Custom Arcade Guns

[KevinFlynn]

Well, I finally got around to customizing my arcade guns. I went with the ones from arcadeguns.com partially because I like the button setup and assigning reload to button 2, under the trigger on the front of the grip.

The chrome paint is Spaz Stix Ultimate Mirror Chrome, http://www.spazstix.com/mirror-chrome
It didn't turn out as 'mirror' like as I wanted but after about 4 medium coats of ultra glossy black, I was able to get a pretty good finish. The Spaz Stix route was about $30 after shipping and all (gloss black locally, mirror chrome and acrylic finish coat from thetoyz.com - they offer 10% off first order.)
I believe this would be a much better option but it's a total commitment for the $130. 
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/killercans/kc/killerchrome.htm

The masking film is from Hobby Lobby, a low tack hobby film for airbrushing and the like. I use the roll but the sheets are great too.
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies-and-fabric-crafts/models-paints-and-accessories/masks-and-templates/

I started with about 4 medium coats of gloss black, letting the paint fully dry between coats - I waited 1-2 days between each. The idea is to get the surface as glass smooth as possible. The glassier, the better the reflection. Then do the whole gun chrome paying less attention to the grips. I did 2 thin coats, again letting it dry. The chrome dried much quicker. I made sure they weren't at all tacky to the touch before handling, hanging them by the cords.
Then, I went through the masking process with each grip, painted, dried, carefully removed masking, rock n roll!
Hope you like!

[KevinFlynn]

And the fininished product...

[Le Chuck]

Those are sharp!

[yotsuya]

Very nice, my friend!

[KevinFlynn]

Thanks!
I swear, my aim is now a little bit better. 

[wp34]

Those look great.  Well done.   

[Howard_Casto]

It looks great.  Did you put any kind of protective sealant on it?  The reason I ask is because chrome paint is pretty bad about wearing off over time.  I know our silver remote is about black at this point.  Just an idea... I would hate to see all that effort ruined. 

[KevinFlynn]

It looks great.  Did you put any kind of protective sealant on it?  The reason I ask is because chrome paint is pretty bad about wearing off over time.  I know our silver remote is about black at this point.  Just an idea... I would hate to see all that effort ruined.

Thanks for the heads up. When I used the clear coat acrylic made by Spaz Stix, it killed the finish making it less Metallica, more like Kenny G. Looked like a cheap hardware store silver.

I have some paint left so I am testing it with other products. For $30 a can, I thought about going this route with the vintage looking changing colors...and they claim it needs no top coat.  http://alsacorp.com/products/spectrafx/spectrafx_price.htm
 
I'll try to be careful and see how they hold up. My xbox could use a good chrome coat. Maybe I'll opt for the more expensive package.