Hard Chrome Color: Clear, Useful Answer on Shine

Summary for hard chrome color Discussion

Hard chrome color is described as metallic rather than dull black. In response to the question about whether engineering hard chrome plate looks black or as shiny as decorative chrome, Nair of San Diego said it is neither of those extremes. Anders Sundman later clarified that hard chrome is usually fairly shiny to very shiny, but typically not microleveled enough to be as brilliant and reflective as decorative nickel-chrome plating. The practical takeaway is that hard chrome has a metallic appearance with good shine, but its finish is generally less mirror-like than decorative chrome. The thread focuses on appearance only and does not discuss thickness, hardness, or process details.