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Is "colored chrome" really chrome?

August 16, 2009

Recently I came across a fellow motorcycle "buff" who suggested that I put a new type of "colored chrome" on my bike to add a little more pizzaz to its look. I had a hard time believing him when he said that chrome was available colors such as green, blue, red as well as several additional bright colors. He also assured me that that this was genuine chrome and not a sprayed on chrome color finish.

My initial thought is that some type of coating such as a transparent paint or even an anodized finish is place over the "true" chrome metal finish.

Can you confirm this process as being a legitimate chrome finish. I know that technology has truely advanced but I have yet to see this proccess and am curious to know the facts.

Many Thanks, Rob

Robert Griffith
hobbyist - Tucson, Arizona, USA

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Hi, Robert. It's more likely chrome-look paint than true chrome, of course. But there is nothing preventing people from applying translucent paints over chrome except that it tends not to stick. Some painters lightly sandblast the surface to remove the chrome and scuff the underlying nickel, and claim that they get adequate adhesion. It's iffy, but if it works, it works. So I would not necessarily call your acquaintance misinformed.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 17, 2009