Protecting dropouts when refinishing a steel bicycle frame

I am in the process of refinishing my bicycle CrOM steel bicycle frame. I would like to eliminate the failure of finishes at the rear dropouts (i.e. paint chips off when rear wheel is bolted on/removed) which is done often. I would like to identify finish options that might meet this need such as plating (black zinc, chrome?) vs. powdercoat, etc. My initial thought is to plate the dropouts and powdercoat or paint the remainder of the frame. Please respond with recommendations.

You are on the right track. Plating applies metal, which is of course far stronger than paint or powder; and if done right, the metal won't chip off. No matter how good the paint or powder is, it can be expected to chip in service like this.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

Hi Ted,

Thank you for responding to my query about finishing for CrOM steel bicycle dropouts . I would appreciate a follow-up response if convenient, with a short comparison of Black Zinc vs. Chrome. Also, if chrome is the preferred finish for my application, is a decorative chrome finish sufficient or should hard chrome be considered? Finally, is there a mechanical difference between Black Chrome and Clear/Standard Chrome that I should consider?

Thank you for your time.