Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Chrome-look spray application

I am in the metal fabrication industry, and wish to try the cold apply method for putting chrome onto various substrates,this is not new, but can't find any info about the chemicals req other than to buy a franchise. I know that silver nitrate will produce too a degree of shine but the costs of this is somewhat high. does anyone know of an alternative? many thanks regards to all, ed richardson

Edward Richardson
sculptor - Australia
April 24, 2010

Hi, Edward. It's a 3-layer system: a basecoat, followed by the shiny coat, followed by a clear or translucent top coat. I believe the shiny layer has aluminum flakes and is sprayed on with conventional equipment, but works best if the ware is spun during application.

You do not need to buy a franchise as there are lots of people who have already done so and who now offer the coating service. There is probably not very much non-proprietary information to share about the shiny spray paint at this point, but an alternate approach for high volumes is to apply the aluminum layer via vacuum metallizing. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 28, 2010