Concentrated Silvering Products - Complete Kit 36m² New Duo+ Lithium Formula

Silvering (or hydrochroming) is a chemical metallisation process achieved by spraying a thin layer of silver onto a glossy surface, known in chemistry as a “silver mirror.” The summary of the process is presented below, with full details in the PROCEDURE document.

2 Complete Kit Options:

♦ DUO-K0 36m² – Concentrated Products Only

♦ DUO-KC 36m² – Concentrated Products with Base/Clearcoat

New Improved DUO+ Lithium Formula

Developed in collaboration with European silvering specialists, the new DUO+ Lithium brings major improvements:

► Higher yield: 36m² per kit (more in hot conditions)

► Products available individually

► Greater opacity and coverage power

► Bright and crystal-clear chrome aspect

► Reduction of defects (no runs or streaks in recesses)

► Adjusted reaction speed – suitable for both small and large parts, in hot or cold conditions

► Simple, quick mixing

► Extended shelf life of ready-to-use products (7 days)

Kit Contents (Concentrated Products)

• 2 L Wetting Agent concentrate → 20 L ready-to-use

• 1 kg Activator concentrate → 20 L ready-to-use

• A1 (1.75 kg) + A2 (1.8 kg) → 36 L ready-to-use

• 3.1 kg Reducer B → 36 L ready-to-use

► Total yield: 112 L ready-to-use products

Silvering done with DUO+ formula and clearcoat or Candy yellow clearcoat 21 by @‌zonamotors

2 kits are offered :

• concentrated products

• concentrated products + 10 L of fast-drying clearcoat

Details can be found in the PDF (attached document at the top).

Each product is available individually

Estimated Average Yield  

1 m² of silvering obtained with 1 L of ready-to-use A + 1 L of ready-to-use B, which equals 36 m² for the DUO+ Lithium kit.

Conversion and yield can be increased with the use of warm water (25-35°C) and application in warm air and substrate temperatures.

Working on Large Parts

Traditional formulas often caused white streaks or spots on large surfaces due to reaction speed. The DUO+ system ensures stable results on both small and large parts, at any temperature, without defects.

♣ Our DUO+ formula works ideally on both small and large parts, in cold or hot temperatures, without creating defects such as spots or white streaks.

Contents of the silvering kits :

► Base ST8900x

is a ceramic clearcoat that brings several essential advantages for silvering :

High gloss, superb wet effect, easy application, possibility of applying in a single coat. Very high hardness. Ultra-fast drying at room temperature of ≥ 20°C. It makes "chroming" possible after only 4 hours.

The ST8900x clearcoat is used as a glossy base for silvering, but also as a finishing clearcoat (With the addition of 1% optical brightener included in the kit)

♦ Complete 10 L kit (50 m² for 2 coats)

♦ 5 L of ST8900x ceramic clearcoat + 5 L of H440 hardener

No thinner is required.

Download the Procedure PDF document for mixing and application mode.

Wetting Agent

2 L concentrate (yields 20 L ready-to-use)

Applied just before the activator

Removes surface tension and ensures uniform wetting

Mixture: 10% in distilled water (100 g/L).

Rinse well before applying activator.

Download the Procedure PDF document for mixing and application mode.

The Activator

1 kg provided in the complete kit.

(so 20 L of minimum ready-to-use mixture)

This liquid product is used in the second step, just after "wetting." It is the most important step for the success of the silvering reaction. The wetting agent, on a microscopic scale, catches silver atoms on the surface. Without the activator, it is not possible to obtain a "chromed" surface.

♦Mixture: 5% in distilled water (50 g/L)

Apply generously, especially on edges and recesses. Rinse thoroughly. A poorly rinsed surface can cause brown stains when in contact with silver.

Download the Procedure PDF document for mixing and application mode.

Silver Solution (Part A)

Precious metal solution (split into A1 and A2 concentrates)

A1 (1.75 kg) + A2 (1.8 kg) = 36 L ready-to-use

Example: 1 L solution = 900 g distilled water + 47.4 g A1 + 44.2 g A2

Shelf life: 7 days at 20°C (ready-to-use form)

Reducer (Part B)

T3.1 kg concentrate = 36 L ready-to-use

Example: 1 L solution = 900 g distilled water + 85.4 g B

Additives (included with DUO-KC)

Included in the complete kit with clearcoat:

♦ Optical Brightener: 100 ml (10 g/L clearcoat)

♦ UV Additive: 100 ml (1.5 g/L clearcoat)

*The hardener is not included in the mixture.

Storage

Store in a dedicated (non-food) refrigerator

Concentrates: up to 1 year shelf life

Silvering process – for professional use only

It is imperative to carefully read and strictly adhere to each of the instructions and safety information regarding handling, mixing, application, and storage.

Question ► How durable is the finish when exposed to harsh outdoor conditions, including prolonged direct exposure to sunlight, oxidation, and UV rays?

Answer ► Silver plating is a thin layer of silver that can be prone to oxidation.

• Abrasion resistance: ensured only by the protective clearcoat

• UV resistance: possible yellowing over years; improved with multiple coats and UV additives.

In practice, we have seen that for applications on rims and exterior automotive parts in countries with high levels of sunlight, such as Spain, yellowing does not occur, at least for many years. In more northern countries, this should not be a problem.

 • Heat resistance: up to 200°C (yellowing above this temperature)

• Salt spray / humidity resistance: use anti-corrosion clearcoat for protection.

For a simpler, corrosion-proof alternative, consider NeoChrome paint, which provides a chrome-like effect without silver oxidation issues.