Hi guys, need some advice and guidance. I want to paint brush the hydraulic piston as photo below with chrome colors. Found quite a few choices such as tamiya chrome silver, mr. hobby metallic, super metallic and modo.

My question are as follows:
1. Which will give the best chrome effect by using paint brush only since I don't own an airbrush set
2. Can Lacquer paint be used with paint brush? I do understand that it will not achieve airbrush result Thinking of getting the thinner and retarder also if it is suitable for paint brush. Other concern is that heard lacquer paints fumes are toxic
3. On top coat, planning to do flat top coat once the kit is completed. The internal frames are already sprayed with tamiya gunmetal, so should it be top coated or just top coat the armor pieces.

Thanks for your feedback guys. Made a few kits previously but this is the first time deciding to do top coat and some minor paint job to the hydraulics, thruster and also the screw like joints. Will consider to get a small airbrush set in the future but for the moment, paint brush is all that I got

Thanks for the recommendation. Now I am intrigue with your chrome powder recommendation.

Yes please do post pics.