DIY Chrome Plating
Discussion
http://www.gaterosplating.co.uk/Replica-Chrome-Pla...
Hi all,
Has anyone used this kit or similar to create "chrome" plating? I have had quotes for re-chroming my motorcycle parts, but it's cheaper to buy new, albeit replica parts. If this kit is good enough I may well have a go myself.
Cheers,
Dario
Hi all,
Has anyone used this kit or similar to create "chrome" plating? I have had quotes for re-chroming my motorcycle parts, but it's cheaper to buy new, albeit replica parts. If this kit is good enough I may well have a go myself.
Cheers,
Dario
The thing that costs the money getting chrome done is the polishing, that's what gives the smooth surface not the chroming. If you're trying to chrome something that wasn't perfect before plating it won't be perfect afterwards.
The stuff I've had plated wasn't really that expensive, the last lot I had done for the car was 15 pieces of various sizes for about £150 iirc. The parts aren't available so there wasn't the option of buying repros, but you don't know with repro if they've done the cheap 2 layers plating or the proper 3 layers which I know was done on mine and will last without rust coming through.
The stuff I've had plated wasn't really that expensive, the last lot I had done for the car was 15 pieces of various sizes for about £150 iirc. The parts aren't available so there wasn't the option of buying repros, but you don't know with repro if they've done the cheap 2 layers plating or the proper 3 layers which I know was done on mine and will last without rust coming through.
Yes, that's why I bought my kit. It's not just about saving money - in all honesty I could probably have got the main items done for way less than the kit cost me. But it's the satisfaction of doing the job myself, along with the convenience (as long as you have space to leave it set up) to just plate something as you come across a need to.
If you go for it, don't be tempted to go in the cheapest way - my first nickel plating kit (off eBay) was a very basic thing and, I know now, because it had no method of agitating the electrolyte took ages to plate even the smallest item. I went for the better Gateros kit that included a tank pump to keep things moving, and the 40-minute plating cycle is realistic now.
If you go for it, don't be tempted to go in the cheapest way - my first nickel plating kit (off eBay) was a very basic thing and, I know now, because it had no method of agitating the electrolyte took ages to plate even the smallest item. I went for the better Gateros kit that included a tank pump to keep things moving, and the 40-minute plating cycle is realistic now.
droopsnoot said:
Yes, that's why I bought my kit. It's not just about saving money - in all honesty I could probably have got the main items done for way less than the kit cost me. But it's the satisfaction of doing the job myself, along with the convenience (as long as you have space to leave it set up) to just plate something as you come across a need to.
If you go for it, don't be tempted to go in the cheapest way - my first nickel plating kit (off eBay) was a very basic thing and, I know now, because it had no method of agitating the electrolyte took ages to plate even the smallest item. I went for the better Gateros kit that included a tank pump to keep things moving, and the 40-minute plating cycle is realistic now.
Did you get it looking like real chrome, with the kit? If you go for it, don't be tempted to go in the cheapest way - my first nickel plating kit (off eBay) was a very basic thing and, I know now, because it had no method of agitating the electrolyte took ages to plate even the smallest item. I went for the better Gateros kit that included a tank pump to keep things moving, and the 40-minute plating cycle is realistic now.
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