Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Chrome Painting Finish

Hi,
I have a company which specialises in custom painting. I would like to incorporate chrome
painting as part of the service. Not the system where you spray the paint on a black base. The system I am interested in is the ionised water system. Has anyone experience with this system?
Another question which someone may know is what kind of coating is applied to those plastic light bezels and other plastic products with a chrome finish?

Thanks for your time

John Davies
Custom Painting - Italy
May 23, 2010

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Check out:
sprayonchrome.com
I have no personal experience of the product but the potential is interesting.
Hope this helps

Bill Doherty
Trainer - Newcastle NSW Australia
June 6, 2010

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Hi, John. Spectra Chrome offers the ionized water system you are seeking. However, this is not what is used on OEM plastic light bezels and grills on automobiles; the severe duty service of exterior automotive parts requires real copper-nickel-chrome electroplating.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 8, 2010

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Bezels are also frequently vacuum aluminized. In such cases, the initial surface has to be very smooth. Smoothness begins with an excellent molding surface. It is further improved by applying a lacquer primer or base coat over the surfaces that have to be reflective. The aluminum coating will be very thin and delicate, so it is often protected by a final clear coat or isolated under a transparent covering.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
June 14, 2010