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

Conversion coating or surface treatment for motorcycle chrome

I have a motorcycle with chromed fenders. I've decided that I don't like the look anymore and I am investigating alternatives to blasting the chrome off and painting the fenders. In my professional life I've encountered and used several types of room temperature surface treatments such as Alodine, blueing and passivation. Since chrome plating is usually intended to be a final finish, I haven't found similar treatments that intended to discolor chrome. I've considered heating up the fenders from the inside with a torch until the chrome starts to "blue", but I doubt that I will get a consistent finish that way. I've also considered household ammonia ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and brake fluid ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] (nitride conversion?) so far but haven't tried anything yet. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Respectfully,

Shannon McCall
Propulsion Engineer / Hobbyist - Venice, California, USA
2005

---

Heat tinting of chromium plated steel is possible at 650 °C temperature and oxidizing atmosphere(green and blue colours, ccording to Fishlocks book on metal colouring).
Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2005

---

2005

Goran,

Thanks for the idea! I can probably take the fenders to a welder, brazer, or heat treat shop and have them put in one of their ovens. I can't quite get to 650 degC in my kitchen.

Regards,

Shannon McCall
- Venice, California, USA