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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Finding a good chrome shop

I have quite a few parts that could use new chrome. My question is how to determine, when looking for local shop, the quality of the work.

John Bullock
Hobbyist - Lilburn, Georgia, USA
2004

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Personally, I don't think there is any way to do it except by reputation and guarantee. Nickel-chrome plating can be one layer of bright nickel plating, followed by chrome, which you will find totally unsatisfactory for outdoor exposure (actually accelerating corrosion rather than retarding it). Or it can be two or three layers of nickel, scientifically controlled to exact potentials, followed by chrome plating, such as OEMs apply, and which will last decades trouble-free. They look pretty much the same.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

As Ted said reputation has a lot to do with it. Ask around, when you do find a shop, ask them if you can take a look at some of their work that is like what you will be giving them. TELL the plating shop exactly what you want done and the level of quality you want back. If they do good quality work...expect to pay for good quality. It doesn't come cheap!

Tom Haltmeyer
- Peoria, Arizona, USA
2004