No passwords, no registration, no paywalls, no popups, no AI

As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner we earn from affil links

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

Search our quarter-million Q&As

Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989

-----

Modifying the appearance of a shiny chrome finish

I'd like to change the chrome finish on the shower enclosure to look like a brushed metal finish. Can chrome be sanded without later causing rust spots or is using HCl the better way. Thanks for your help. The intent is to match the new finishes on plumbing fixtures.

Judith Renners
hobbyist - Cincinnati, Ohio
2003

You didn't offer us the "none of the above" option 🙂

You might possibly find some kind of lacquer or antiquing tint, maybe even a wax rub (Rub n Buff ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] ) that will reduce the shine, but you won't get a brushed finish without sanding, and sanding will completely destroy the corrosion resistance.

Please don't use HCl. The fumes will travel away from what you are trying to etch and will cause other plated and stainless items to rust. If your kitchen is nearby and you have stainless appliances you will be desperately unhappy.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2003

Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.

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: