how to give steel a gloss look

[omkar]

hi guys.

im looking to do a little exercise in my fabrication skills.

so the idea is, to make a frame out of 10mm steel tubing, do some minature
wrought ironwork to fill the walls of the frame, install some lights inside the frame, hang it from the ceiling and call it a chandelier.

but im thinking over what finish im going to use.
first i was thinking about a black finish, but that doesent sound nice for a light. its gotta glisten (i think)
second i was thinking of spray painting it with gold or silver aerosol spray, polishing and then applying a clear laquer over it.
third, i saw the guy i bought my tuding from has "zinc aerosol spray" for sale, so im now thinking of using that. i can use it, polish it and then i dont need to clear coat it.......

can you guys give me some advice on what are my best options for achieving
a glossy finish to my steel tubing. something that looks classy and "chromy"

basically, really shiney when the lights are on.
thanks for any advice guys, i really appreciate it.

 

[Tiggy_dorset]

Get it electroplated in chrome? The cost may balance itself against the time it may take you to polish it by some other means.

 

[Hitch]

That zinc spray is not ideal, its probably cold galv spray. Depending on what brand it is, some has a rough finish, some have a smooth finish like wheel silver....
Have you thought of a burnished look, with clear lacquer?

 

[omkar]

burnished sounds good

the burnished look sounds interesting. what is it?

as for getting it electroplated in chrome....

im jobless right now, so im thinking these small projects will serve atleast to finance my gas, wire and steel cost for furthuring my projects....besides, i live in holland, which means finding someone to do that job for me cheap is hard.
these guys here are expensive.....but i may try that in the future if i have the extra cash.

 

[Hitch]

Give it all a good going over with a cup brush in a grinder, it makes it a shiney steel (funny that) colour.


Like this...although this was waxed rather than lacquer.
Wax may be another option...

 

[chunkolini]

Have a look at Plasticoat, a kind of spray paint, not much cop out of doors but for inside their metallic silver sounds just the ticket. If you are a real pimp assed MoFo go for the gold.
Should be at any decent sized DIY place.

Chunko'.

 

[Fergus]

Clear powder coat?

 

[omkar]

sounds good

thanks alot for the suggestions guys.....i'm going to try them all (the cheaper ways atleast).
im curious as to the finish i'll getfrom the different methods. so i'll pass by the hardware today and see what i can pick up there.
the things i cant find there, i guess i'll have to try as i come across them somewhere else.

thanks alot guys. i'll try to have some pics up as soon as i make some test pieces.

 

[Balders]

I can't remember who makes it but you can buy rattle cans of "Chrome" paint. I used it on a m/cycle rear light where the chrome reflector flaked off - worked well. You can't lacquer it though

 

[omkar]

hey guys.

passed by the hardware today and picked up a wire cup for the grinder, a grinding stone (to be used on a dremel) and a tin of clear varnish aerosol spray.
i had looked at the cut edge of the tubing im going to use and it has a "glittery" look to it. so i thought id try the gringing stone on the tubing with the dremel and see what i get.

the brand of the aerosol is MOTIP. i saw they had a chrome spray as well.
but i thought i'd try these two methods and see what i come up with first.