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How to Chrome Plate

Chrome plating uses electrolysis to bind a thin plate of chromium onto an object, usually an easily corroded metal. Chromium is an element found in nature, but it is not substantial on its own. You will not find things made of chrome alone, however, chrome plating provides a very bright, high-gloss, mirror-like metallic surface to automobile and motorcycle trim, bathroom fixtures, and many household and industrial objects. Resistant to tarnish, chrome plating serves to protect metals and reduce friction on surfaces. The process is highly specialized, requires use of highly toxic, volatile, and carcinogenic elements (such as chromic acid and sulfuric acid), and produces very hazardous waste. Knowing how to chrome plate may interest you, but you are advised to consider specific safety concerns.

Method One of Four:
Use chrome for decorative purposesEdit

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Use chrome to plate metals subject to corrosion, including steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, for decorative purposes.
- Chrome reflects brighter, clearer, and with less distortion than other finishes, such as paint.
- Decorative chrome plating electroplates nickel and chrome onto a target object, such as a wheel rim or a hood ornament.
- The nickel is the source of the slickness, shine, and resistance in the chrome plating.
- A very thin layer of chrome keeps the nickel from tarnishing, scratching, and rusting.
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Method Two of Four:
Use hard chrome for plating big, functional itemsEdit

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Use hard chrome, also known as "industrial" chrome or "engineered" chrome, to significantly eliminate wear and tear on large machines, such as those made of steel.
- Hard chrome is not harder than other chrome plating, but rather thick enough that its hardness can be tested.
- Hard chrome coats in measurements in the thousandths as opposed to the millionths in decorative plating.
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Method Three of Four:
Use a hexavalent chromium plating solutionEdit

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To make 1 gallon (3.79 L) of solution, mix 33 ounces (936 grams) of chromic acid and .33 ounce (9.36 mm) to distilled water.
- Proportions will vary slightly according to the metal surface being plated.
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Mix solution in immersion tank used for materials testing and/or chemical treatments.
- Degrease and clean objects thoroughly before immersion in process.
- When preparing chromic plating solution, add fluids slowly and carefully so as not to create a splash.
- Remember that this solution is a human carcinogen.
- Handle the process and chemicals carefully because the solution is capable of ignition and fire and of interacting with many other chemicals to produce additional risks.
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Method Four of Four:
Use an electroplating systemEdit

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Dissolve plates of nickel in chromic/sulfuric solution.
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Run a positive charge from a power source through the chromic plating solution.
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Attach a negative anode to the object intended for plating and submerge the object into solution.
- A Negative charge will attract the positively charged metals to the object.
- The thickness of the plating is determined by the length of time in the electroplating process.
- Keep the temperature for the solution between 95 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit (35 to 46 degrees Celsius) for decorative chrome.
- Keep temperature between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (49 to 66 degrees Celsius) for hard chrome.
- Do not prepare or handle chemicals unless you are wearing a respirator and other safety equipment.
4
Rinse object in agitating running water, and, then, rinse again.

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Community Q&A

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Where can I find the chemicals and nickel plates?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- Usually at your nearby hardware store, such as The Home Depot or ACE. If you still can't find what you're looking for, try online shopping.
Thanks! 11 3
What are the formulas and exact process to chrome plastic pieces?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- Plastic pieces are usually chrome plated with special sprays or sprays that imitate a chrome appearance. They are often fairly expensive for a relatively small amount. The plastic is cleaned, then rinsed with distilled water. It is sprayed with an adhesion promoter, and then the chrome solution. Then it is rinsed again with distilled water.
Thanks! 4 2
Can I use a chrome plate on aluminum?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- Aluminum doesn't particularly plate well with chrome, if at all, as it would most likely dissolve in the plating bath. You can get aluminum polishes that will make aluminum appear as chrome. You can also get aluminum protectant for additional corrosion resistance.
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TipsEdit

Pre-heat the object to the same temperature as the acid bath before immersion to invite uniform coating.

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Chrome acid is highly caustic, but can be stored in glass jars and filtered before next use.

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WarningsEdit

Wear protective equipment, including goggles, apron, respiratory mask, and heavy duty rubber gloves when working with acid solutions.

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Have first aid and emergency response within easy reach and known to all involved.

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Chromic acid solution reacts dangerously with acetone, alcohols, sodium, potassium, ammonia, arsenic, hydrogen sulphides, phosphorus, pyridine, selenium, sulfur, and many other chemicals.

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Chromic acid solution reacts rapidly with many materials including common combustibles, often causing ignition and fire.

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Disposal of acid solutions is heavily regulated by law; follow the regulations in your area.

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Avoid all skin contact.

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Avoid inhaling any fumes.

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Remember that chromic acid solution is a human carcinogen.

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