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How smooth before chrome, how much must be finished?

I have four approximately 2 pound parts, moderately complex shaped, to chrome plate. They are pitted chrome now but I find good brass under. How smooth must I get the brass before taking them to be shiny chrome plated? I'm not after perfection but don't want them to look as bad as they do now. Additionally, I only need the surfaces that show well finished, can I just leave the hard to reach, non-visible surfaces?

Mike in Washington

Mike Fitzpatrick
Metal shop teacher - Marysville, Washington
February 29, 2008

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There was a time when all metal had to be highly buffed before nickel and chrome plating if it was to have any shine. Then self-leveling nickel was developed and the buffing became much less important and most OEMs only rough polish, they don't buff anymore.

Still, "show chrome" is done on buffed copper plating, so the better the part the better the finish.

You are correct that you do not need to worry about the non-visible surfaces; in fact if you get a look at the back of a truck bumper you'll see a terrible plating job, including no chrome coverage.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 29, 2008

adv.