How to Paint my Crybaby?

[Ofek Deitch]

Hey everybody

I finally managed to separate the treadle of my Crybaby from its base !
And now I'm ready to paint it !  



But the question is now - HOW??

I know theoretically how it's done but I really wanna be sure and not mess anything up. (so correct me if I'm wrong..)

What I know:
1. Separate the treadle from the base - DONE!
2. Remove all mechanism parts and the circuit - not done yet..
3. Remove all paint - not done..
4. Clean enclosure
5. Put a base color
6. Premier color
7. Clear coat.

It isn't the first time I paint a pedal, but this time it's different - Usually we paint a paintles, "fresh" aluminum box. But my crybaby is already painted black...
The question is:
How do remove the paint?
Sanding/Chemical/other..?

Question Number 2 :
I really like the look of a Vintage Turquoise Chevy, and especially the shiny chrome on it..
And so I want my Crybaby to have a similar vintage look.




I want the treadle to be sort of chrome looking like Vox's wahs:


And the base will be sprayed in turquoise like an old chevy

The question is: how to I make the treadle look all "Chromey"? Is the metal that the treadle's made of already "chromey"? or do I have to do something in order to make look it like that?
OR - is it not possible at all ??


Thanks in advance !!
OFEK DEITCH

[haveyouseenhim]

I used a flapper wheel on my dremel to remove the textured black paint. It did take some work but I got it done. And unfortunately the top that you speak of is electroplated, buy I'm sure you can get simulate those results with a cotton wheel on a bench grinder. I have polished a hammond enclosure to a mirror finish before.

[chi_boy]

I may be wrong, but I don't think the metal would real easy to polish to a chrome luster.

Know anyone that powdercoats?  A lot of pedal guys are starting up.

This looks interesting to me.  Would love to try it some day.

https://www.columbiacoatings.com/category_s/87.htm

[haveyouseenhim]

I may be wrong, but I don't think the metal would real easy to polish to a chrome luster.

You are      Its not perfect but it can be done better I'm sure

[Ofek Deitch]

How did you remove the rubber that you put your feet on?
did you just peal it off?

[Morocotopo]

For the top the best option is to take it to a shop that does plating (chroming?)
For the bottom,you can strip it with paint stripper/dremel/emery paper and then apply aluminum primer and then paint. If you are not going to apply a decal with graphics, the clear lacquer can be done without. Or, paint over the original paint... that´s probably baked paint, you won´t get a harder base yourself at home, maybe even sanding it smooth if you don´t want the textured look/feel.

[chi_boy]

I may be wrong, but I don't think the metal would real easy to polish to a chrome luster.

You are      Its not perfect but it can be done better I'm sure

But was it "real easy"?  Regardless of how hard it was or wasn't, that looks fantasic.  Very nice work.

I've seen boxes polished that nicely before, but is it true that some boxes simply will not polish well?  Something about the alloy the box is made of being a problem for some?

[haveyouseenhim]

How did you remove the rubber that you put your feet on?
did you just peal it off?

Yep. I peeled it up and used my angle grinder to take off the raised VOX lettering.  The glue they use is hardcore, so don't give up.




@ George   With the right tools it only takes less than 20 mins to get the results shown in my pic.

[Mike Burgundy]

vibratory sander 100 grit/500 grit/800/2000, then polish pad with polish wax, grand total about 1 hr. Better tools speeds it up. It can be polished better, still.
If you degrease the surface, you're ready for paint after 800 or 2000. The polished bits need to be degreased and coated with clear laquer.

Edit: woops: http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/Mike_Burgundy/misc/IMAG1442.jpg.html