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Q&As since 1989


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How easily does decorative chrome surfaces scratch?

In March 2006 I bought a little bedside table that was advertised as chrome. It was shiny like a mirror. However, a few days afterwards I noticed that it was loosing its reflexive quality. I decided that from then on I would clean it with the blue cloth which I use to clean my silver jewellery. Soon, a few scratches appeared in the area on which my alarm clock was placed. The scratches which are circular in nature were formed(I presume) each time I swing my alarm clock around to check the time before getting out of bed in the morning. I made this assumption because my alarm clock and my lip balm in a plastic tube are the only two things permanently on the table. After reading the tutorial page on Chrome plating and some of the other inquiries I am beginning to think that my table did not have a chrome finish after all. The Furniture company are insisting that it has. Could you please tell me whether it is possible for a plastic clock to inflict so many scratches on a chrome surface? Thank you

Catherine Mary Winkler
- Bneid al Gar, Kuwait City, Kuwait
2007

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Chrome plating is as hard as a tax inspector's heart. Nickel is not quite so hard and tin is unlikely.
My guess is that you have been sold a bright zinc plated table.
There are simple physical and chemical tests but unless you are in the industry, you probably will not have easy access to them.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
2007

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2007

Dear Geoff,
Thank you for responding to my inquiry. I am sure it will help me to persuade Ligne Roset to treat my complaint more seriously.
Thank you again
Sincerely,

Catherine Mary Winkler
- Bneid Al Gar, Kuwait City, Kuwait

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It is indeed hard to believe that real chrome plating could be quickly scratched by plastic this way. I'd be inclined to believe it is "chrome-look paint".

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

You didn't tell us what the base material of the table is. The coating may be real chrome or something else, but if it is too thin and the base material is too soft, then it can certainly be damaged.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2007