touching up the AE-1 and AE-1 Program

Most are aware that the Canon AE-1 and it progeny, the AE-1 Program (and assorted siblings), have tops and bottoms made of plastic. Canon spent considerable R&D to 'fool' the public into thinking that those tops and bottoms were metal, as, back then, in the mid-70s, deviating from metal was anathema.

But, with time, the silver coating wears on parts, especially at the strap-lug area, revealing a rather ugly white plastic underneath. Are there any simple ways of touching up this plastic so it goes back to the original silver color? - David Lyga

If it's any help David the top and bottom plates are made of ABS plastic you might try one of these products http://www.ebay.in/itm/F-1-CHROME-SPRAY-PAINT-300ML-/140748266373 but not forgetting to mask off the areas you don't want covered with masking tape.

Thank you benjiboy. It would be interesting also to hear what others say. There probably are many different answers. I am sure that I am not the first to query this. - David Lyga

Duct tape and gaffer tape come to mind. Otherwise try to match some automotive touch-up paint.

The matte chrome finish is actually easier to fix with paint than shiny chrome. Bring the plate to automotive shop and they should be able to recommend which bright silver paints to use. If all fails you can still use black paint

Testors has a matte silver paint. Hobby shop, plastic model paint. It's not going to be durable though.

Really? Fooled me I've owned one for 18 years.. I'm going to look when I get home, I don't believe you


~Stone

Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1, 5DmkII / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk