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Chrome plating over a stainless steel, Springer front end

August 29, 2008

I built a springer front end for my Trike about 15 years ago
I made the mistake of mixing mild steel and stainless in the same arms of the springer
After months of filing and polishing I took them to be chromed and was told that you can't chrome stainless.
Theplaters masked the stainless and chromed the mild steel.
It left a masking line but it was the best they could do
They now need rechroming as have started to peel
I would appreciate any feedback on how I could get a better finish this time round

Jeff Nilson
Hobbyist - Tauranga, New Zealand

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Hi, Jeff. Not every shop has the required activation chemicals for nickel-chrome plating of stainless steel, and not every shop wants to guarantee it because the adhesion is "iffy" unless you do it right, but stainless steel can definitely be chrome plated.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 29, 2008

The activation steps for steel is vastly different from stainless steel. The problem is properly activation the SS without over activating the steel. It makes a great difference on which alloys ant the heat treat state of both. It can be done, but it takes an experienced shop in doing it OR blind dumb luck.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
August 29, 2008

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August 31, 2008

Thanks Guys for the feedback
I'm Glad to hear it can be done
I guess my next task will be to find someone in New Zealand that can do it

Kind Regards

Jeff Nilson
- Tauranga, New Zealand