Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Replating or refinishing of plastic auto parts
Q. I WOULD LIKE TO REPLATE A PLASTIC MOTORCYCLE PART. WHAT IS INVOLVED ? AND DO I NEED TO PREP THE PIECE?
CRAIG SELLERS- ANN ARBOR, Michigan
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Q. I have several plastic car parts that the simulated chrome finish has come off. I would like to have these refinished and would like to know how to do it or where to contact someone to have it done. Thank you, Ray Beavers- Okla.City, Oklahoma Q. I have plastic fenders, side panels, air scoops, etc from a 1984 Cagiva motorcycle that need to be restored. please advise if this is possible. Thank You, Gordon Gordon L. Clark- Chula Vista, California, USA 2006 |
A. The highest quality finish is real nickel-chromium electroplating. That is what is applied on automobile grills and other exterior automotive brightwork. This is extremely durable and corrosion resistant -- lasting many years at least, usually the full life of the car. It is also the brightest, most specular (mirror-like) and most reflective finish.
But it is not flexible, so it is not suitable for soft plastic parts, and it is very expensive and can't be done at home, and it is only applicable to a few special grades of plastic (usually ABS).
You are probably looking for chrome-look paint in your case. This too usually requires somewhat specialized spray equipment, but you can inquire of the manufacturers either how to do it or where to get it done. The banner ad at the of this page should point you in the right direction. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006
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