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Author
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Topic: Do your own Chrome Plating??
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ekbeanctr
Gearhead Posts: 411
From: Middlebury, IN USA
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 12-23-2001 08:41 AM
   
Well after pricing getting 3 small pieces chromed at a shop, I started looking around on the internet. Has anyone ever tried Caswell Plating? they sell do it yourself kits for chrome plating and gold plating, etc.
http://www.caswellplating.com/index.html
It looks very intriguing------------------
Have a Wonderful Day
CandyApple 65 Fastback
Versaille 9" Rear End
Global West Front End
[email protected]
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Dr. Who
Gearhead Posts: 164
From: Redwood City, Ca.
Registered: Sep 2001
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posted 12-23-2001 06:14 PM
With a price of $495 for a 2 gallon chrome kit, which will only plate items small enough to fit in a 2 gallon bucket without touching the sides and must be submersed, the savings would be suspect. The chemicals are caustic (acids) and will need to be used in an area where smell, rust from fumes and residue aren't a problem, and the chemicals need to be changed fairly often and disposed of through a hazardous waste program, if you try dumping them down a toilet they'll eat your sewer line. The finish of chrome plating is only as good as the polish work under it, so you'll need a polishing station with grinding, sanding, fine sanding and finishing wheels to get the stuff smooth and shiny before you plate it. The application of the chrome finish is voltage/current based so expect to ruin a few parts for trial and error getting the flow right for different parts/metals. The various colors of chrome are set by preplating with copper, brass and nickel so for that you'd need more kits and if your redoing old chrome you'll need a different acid to remove the old chrome finish. I haven't tried Caswell but I have tried other home plating systems and they do work, just not worth setting up a whole shop away from everything I want to keep and telling the neighbors the smell is an experiment, won't effect unborn children (not real sure of that) and will be gone soon.  ------------------
Woo wooob wooob wooob woo! Curly Howard
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 18183
From: Hampton,Virginia,USA MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 12-23-2001 09:44 PM
I was Supervisor of Plating for almost 10 years..it ain't as ez as they lead it to be!Even with the best Chemicals and treatments thing go "south".. For the Novice working with some of these Chemicals could be dangerous too.
sam
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ekbeanctr
Gearhead Posts: 411
From: Middlebury, IN USA
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 12-24-2001 09:05 AM
Thanks for the responses. I believe I'll either buy what I need already Chrome or I'll powder coat it with Translucent Red and Prism Powder from Eastwood. I've done a few pieces in the engine compartment and that really looks neat You all have a Merry Christmas------------------
Have a Wonderful Day
CandyApple 65 Fastback
Versaille 9" Rear End
Global West Front End
[email protected]
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flashback
Journeyman Posts: 6
From: LaPlace,La. USA
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 12-25-2001 09:35 AM
I believe these kits also stated that they were for soft chrome plating,not used for bumpers,outside trim etc.
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