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Chrome finish for plastic in marine environment

November 25, 2010

I am look for some advice on plating specification for a plastic product
that is going into a out door saltwater marine environment (on the deck of a
boat). I realise that this is an extreme and not ideal situation but we
need the look of chrome at the plastic price. Our concern is that the appearance must remain at a reasonable level for a reasonable amount of time. 5yrs+ would be the target.

What type of process would be best?
What thinkness would be appropriate?
What plating composition would give the best results?

Any advice would be gratefully received Thank you in advance.

Jason Anderson
Product Designer - Auckland, New Zealand

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Hi, Jason.

I think this is doable since chrome plated plastic grills are used on most automobiles and they last a long time despite the road salt, car washes, and heat of the sun.

But this plating is by no means cheap. Automotive exterior quality plating on plastic requires the proper plastic (usually plating grade ABS) followed by electroless nickel plating, heavy copper plating (for thermal shock), at least two and preferably three layers of nickel plating, and high quality chrome plating. Find a shop that already does exterior automotive plating and they can probably do this for you. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 26, 2010

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December 12, 2010

dear Sir
I think fiberglass will be the best choice because
1- you need limited numbers of copies
2- it is very strong
3- matches the construction materials for most boats and plates
4- platable with chrome and other finishes
but if you take my advise chrome is not suitable in long term since it is sensitive to chloride ions
so I think bright nickel with top coat of electroless nickel will be perfect
but if we have to chrome then organic varnish[polyester,acrylic,clear electrostatics or electrodeposition varnish will be great.

thanks

best regards

Raafat albendary
- Riyadah -Saudi arabia

Thanks for the replies that I received. The input from Ted sent us in the right direction (thanks!) and with further research we found ATSM B604-97 which specifies surface condition numbers that we are now using to specify what we require.

Jason Anderson
- Auckland, New Zealand
December 12, 2010