The prototypes went pretty well for an initial effort, but there are a lot of refinements to be done!  The 3-D printing process is amazing, but I need a much sharper print.  Painting is the easiest part, but I think I need to incorporate metallic foil to make it better.  The thick urethane coat was a bubbly, uneven failure.  I need a better substitue, maybe a resin.

(Prototype 3 reduced.jpg)

(Prototype 4 reduced.jpg)

(Prototype 5 reduced.jpg)

(Prototype 6 reduced.jpg)

Prototype 3 reduced.jpg (246KB - 81 downloads)

Prototype 4 reduced.jpg (244KB - 77 downloads)

Prototype 5 reduced.jpg (240KB - 79 downloads)

Prototype 6 reduced.jpg (231KB - 75 downloads)

Still working on this project.  I was able to order a set of the "wheelcover center emblems that never were" from Xometry and they printed in stereolithography with Accrua xtreme grey material - and the quality was pretty good.  I think the cost was about $160.  Painting them was a bit of a challenge, but I think they are decent enough to replace the Chrysler centers that are in there now.  They are not exquisite quality on close inspection, but I think they will be decent from a distance of just a couple of feet away.

(01 first coat red.jpg)

(02 second coat white and black.jpg)

(03 third coat light gold.jpg)

(04 fourth coat yellow.jpg)

(05 final clear coat.jpg)

01 first coat red.jpg (85KB - 23 downloads)

02 second coat white and black.jpg (188KB - 25 downloads)

03 third coat light gold.jpg (190KB - 22 downloads)

04 fourth coat yellow.jpg (243KB - 24 downloads)

05 final clear coat.jpg (111KB - 23 downloads)

Mike, put the red paint at least, must be quite liquid and flow. Before do paint the emblems somewhat "over" the border.

Then the color separation will become very accurate, as I did with some knight emblems when golden coating. And use paint which is not aggressive to the resin.

Good Luck!  - SERGE -