Letter 41027

1930s decorative chromium plating restoration [Czech Republic] 

June 7, 2006

I need an assistance,,, I was asked about what would be the possibilities how to treat a decorative pillars that have covers of carbon steel plates that have Chromium plating.

The chromium is scratched, sometimes so that the sub.layers or the base material are visible.

Would it be possible to put completely new Chromium on the pillars without removing or destroying the historical plating?

Or even beter - is there a possibility or technique how to fill locally the scratches and holes and matt areas so the colour and shine are restored? (electrochemically, mechanically, chemically ... any option is possible and welcomed)

Vit Jan
materials engineer - Brno, Czech Republic

Try chrome paints by Alsa Corp (Mirrachrome or Ghost Chrome,very expensive products,150 USD/o,2 lit). Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb, Croatia

I don't know for sure but chances are that if those parts date back from the 30´s they are not chrome but nickel plated instead. Nickel plating is an older technique and is similar to chrome only a little darker and yellowish. Chrome only became widely available until after 2nd World War. If this is the case you can repair the nickel plating with brush plating equipment in-situ. Chrome color and brightness may be simulated by the suggested tehnique but hardness and durability will not.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico

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