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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Chrome plating repair material
Q. Looking for a repair material to cover small blemishes on chrome plated steel chairs. Ideally would be a brush-on high gloss paint or liquid chrome finish. It must look better than aluminum paint.
This request is for a high production volume application.
Thanks.
Howard F [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]Tampa, Florida - This requirement is for a factory in Arkansas
1998
A. It would be a nice idea, Howard, but I think we're dreaming. Depending on the cause of the blemishes, though, sometimes they can be buffed out.
You're fighting two problems trying to paint over these defects: first, most paint doesn't stick to chrome plating; and second, even the best paint doesn't look enough like chrome plating to be used as touchup on a chrome plated piece. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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Q. I spilled a small amount of dilute HCl acid on the chrome bumper of my truck. Can I buff it out or repair it?
tim k [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- joplin, Missouri
2000
A. HCl is what we use in industry to strip the chrome off of things. The chrome is, therefore, probably gone in those areas. The underlying nickel is probably unharmed and will provide reasonable rust protection although it will tend towards a yellow tarnish. I'd suggest keeping it very well waxed. If the area is small enough that the yellowish cast isn't too obvious you can probably live with it. Other than that, perhaps someone offering a brush plating service can repair the chrome on your bumper in place. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2000
Q. I am looking for a retailer, supplier for liquid chrome paint. Would prefer liquid, rather than spray can. Usage would be for art work in movie making industry, and would have an ongoing need for this product. Regards, Jake
Jake K [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Los Angeles, California
2000
A. Great strides have been made in "chrome-look paint" in the last few years. Please talk to finishing.com's supporting advertisers shown in the banner near the bottom of the page.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I have Chrome Wheels. I noticed when I was washing them that the chrome was beginning to peel in one spot. I checked around my area, and no one repairs chrome rims anywhere near my area. They all have to send them off to get fixed and this is expensive. It is about a inch wide so it is noticeable. I need a cheaper alternative to sending them off. I have already tried a chrome paint and it does not look like chrome at all. If there is a liquid chrome touch up that you are aware of please pass on the word.
Thanks,
Christopher D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Augusta, Georgia
2001
A. Although I don't think it's an ideal answer, Christopher, there are inexpensive spray paints that are somewhat metallic looking and are sold for this purpose like 'bumper chrome' ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I was looking at the Plasti-Kote silver paint and I was wondering if it can be used to spot paint chrome bumpers and will it hold on these bumpers.
Charles Greerhobbyist - baltimore, maryland
August 8, 2009
Q. I stupidly used an abrasive to polish some candlesticks, and removed the chrome finish in some spots. There seems to be a shinier silvery metal underneath. Is there anything I can do to spot-repair the chrome finish?
Julia P- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
December 17, 2012
A. Hi. There are brush-on chrome paints. Krylon makes a "Short Cuts" chrome paint pen that some users say looks more like silver -- which brings me to my question. Almost nothing is shinier than chrome, so I don't understand how you removed the chrome and left it shinier :-)
A photo to for posting would probably help.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 18, 2012
Q. I also used an abrasive to polish chrome on a BMX frame and discovered a shiny surface underneath just wondering whether to try the full frame or try and get the damaged bit repaired; thanks, Dave
David RobertsD.Roberts - Manchester,UK
November 28, 2017
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