Chrome Finishes

**HHdesign** · 08-13-2005, 01:17 AM

I've been repairing some old retro cars recently, tons of body work, and now thats its finally done I need to find some bumpers and door handles. What would make the best "chrome" like finish, I'm not looking for something spray on. I'm needing something weather proof and has a very nice shiny chrome look to it, or if possible, how is the chrome finish made. Is it simply a high polished stainless steel?

Any input would be greatly appricated.

**shotgunefx** · 08-13-2005, 01:27 AM

Chome plating is an expensive proposition. Basically, a layer of Chromium is electrically deposited (electroplated). Acid's involved. Very nasty and toxic to do. Lot's of regulations for the companies which explains why it's so expensive.

alsa sells paint that while damn expensive, looks like real chrome. I believe some of the newer cars are using this for some parts.

**HHdesign** · 08-13-2005, 09:41 AM

Damn, didn't realize it was that much work into makeing chrome.

Anyways thanks for the link shotgun, I'm not only liking the chrome options that website has but it sparks some new paint designs for me. Thanks for the help

**shotgunefx** · 08-13-2005, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by HHdesign

Damn, didn't realize it was that much work into makeing chrome.

Anyways thanks for the link shotgun, I'm not only liking the chrome options that website has but it sparks some new paint designs for me. Thanks for the help

They have some awesome finishes. My factory rims recently went, 3 on the same day. The chome just peeled up around the center. They look brand new for three years then one day, I go to the car wash on a real hot day and they all peeled up like wallpaper from the center cap.

Looks like the cheap metal center chrysler cap made some sort of dielectric with the nickel behind the chrome and rotted out the plate layer. :sigh:

I really like my stock rims. (Just 17" chrome ones). The best price I've gotten is $623 each.

I've been pondering how much coverage the alsa stuff will give me. It would be a lot of work, but if the $400 dollar kit would work, I might just try and spray them with the mirrorchrome. Maybe a body color gray or black chrome.

If you end up trying this stuff before me, I'd love to hear how it works out.

**HHdesign** · 08-13-2005, 08:16 PM

I'm working in an Auto Body class, I'm proably going to get the pint kit for now, going to test it on my Jeep stock Rims, then going for some unique flames for my buddy's RX-8, I'm going to do lots of reading before making this purchase, after all thats not cheap. Thanks again for the link, I appricate it.

**shotgunefx** · 08-13-2005, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by HHdesign

I'm working in an Auto Body class, I'm proably going to get the pint kit for now, going to test it on my Jeep stock Rims, then going for some unique flames for my buddy's RX-8, I'm going to do lots of reading before making this purchase, after all thats not cheap. Thanks again for the link, I appricate it.

No problem. Definitely let me know how you make out. It be cool to do some real, real subtle airbrush work underneath. Their galleries have some awesome work.