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Want to learn hardchrome plating

I'm a new comer in this matter. I very interesting to learn and practice hardchrome and nickel plating. There's anyone will help me ? Thanks for your kindness. God Bless You.

Lisa Efendy
- Surabaya, Indonesia
2001

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You do realize that the hexavalent chromium solution required for hard chrome plating is toxic and carcinogenic, and this should only be done in an industrial setting rather than as a hobby, Lisa? The best way to learn it is by working in a plating shop for a little while if you can see your way clear to doing that. It's pretty hard to explain how to practice it if you've never seen anyone do it. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2001

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2001

Hello Lisa!

First of all, as Ted says, be careful. Some of these solutions are dangerous: they are not for the careless or the clumsy. That said, you might want to start with Metal Finishing magazine's wonderful Guidebook. There are articles there on decorative chromium, functional chromium (also called hard chrome), and nickel plating, both electrolytic and electroless. Read and enjoy, and if your interest is limited to a school report, you won't even have to get your hands dirty.

If your interest is real, meaning you want to set up a shop, you will also want to look at Ted's list of Must Have Books. These as well as perhaps something more specific, like J.K. Dennis & T.E. Such: Nickel and Chromium Plating [on Amazon affil links], published by Woodhead, will be useful.

Again, if you are serious, you will also want to talk to a chemical supplier, some of whom advertise here at finishing.com. Try the search function to get their information, and send them an e-mail. I've always found vendors to be pretty helpful when I know what it is I want.

Good luck!

Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York