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Restoration Of Chrome Plating

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Anonymous

11y ago
Updated: 9/18/2019

Chrome plating is hardly a matter of dipping an article into a tank, it is a long involved process that often starts with tedious polishing and buffing, then cleaning and acid dipping, zincating (if the part is aluminum), and copper plating. For top reflectivity "Show Chrome", this will be followed by buffing of the copper for perfect smoothness, cleaning and acid dipping again, and plating more copper, then two or three different types of nickel plating, all before the chrome plating is done.

Rinsing is required between every step. When an item needs "rechroming", the process involves stripping the chrome, stripping the nickel (and the copper if applicable), then polishing out all of the scratches and blemishes (they can't be plated over and any scratches will show after plating), then plating with copper and "mush buffing" to squash copper into any tiny pits, then starting the whole process described above. Unfortunately, simply replating an old piece may cost several times what a replacement would cost. It's the old story of labor cost. The new item requires far less prep work, and an operator or machine can handle dozens of identical parts at the same time whereas a mix of old parts cannot be processed simultaneously, but must be processed one item at a time. If a plater has to spend a whole day on your parts, don't expect it to cost less than what a plumber or mechanic would charge you for a day of their time. If your chrome plating is peeling, this is virtually always a manufacturing defect due to insufficient adhesion of the plating to the substrate.

Although exposure conditions can certainly harm chrome, and discolor it or make it pit, they won't make it peel! It can be very difficult for a plating shop to get good adhesion on some things (most commonly on alloy wheels because they are not pure aluminum), but if they can't do it they shouldn't sell it. If your parts have peeling chrome, you should complain and not be deterred by nonsense about chemicals in your garage, how frequently you wash the wheels, etc. Peeling chrome is virtually always a manufacturing defect.

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11y ago

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Related Questions

Where do i find chrome plating in Illinois?

You can find chrome plating services in Illinois by searching online directories like Yelp or Yellow Pages. Some well-known chrome plating companies in Illinois include Classic Components Inc and Custom Plating Specialists. Additionally, automotive restoration shops or metal fabrication businesses may offer chrome plating services as well.


I am looking for someone who does chrome plating in eastern Illinois, can you give me any suggestions?

I would recommend searching for local metal plating companies in cities like Champaign, Urbana, or Decatur in eastern Illinois. You can also reach out to auto restoration shops or antique restorers in the area, as they may offer chrome plating services or be able to refer you to a specialist. Websites like Yelp or Angie's List could also provide leads for businesses offering chrome plating services in eastern Illinois.


What companies do chrome plating in Illinois?

Many car and body shops might be able to do chrome plating. There are also specialize shops that specialize in chrome plating.


Does chrome plating really give you the same look and feel as using real chrome?

No. Chrome plating has a different reflection profile, meaning that sunlight will look different when it hits chrome plating.


Where can I purchase a chrome plating kit for my car online?

Gatero's plating offers a nice chrome plating kit for an affordable price, and you can buy them online at http://www.gaterosplating.co.uk/Replica-Chrome-Plating-Kit.php. They also have other plating kits.


What service company does plating and polishing chrome?

A metal plating company or a metal finishing company would be able to provide services for plating and polishing chrome. It's important to find a reputable company with experience in chrome plating to ensure high-quality results.


What is plastic chrome plating used for?

Plastic chrome plating is used a lot of time for car parts, like grills and the nameplates on the side. Basically, plastic chrome plating is used for taking plastic things and chrome plating them, like a trophy or the front of a car.


Can I get chrome plating on my teeth?

While chrome plating on teeth is not accepted by dentists, at least not yet, gold and silver teeth plating is common.


What year was chrome plating first used?

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What should I know before installing chrome plating?

You need to make usre that the surface you are trying to chrome can accept plating.


What kinds of items are common for chrome plating in Memphis TN?

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How much does chome plating cost for a truck?

The cost of chrome plating for a truck depends on the size of the truck, and what you wish to have plated. To receive a quote, contact your local chrome plating shop.