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-----Chrome plating for steel fixtures installed in coastal regions
Is there a special type of chrome plating that needs to be put on steel fixtures that are subject to high humidity (closeness to coastal regions resulting in corrosion from salty air). My question pertains to lighting fixtures that are to be installed in cities near the ocean. Some companies claim that only solid brass fixtures plated with chrome will work in this situation and any kind of chrome plating on steel will still rust quite quickly. Is hard chrome plating an option? I still need the part to be shiny and look as good as regular chrome plating. Thanks in advance.
Venk ParthasarthyManufacturer of Light Fixtures - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2006
I would never discourage chrome on brass, Venk, as it is a perfect example of a finish that will age gracefully. However, chrome plated steel truck bumpers can last decades in horrible salt-ridden outdoor environment, so it is certainly not impossible to robustly chrome plate steel fixtures. Hard chrome has no applicability to the situation; what you may need is duplex nickel under the chrome.
I think you will find that our
Chrome Plating Tutorial will answer all of your questions.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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2006
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