Restoration (chrome plating)

Hi guys ,

Recently purchased something that is chrome plated , but its pitted in places... not a major setback as I want to get it sprayed/powder coated anyway, but how is the plating removed ? and is the removal a standard procedure for the likes of argos etc ? or is it a specialist job..

i think from memory its a process that only the platers can do properly

polish up the steel the best you can for the best plate finish

Thanks perry for that, but I am not looking to get them re-plated , I want to get them sprayed I just wanted to know if a sprayers e.g. Argos could remove the plate and spray up ? or is it not possible to remove the plate.. ?

you could try chrome platers and get a quote for removing only , but after having a quick look it seems to be quite costly as it uses nasty chemicals

it might be my eyes but i cant read a word of this

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 5185525696

i think the magic black box is a rectifier though . if i could get hold of or even understand one id start anodising stuff

you could get some caustic soda from a chemist ( have a joke with the staff about making the mrs dissolve in the bath ) and dip it in that to get rid of the rust which might make you a bit happier about the chrome

sand blasting might work but its a heavy abrasive so could damage the metal underneath , could be worth looking into if the plating is flaking off as the media can get better results if it can get under the chrome

:shock: :cry: Sounds a bit of a job then :roll: I'll have to give argos a ring and see what they can do for me ..

Thanks for the help fella , much appreciated..

yep sadly there doesnt seem to be a magic way to make it fall off like rubbing a mars bar wrapper over it

its a bit of a problem to bmx restorers

it wont make you want the chrome any more but still worth a look

Si,

I had some chrome BMX forks powdercoated a little while ago. The chaps that did that just blasted the chrome finish for a little longer than a paint finish and the end product is excellent.

Argos should be able to suggest somethin similar.

M

Is nickel plating similar to chrome plating?

If so I'd like to get the Steve W Pace steerer and Bullseye's rechromed.

Anyone recommend a chromer?

letmetalktomark":1dvjdqn7 said:

Si,

I had some chrome BMX forks powdercoated a little while ago. The chaps that did that just blasted the chrome finish for a little longer than a paint finish and the end product is excellent.

Argos should be able to suggest somethin similar.

M

Click to expand...

Argos shot blast all frames prior to painting

jez-4-bikes-max":2t9ze2xr said:

Is nickel plating similar to chrome plating?

Click to expand...

Nickel's a bit yellower. It also flows better than chrome round welds etc and gives a nicer finish IMHO.