KUSTOM CHROME MACHINE

TECHNICAL MANUAL
(expanded instructions on next pages)

1.
If using CB-5 (oven dried):
Apply the CB-5 basecoat catalyzed 15% with CCB-5 and diluted 30%
with DS5 solvent. Dry in the oven 2.5 hours at 60ºC, and let cool
down before chroming air temp (20-22ºC).
I using CB-6 (air dried):
Apply 2 coats of CB-6 base coat catalyzed 70% CCB- 5 and diluted
with DS solvent to 20 % with a regular spray gun.
Let air dry 24-48 hours, depending on your temperature.

2. Apply the Chrome following this process:

- Preactivator (diluted 8% with distilled water)
- Distilled water
- Activator (diluted 4% with distilled water, then let stand for 30
minutes or microwave it for 2-3 minutes for every 1 liter of mixture)
- Distilled water
- Chrome with the dual head chrome gun
- Distilled water
- Blow off with air
- Oven dry it for 30-45 minutes at 40ºC maximum and let cool down
before topcoating

3. Apply the CF-4 topcoat catalyzed 20% with CCF-4 and 20% DS
solvent. Can be oven dry it for 1 hour at 40ª only if you oven dried
the basecoat and the chrome, or let it dry for 48 hours

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Essential Concepts

• You can use pure distilled water in this process. DO NOT USE NORMAL WATER, as
this water is not pure and chrome look will yellow. A reading of 000 is the best with a
TDS meter. The entire system is sensitive to contamination. Be aware of water, and clean
well the tank and guns.
• The air supply must be completely dry. Some water in the compressed air system and
sprays contain contaminants that will ruin chrome yellow the chemicals. Filter is required
not only oil, but water from the air purifier is recommended air dryer (drier)
• Do not touch the primed surfaces and chrome. Fingerprints show up and ruin the
appearance. The gloves also leave marks. Do not touch!
• The base must be completely dry or solvents cause a hazy layer of chromium.
Allow primer to dry according to instructions. This is the most important of all.
• Extremely high or low temperatures or excessive moisture adversely affect chromium.
Room temperature is best to get the best results (20-22°C)
• Use only vinyl tape and absorbent materials. (Not masking tape)

Verifying the System

• Wear gloves, goggles and mask whenever you use chemicals and the system.
• Connect the machine to the air intake; keep the main air valve OFF red (closed).
• Open main air valve and let the system until is fully pressurized. Verify that all tanks,
fittings, and hoses are closed. Be sure to evaluate guns, make sure there’s no leaking.
• Close the main air valve and remove the air system tanks.
• Check that the air line that starts from the compressor to the system is clean and free of
water, moisture or oil. The air must be clean, dry and grease free. If any of these agents
enter the tanks, chemicals will be contaminated. Using additional water filters in the air
lines is essential for proper air purification.

Compressor and Filters

This is an important point to check. The air leaving the compressor must be perfectly
clean. We recommend a minimum 3 HP compressor and 200 lts. A larger compressor will
have an upper reservoir and always less amount of moisture condensation. Must have a
minimum particle filters of 0.1 and 0.05 (both water and oil). It is also important to install
a refrigerated dryer or an air dryer, so we can have clean air, filtered, and mostly dry.

Filling the tanks

Fill the DISTILLED WATER tank with pure distilled water.

Activator mixture - Shake the bottle well before using ACTIVATOR! Add 20 ml. per liter
of distilled water added to the tank. The product must be freshly mixed each day, so you
must calculate number of parts to be chromed, do not waste product. Let it settle at least
10 min at 20-22 ° C before each use to ensure proper mixing. Always mix in hard plastic
containers or glass container (not recommended polyethylene plastic), never in metal.
Pour in the ACTIVATOR tank. Don’t need to shake. Clean the container where activator

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 is mixed with distilled. In too warm places, it is recommended to store the product in the
refrigerator to keep it better. Take it out 30 minutes before mixing.
We recommend heating the mixture in the microwave for 3 min. per liter of mixture.

Distilled water should always be chemically pure (triple 000, the purest available)

To prevent cross-contamination of tanks and products, NEVER fill 2 or more tanks at a

time. Only 1 tank must remain open at a time, as just one drop of contamination in the
products can ruin the product

Pressure settings

Adjust the pressure gauges on the front the machine. 120 psi input, the clock at 4 bar
pressure tanks, guns clock to 7 bar pressure, the pressure G4 & G5 clock at 6 bar (the
indicator can be adjusted if you need more pressure in G4 & G5)

PLEASE ALSO WACTH DVD INCLUDED FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION

PREPARING MASTER CHROME SYSTEM

Preparing to start spraying a piece

Do not touch a prepared piece ever. Use only non-absorbent mask or tape (e.g.
vinyl). The masking paper tape contaminates the process. The wooden sticks
used for fixing should be completely covered with vinyl tape to prevent them
from absorbing chemicals and thereby contaminating the chemical process.
Metal parts and shelves should be fully primed to prevent metal contamination
of the process. Sand uneven surfaces with 800 or 1.200 sandpaper.

Position ON
“ready to
chrome”

PREPARING PROFESSIONAL CHROME SYSTEM

Pressure adjustments

Is regulated at 5-6 bar in the air system. You can increase it in the pressure tanks for chroming
larger parts.

• Connect the system to the air intake

• Open the main air valve and allow the system to be fully pressurized. Verify that all tanks,
fittings, and hoses are tightly closed. Be sure to evaluate the guns, make sure they do not leak,
only air should flow out.
• Add the products to their corresponding warehouses. The Silver Compound A (G4) and B

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(G5) are ready for use, unless the kit has been purchased in Concentrate. Component A must
be incorporated using a filter. Add the distilled water to your tank. Finally, incorporate the
Sealant soap into a clean spray (optionally, recommended to apply antioxidant protection to
the silver, allowing it to last longer without coating and helps to protect against oxidation in
very humid areas).
• Check that the air line from the compressor to the system is clean and free of water,
moisture or oil. The air must be completely clean, dry, and free of grease. If any of these
agents enter the tanks, the chemicals will be contaminated. Use additional water filters for
your lines is necessary for proper air purification.
• Connect the tubes to each tank: blue tube corresponds to Compound Silver A (G4) and red
tube to Compound Silver B (G5). The blue transparent tube is for the Distilled Water tank.
The black tubes are always air.

PREPARING PORTABLE CHROME SYSTEM

• Wear gloves and eye protection whenever you use chemicals and the system.
• Connect the system to the air intake
• Open the main air valve and let the system pressurize completely. Verify that all tanks,
fittings, and hoses are securely closed. Be sure to evaluate guns, make sure you do not leak,
only to air out.
• Add the products to their deposits. The Silver Compounds A and B are ready to use, unless
you purchased the kit in Concentrate. Component A to be incorporated using a filter. Add the
distilled water deposit. Finally, add the soap to a spray sealer clean.
• Check that the air line that goes from the compressor to the system is clean and free from
water, moisture or oil. The air must be clean, dry and free of grease. If any of these agents
come into the tanks, chemicals will be contaminated. Use additional water filters to the lines
is essential for proper air purification.
• connect the pipes to each tank: Silver blue tube to Compound A (G4) and red tube Plate
Compound B (G5). The clear tube is blue for the deposit of Distilled Water. Open the taps
and the top flaps of each tank to get the air in.

Filling the tanks

Fill the DISTILLED WATER tank with pure distilled water.

Activator mixture - Shake the bottle well before using ACTIVATOR! Add 20 ml. per liter of
distilled water added to the tank. The product must be freshly mixed each day, so you must
calculate number of parts to be chromed, do not waste product. Let it settle at least 10 min at
20-22 ° C before each use to ensure proper mixing. Always mix in hard plastic containers or
glass container (not recommended polyethylene plastic), never in metal. Pour in the
ACTIVATOR tank. Don’t need to shake. Clean the container where activator is mixed with
distilled. In too warm places, it is recommended to store the product in the refrigerator to keep
it better. Take it out 30 minutes before mixing.

We recommend heating the mixture in the microwave for 3 min. per liter of mixture.

Distilled water should always be chemically pure (triple 000, the purest available)

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To prevent cross-contamination of tanks and products, NEVER fill 2 or more tanks at a time.
Only 1 tank must remain open at a time, as just one drop of contamination in the products can
ruin the product

1) BASECOAT Application
USING CB-6:
• The CB-6 primer is a paint and is applied with your normal spray equipment. We
recommend HVLP guns but you can use your favorite paint gun. We recommend a 1.3
nozzle, and 3 bars pressure
• Shake the primer well
• The CCB-5 hardener is added in proportion of 70% + 30% of Solvent DS-311 (medium)
or DS-312 (slow). Mix well.
• Air pressure: 4 bar
• Open the fan at maximum
• Open product 1.5 turns

USING CB-5:
• The CB-5 basecoat is a paint and is applied with your normal spray equipment. We
recommend HVLP guns but you can use your favorite paint gun. We recommend a 1.3
nozzle, and 3 bars pressure
• Shake the primer well
• The CCB-5 hardener is added in proportion of 15% + 30% of Solvent DS-5. Mix well.

• Always apply piece by piece, avoid priming all the pieces at once, and always ensure
optimal air extraction. Preferable to paint on a grid, not on paper.
• Start at the edges of the object. Apply a wet coat and let it evaporate 10 minutes.
• Apply the second or third coat, and allow the primer to evaporate 45 minutes before
baking. The paint must be smooth and shiny. This is not a covering paint, so be sure not to
leave marks or scratches in the surface.
• It is important to remember to apply the primer with a minimum temperature of 20°C

Drying:
CB-6:
In oven: Wait 45 minutes. Bake the piece at 60 º C for 2-3 hours maximum and let cool
(about 30 min.). It is important to cool down the piece well
Air drying: The parts should be at room temperature (important, between 20-22ºC) and
leave it until the next day, at least 24 hours (48 or more in colder conditions)
CB-5:
In oven: Wait 45 minutes. Bake the piece at 60 º C for 2.5 hours maximum and let cool
(about 30 min.). It is important to cool down the piece well

Metal surfaces used for hanging or holding the pieces must be completely painted, front
and rear, to prevent the metal to contaminate the chrome paint.

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If the paint is not completely dried it will cause a hazy appearance when plating.
Do not touch the primed part! The gloves or fingers will leave marks.

2) SILVER Application
The middle layer is applied with the chrome system equipment
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST CHROME ABOVE 22ºC OR EVEN BETTER 30ºC IN
ORDER TO GET THE RIGHT COVERAGE, FAST CHROMING AND LOW
WASTE

1) Pre-Activator
Freshly mix everyday 80 ml of Pre-Activator solution into 1.000 ml of distilled water.
Apply with a clean plastic sprayer until the whole surface is covered.

2) Rinse the entire piece with distilled water.

3) Activator
Shake concentrate well and add 40 ml of concentrations per liter of distilled water. Only

mix the quantity needed every day. Mix well and wait at least 10 minutes before using, at
room temperature (20-22°C). The Activator will last up to 12 hours at room temperature
(20-22°C). The hot summer weather can ruin the activator within 12 hours. The Activator
has a half life of about 9 months without mixing.
It is recommended to heat the water with the activator 3 minutes per liter in a
microwave.
Using the 1 st left gun, spray the entire piece until a surface completely wet, without
leaving any spots uncovered. Wait a few seconds to check that the layer does not open and
sits perfectly on the primed piece. If there is an area on the part where the Activator is not
fully seated, spray more product until it completely covers the surface.

4) Rinse the entire piece with distilled water. Do not be afraid to rinse too much. If there
is any dry place or spots, reactivate the area (apply more Activator) and rinse the entire
piece again.

5) Chrome (Silver)
- Make sure you are spraying with 50% with each of the 2 nozzles from the Chrome Gun.
- Start spraying at the bottom of the piece QUICKLY. At this point the piece will look
stained and black/gray. Continue spraying until it appears shiny and has a nice chrome
look. Always spray away from the piece (not too close)

Stop a moment to verify the progress. The chemical reaction will continue while spraying.
Additional chrome spray may be necessary to get a brighter color. If the piece looks too
yellow, this means you need to spray more silver. Do not worry about applying too much!
Once the piece looks like a mirror, stop applying and rinse with distilled water!

6) Rinse with distilled water

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7) Blow off the water
Using the blowing air gun, dry the piece starting from top to bottom. It is very important
to dry the water evenly and ensure that the dry surface is not contaminated with other
liquids. If there is any rest of water, rinse the piece with distilled water again.

3) TOPCOAT Application
Before applying the laquer, make sure that the silver has dried and evaporated the water
and moisture. For that we recommend drying at a temperature of 30-40°C around 40
minutes

CF-4 topcoat is applied with your normal spray gun. You can use the same one
recommended for the base coat.

Add 20% of CCF-4 catalyst and 20% of DS-311 (medium) or DS-312 (slow) solvent.
Apply using the same method of applying the base coat. 2-3 coats will be needed to get
the chrome look. The first layer will appear slightly yellow. Do not apply it too heavy!
WAIT 10 MIN. The second layer will cover the yellow and will produce a true chrome

You can apply a third one if you want but waiting 10 minutes.

The application in remote areas and confined spaces can be difficult. Reduce the range
and increase pressure in these areas. Too much chrome will look too blue. If the piece
does not have enough chrome after it has dried, more can be applied to correct the color.

Allow the layer to stretch for 40 minutes before baking (only if you baked first the
Basecoat). Bake at 60 C ° for 1 hour then allow to air dry overnight. Complete healing
may take up to 28 days. For air drying, place the part in a place free of dirt and dust for 24
hours. The complete curing is achieved in 28 days but within 24 hours and you can
manipulate the piece. Remember that if you apply 3 coats of varnish, allow more than 24
hours before manipulating, to achieve effective drying. Avoid expossure of parts to
sunlight within 7 days.

For items that need to be exposed to the extreme weather conditions, or continuous
rubbing or friction, we recommend to recoat the part with another 2K topcoat

The activator has to be replaced each day. Drain the excess thought the Activator gun.
Close the main air valve and open the pressure valve that allows air to escape out of the
tank. Fill with water and spray a few seconds. Dry thoroughly.

The Activator gun s also recommended to be cleaned very well after each use (especially
the nozzle and needle) as the product is corrosive and may damage the nozzle with use.
We also recommend removing the needle and leave it off until the next use, so it will not
corrode.

Do not use soap or other detergents for cleaning

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CLEANING TH EPORTABLE CHROME SYSTEM

Close the lids and valves for each tank. Expel the excess product. Change the water pipe by
the Compound Plate A and pulverize a few seconds. Do the same with the tube B.

CLEANING THE PROFESSIONAL CHROME SYSTEM

Close the lids and valves for each tank. Expel the excess product. Close the G4 and G5 valves
and open the water valve. Spray some seconds to clean the nozzles well.

CLEANING THE MASTER CHROME SYSTEM

When you finish chroming, close the air valve of the Silver A (G4) and Silver B (G5) and
open the water valve in the middle of G4 and G5. Spray it and close all valves.

Open the main Close all Open the water Close all
aire valve product valves valve and flush product valves
the chrome gun

Cleaning the pressure tanks

In order to keep the System clean, the Silver tank (G4) must be cleaned every time you fill it
again, or if it’s left unused within 2 weeks. Pour distilled water with a clean cloth to clean the
impurities from bottom and sides (use the distilled water gun to thoroughly clean the walls).
Drain excess water after and fill it with silver again.

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 The distilled water and silver tanks G4 and G5 can be left in tanks up to 3 months while
the tanks are closed. Silver If you are not going to use the Silver for more than one or two
weeks, you should transfer the product to the plastic container. Remember to use a filter
when refilling the tank again.

Close the main Close de water Claose de Open the Clean and close
air valve valve product water Activator the Activator
valve container container

Adjusting the chrome gun

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Take out the needle, unscrew the external ring, then you’ll see the internal nozzle. You
should tighten it very well. Then put back the needle and adjust the needle to the max
(close it). Then open 1,5 turns the needle. Now you should empty the G5 and G5 tanks
and fill them with 2 litters of distilled water. Once this is done, open the air valve of the
machine until it’s fully pressured. Now close it and with the G4 and G5 valves opened,
press the trigger of the chrome gun. Once you see water is flowing correctly, open the air
pressure of the machine until it’s again fully pressurized and close it again. Then take 2
small cups with the same weights, put both nozzles on each cup, press the trigger for 10
seconds and weight both products. If they weight the same then we are OK. If not then
open a little more the needle until they both weight the same (max difference of 1 gram).
Try it a couple of more times and after it’s fully graduated, put the external ring back and
we are done.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

To wash the pieces is recommended with soap and water, never use chemicals. Avoid to
wash the vehicle in laundromats.
For exterior parts that suffer too much, parts can be coated with a varnish or polyurethane
acrylic lacquer 2 component on top of the CF-1.
If in a few days you arte not going to use the system, is recommended to transfer the
component G4 (Silver A) to its original deposit, make sure the tank from is clean (no
particles of chrome), clean if necessary with water or a clean cloth. When filling back the
component please filter it.

If we baked primer CB, you can also bake the CF topcoat, but if you didn’t, you cannot
bake the CF in the oven. Dry it naturally.

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