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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Discolouration of chrome bath taps

2005

Dear Sir,
One year ago we installed 2 new bathrooms in our property. Within one month of commissioning the installation, we experienced discolouration, leoparding, of the chrome taps and bath fittings.
We have taken this up with the manufacturer, who claims that the water or cleaning materials are to blame for the damage.
The water and cleaning company both disclaim responsibility for this problem.

Would you be able to explain what could have gone wrong. I believe that this is poor quality chrome. as all other chrome fittings in the house are clean and as per new after 20 years usage.

Could the chrome tap handles and waste control be re-chromed?

Do you have any contacts in the UK who could help me in this matter.

Yours hopefully,

Graham Fadden
consumer - Reading, Berkshire, UK

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It's hard to say for sure from a verbal description, but I have never heard of "leoparding" in chrome plating, nor seen anything I would call leoparding, and I've been working with it for more than 35 years. I strongly suspect that this is not chrome plating at all, but some kind of paint or a lacquer. If that is the case and they called it chrome plating, I think that's deceptive and they owe you your money back ethically if not legally. Please email a clearly focused photo of it.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005

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I have been experiencing the same problem with my taps and nobody seems to be able to have the answer. The chrome got deep stains,like leopard skin almost, as if it was porous... and I am positive the taps are chrome plated. Is there a way to restore the chrome to initial luster?

Marina

Marina el Assaad
- UK
2005

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Sorry, but no there isn't. Sending them to a plating shop for replating would be the only fix. Please send a focused picture.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005