Chroming questions.
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9 Second Club NA
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From: Houston, TX
Chroming questions. 1. Can you chrome aluminum?
2. If so, how durable is it?
3. I actually wanted to get it triple plated, is that possible on aluminum?
The reason I ask is because the last person that I used for chroming said that stainless steel doesnt take triple plating very good and within a short period of time it will flake/peel off especially when is always under heat. (exhaust tips) He recommended me doing a 1 stage chrome instead of 3, and I wasnt too happy or thrilled about it, but he said that it would be best. I didnt really understand that, but I guess if thats his job and has been doing it for quite some time, then I guess he knows what he's talking about.
4. Is that true?
That is why I ask about the aluminum.
5. How come theres just chroming alone and then a triple plate?
6. Why is triple plate so much more common/preferred?
7. By looking at 2 of the same pieces, one being chromed and the other being tripled plated, can you tell a difference?
Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks a mil'! 
2. If so, how durable is it?
3. I actually wanted to get it triple plated, is that possible on aluminum?
The reason I ask is because the last person that I used for chroming said that stainless steel doesnt take triple plating very good and within a short period of time it will flake/peel off especially when is always under heat. (exhaust tips) He recommended me doing a 1 stage chrome instead of 3, and I wasnt too happy or thrilled about it, but he said that it would be best. I didnt really understand that, but I guess if thats his job and has been doing it for quite some time, then I guess he knows what he's talking about.
4. Is that true?
That is why I ask about the aluminum.
5. How come theres just chroming alone and then a triple plate?
6. Why is triple plate so much more common/preferred?
7. By looking at 2 of the same pieces, one being chromed and the other being tripled plated, can you tell a difference?
Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks a mil'! 
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Re: Chroming questions. To my knowledge, chrome is a 3 stage process.
Copper, Nikel, Chrome (I'm not sure if copper or nikel is first)
I am not sure what that guy means by only a single step.
The wheels on my Formula are chrome plated aluminum alloy. So, yes it can be done and it holds up.
(These are the factory wheels)
--VIP1
Copper, Nikel, Chrome (I'm not sure if copper or nikel is first)
I am not sure what that guy means by only a single step.
The wheels on my Formula are chrome plated aluminum alloy. So, yes it can be done and it holds up.
(These are the factory wheels)
--VIP1
Thread Starter
9 Second Club NA
iTrader: (180)
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,943
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From: Houston, TX
Re: Chroming questions. Thats what I thought too. He said that a single stage (chrome only) would work best for stainless steel. I wasnt happy about that just because I wanted a triple plate, but he recommended it, and Im sure he knows better than I do. I want to chrome plate some aluminum, and I figured that I would ask so that he doesnt try and give me the same junk when I ask him to chrome them. Is it possible to just do the chrome plating and nothing else? I want to be sure that I get it done right. Thanks
Re: Chroming questions. I've had aluminum parts chrome before without problems. Not sure if it was "triple plated". But was top quality.
Chrome on a well prepped part is normally pretty durable if kept clean.
Chrome on a well prepped part is normally pretty durable if kept clean.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 51
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From: Miami FL
Re: Chroming questions. Depends because some metals do not need the Nickle although Nickle is the best to chrome on. I think Aluminum can be single. Electrostatic wash and then you make it positive and then chrome it. I think nickle will peel of alumium because it expands more then nickle dose under hi heat. If anything make sure he gaurantees it and tell him what the application is and see what he says Good luck hope that helps
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 95
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From: N. Central, MA
Re: Chroming questions. I'm not sure how GM/SLP does the wheels, but my CHROME 10 spokes aren't holding up too well - Someone said the aftermarkets have the 3 stage and hold up MUCH better...
Trying to get SLP to warranty two of my wheels
Trying to get SLP to warranty two of my wheels
