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Information on chrome plating of taps

May 10, 2009

I have purchased a faucet (bathroom tap) that when I took it from the box the chrome finish was peeling slightly away from what I understand is copper body. The tap is from China.
My questions are; how can I tell a quality finish from another? How if any would the manufacture process be different in a more expensive European brand? And I guess is this always going to happen with a cheaper product or was I just unlucky?
I would be appreciative of any information regarding taps and quality controls of them as this episode has got me thinking. Thank you.

Anne Williams
DIY home renovator - New Zealand

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Hi, Anne. Certainly, the plating peeling away from the substrate is the most obvious defect possible, and so it is indicative of a quality control problem. It should never happen for any brand, regardless of how inexpensive. But, yes, more expensive brands probably have more reliable control of their plating processes.

The plating process on this part is not necessarily different than more expensive brands, perhaps it's just poorly implemented by unskilled operatives with poor supervision. Sorry for your troubles.

P.S.: I tried a painting using Renoir's brand of canvas and oils, but they didn't seem any damn good either; my horse still looked like a cow :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 11, 2009

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May 12, 2009

One of the reasons that China is willing to work so cheap is they are gaining knowledge and technology from companies that they work for.
Their learning curve is fantastic compared to the Japanese after WWII.
I think that they still have a problem with raw material certifications, but that will improve as they gain more experience.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida