The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

ABS Nickel-Chrome plating

Hi,

Is there a way of decorative chrome (or chrome-like in appearance) a non metallic material such as ABS? I have a home bathroom project with an exposed piece of black ABS pipe (actually it's an elbow) that need a chrome appearance. possible? Obviously an electroless process?

Steve Geldman
Homeowner - Westlake Village, California, USA
2003

---

All sorts of drains, shower heads, etc. are chrome plated plastic, so I don't see why chrome-plated ABS piping should not be available, but I haven't seen it at home improvement stores or on the internet. You cannot do chrome plating yourself, and it would probably cost over $100 to have a shop chrome plate this for you. I'd go to the hardware store and get some shiny metallic spray paint.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

---

HI,
I am also trying to find 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inch chrome plated plastic (PVC) pipe for plumbing in exposed pipes in a bathroom, if I find anything I will get back.

Regards

Tony

Anthony Fisk
- Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey, England, UK
2006