DIY chrome plating - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

stevekendal · 25th Aug 2007, 7:49 pm

Has anyone tried the DIY chrome plating kits as mentioned in the chrome to brass thread?

Steve

howard · 25th Aug 2007, 9:09 pm

Hello Steve,

I did a lot of research on replating metal not only in chrome but also nickel and brass a little while ago but I didn't go ahead and invest in all the kit which would have been too expensive for the odd bit of radio trim. Not only does one need the plating kit but also polishing equipment including a sisal wheel and a degreaser and several containers to accomodate all the liquids. If the chrome article is pitted then one has to remove the existing chrome plate (and all the rust) first by reverse plating, then by polishing the nickel plated surface underneath to perfection before degreasing it and finally replating it, either by brush or in a tank. Finally the chrome finish has to be polished.

The plating is straightforward enough, it's the preparation which takes the time and has to be done well to end up with a nicely chromed item.

Howard

Mike Phelan · 26th Aug 2007, 7:44 am

Steve
I'd reinforce what Howard says - it just ain't worth it.
Unless the base metal is brass or copper, you need to plate it with copper, then nickel, then chrome.
The initial and final polishing takes up 99% of the time and effort.

stevekendal · 26th Aug 2007, 7:16 pm

It was mainly for bits on my old mini, to your left.

Sounds like too much hassle though,Thanks guys,

Steve

Sean Williams · 27th Aug 2007, 8:39 am

Steve, The cost of replacement trim for a Mini is hardly worth the hassle, and possible damage to health from DIY Plating efforts - there are plenty of companies that will do it for you...

joe · 27th Aug 2007, 10:09 am

Steve

Just to add to what Sean has said, I believe that the process uses chromic acid (Yeuk!) dissolved in sulphuric acid. If you've ever set foot in a plating works & breathed in you'll get the job done commercially!

Joe

25th Aug 2007, 7:49 pm	#1
stevekendal Heptode Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kendal, Cumbria, UK. Posts: 625	DIY chrome plating Has anyone tried the DIY chrome plating kits as mentioned in the chrome to brass thread? Steve

25th Aug 2007, 9:09 pm	#2
howard Nonode Join Date: May 2005 Location: Godalming, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,593	Re: DIY chrome plating Hello Steve, I did a lot of research on replating metal not only in chrome but also nickel and brass a little while ago but I didn't go ahead and invest in all the kit which would have been too expensive for the odd bit of radio trim. Not only does one need the plating kit but also polishing equipment including a sisal wheel and a degreaser and several containers to accomodate all the liquids. If the chrome article is pitted then one has to remove the existing chrome plate (and all the rust) first by reverse plating, then by polishing the nickel plated surface underneath to perfection before degreasing it and finally replating it, either by brush or in a tank. Finally the chrome finish has to be polished. The plating is straightforward enough, it's the preparation which takes the time and has to be done well to end up with a nicely chromed item. Howard

26th Aug 2007, 7:44 am	#3
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: DIY chrome plating Steve I'd reinforce what Howard says - it just ain't worth it. Unless the base metal is brass or copper, you need to plate it with copper, then nickel, then chrome. The initial and final polishing takes up 99% of the time and effort. __________________ Mike.

26th Aug 2007, 7:16 pm	#4
stevekendal Heptode Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kendal, Cumbria, UK. Posts: 625	Re: DIY chrome plating It was mainly for bits on my old mini, to your left. Sounds like too much hassle though,Thanks guys, Steve

27th Aug 2007, 8:39 am	#5
Sean Williams Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St.Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire QRA IO91UW Posts: 3,518	Re: DIY chrome plating Steve, The cost of replacement trim for a Mini is hardly worth the hassle, and possible damage to health from DIY Plating efforts - there are plenty of companies that will do it for you... __________________ Engineers make things work and have spare bits when finished

27th Aug 2007, 10:09 am	#6
joe Rest in Peace Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Edgware, North London. Posts: 307	Re: DIY chrome plating Steve Just to add to what Sean has said, I believe that the process uses chromic acid (Yeuk!) dissolved in sulphuric acid. If you've ever set foot in a plating works & breathed in you'll get the job done commercially! Joe