The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989


-----

Window frames

We are Architects installing a new shopfront to a 1920's Grade 2 Listed building in London. Can anyone please advise base metal and finish common at that time. The appearance of an existing original shop front is bright metal and we are assuming it is chrome/nickel. We have been advised that chrome/nickel is not suitable for an external application due to tarnishing/corrosion. Any advice would be gratefully received.

Peter Wood
Architect - London, England
March 3, 2011

---

Hi Peter

In the 1920s nickel chrome would be the only practical way to get this finish. Aluminium would be unusual at the time but check with a magnet.
I don't know who advised that it would tarnish but it was good enough for the extremely corrosive environment of car bumpers when we had such things and is common on yacht fittings.
Make sure your plater knows it is for architectural use (he should be able to recognise a window frame) and be clear that you want a full copper/nickel/chrome spec.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
March 9, 2011