As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases
Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"
"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
-----
Achieving a chrome finish at a third of the cost
Can anybody suggest a method of achieving a chrome effect finish on mild steel wire? For the product we are manufacturing chrome is not cost effective and yet I need to achieve a 'near chrome' finish to ensure the success of the product.
I have been advised that a bright nickel or zinc finish will achieve the result or possibly a very bright silver powder coat. Is anybody able to offer advice on these finishes or indeed a solution to cutting the cost of a chrome type finish on steel wire (approx. 8 mm dia.).
Thanks.
Regards,
Charles Graybrook
- London
Hello, Charles.
It depends on the environment and what you are trying to do, of course, but bright acid zinc plating would probably be the most economical alternative. Nickel would be virtually as bright as chrome.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.
If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:
Finishing
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g,
& Software
About/Contact - Privacy Policy - ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA - about "affil links"