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

Touching up chrome with minor pitting

March 16, 2009

I have recently purchased a vintage bicycle frame with a chrome fork and chain stays (the tube that runs from the bottom bracket to the rear wheel). In general the chrome is in reasonable condition but both the fork and the chainstays have some minor pitting and surface rust. The majority of the damage is in spots only a few millimeters wide. However there are 1 or 2 patches of rust approximately 1-1.5 cm across, and also some scratches that have rusted.

What are my options for restoring this chrome? I have considered buying a small home electroplating kit to try and re-chrome the damaged areas. Has anyone had experience with this? Are there any other products on the market that could give a reasonable finish, for example a chrome touch-up paint that could be buffed up?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Rohan Simkin
Hobbyist - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Try Mirrachrome paint-in Europe you can buy only 0,1 lit(somewhat expensive,35 GBP+postage).Maybe you can buy something similar in Australia.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
March 20, 2009