Q–Do you know of any spray paint that will produce a truly shiny surface like chrome? All the paints I`ve tried give a mattelike finish.
A–I know of no paint capable of giving the mirrorlike finish of chrome plating, and I think this might be asking too much of paint since its finish is achieved through a powdered pigment rather than the solid film of metal achieved by plating. The chrome paints I`ve used have given a rather dull finish, but they can vastly improve a rusted or pitted chrome-plated surface such as an old car bumper. I found that waxing the painted surface with auto wax helps brighten the paint and protects it from spotting and staining.
Of the chrome paints I`ve used, the brightest is the ColorWorks brand sold at some home centers and auto-parts stores. ColorWorks also makes a brass-colored spray paint that can be used to touch up brass-plated articles.
Q–About 10 years ago, we had white ceiling tiles installed in our living room and dining room. They have since yellowed to a beige color. Is there any way we can whiten these tiles, or should we pretend we had beige tiles installed in the first place?
Q–The ceiling tiles can be painted any color you like, including white, with a latex-based wall-and-ceiling paint. Simply wipe or vacuum away any dust from the tiles and apply the paint with a roller. If the tiles have beveled edges and the roller doesn`t fully penetrate the joints, these areas can be touched up by using a small paintbrush.
If there are any stains on the ceiling, such as stains from water leaks, seal them before painting with a coat of shellac or a stain killer such as Enamelac, sold at many paint stores. If stains are not sealed, they will often show through the paint.
