had big drops spray over multiple pieces with both primer cans. Couldn't figure out why, had cleaned nozzles after first coat... Then when I put down the can I discovered a big gob of paint on my gloved button finger- the glove was loose at the fingertip and had been trailing into the paint spray. A drip would then be blown onto the pieces. Aaargh!
Off to do the clear coats. Will try for 2 if the can lasts. Hope it's not a bridge too far, i.e. doesn't damage the finish. Wish me luck- late night!
