Despite continued limitations and increased regulation of chrome by the EPA (environmental protection agency), the use of chrome and metal-like finishes in the automotive industry has increased by 13 percent over the past five years. Automotive stylists argue that consumers rate cars with chrome accents more desirable than vehicles with dark or body-colored accents. Automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are expressing increased interest in chrome alternative paints. While these finishes have not yet captured the true essence and appearance of chrome, the continued development work of many companies is driving the process to new levels. However, even the best examples have met a slow market response because it has been difficult to process these materials on production paint lines. Less expensive, more process-friendly chrome alternatives may offer a unique solution at a price that the average consumer can afford. Now, novel approaches to both the chemistry and application of these materials are raising the potential for these finishes. New chrome-alternative paints offer increasingly better appearance and greater ease of application that could allow them to develop a significant market share for exterior and interior automotive trim, which may also be necessary to prevent saturation of the chrome finish market. While details of advances in both appearance and processability of spray coatings offering metal-like finishes are not published, research indicates that key components are the type of flake selected and the flake particle size distribution. The disadvantages of spray paint alternatives are lower luster, the demand for strictly controlled operating parameters, high costs of the required special pigments, and the insufficient protective properties (similar decoration only, not protection). But anyhow the near future for chrome alternatives looks bright, and the new spray paint alternatives exhibit desirable, highly reflective appearance and an affordable way for the automotive manufacturers to distinguish themselves by offering a unique appearance at an affordable price. Other industries will find novel uses for the spray painted chrome alternative technology.