WHAT IS CHROME PLATING?

This will help you understand the chrome plating process.

1. Receival and Inspection. Metal can deteriorate and corrode to a point where restoration can be hugely expensive. We firstly evaluate the part for you after which we can discuss the price, the level of quality and an expected completion date.

2. Stripping. All parts are stripped to bare metal which means any trace of old paint, dirt, oil and grease, rust, old plating and any other foreign material must be removed. Items which have been stripped clean cost less to plate than if we have to strip them.

3. Polishing. Polishing is the abrasive removal of surface metal using a series of abrasive wheels and sanding belts (in the plating trade, the words "sand," "grind" and "polish" basically mean the same thing). We start by using coarse-cutting grinders and working down to soft cloth buffs. The end result is a high-gloss polished metal part with all pitting, scratches and impurities removed.

4. Wiring and Racking. We mainly use hooks, racks and copper wire to hold parts in the plating tanks. The metal also provides electrical contact to the part.

5. Cleaning. Parts must be surgically clean before plating. Even the slightest spec of dirt, grease, oil, buffing compound, rust, or other foreign matter will cause a reject. Vinci Chrome uses an elaborate series of soap, acid and water solutions to guarantee a clean and spotless surface.

6. Copper Plating and Buffing. Parts are copper plated and then buffed to a brilliant shine. This is an important step in the process, as copper offers an added layer of corrosion protection and helps to fill in polishing lines and pits. Copper is very thin and many layers of coppering and sanding can slowly build up surfaces. Using copper to level and fill is similar to a painter using a primer and block sanding.

7. Wiring, Racking and Re-cleaning. It is necessary to repeat steps 4 and 5 before nickel plating.

8. Nickel Plating. Nickel is what gives the chrome part its deep lustre as well as providing another layer of long lasting protection. Parts remain in our nickel plating tank for about an hour.

9. Chrome Plating. Chrome, the final plating step, is a protective coating over the shiny nickel and this is what prevents the nickel from tarnishing.

10. Final Inspection. Parts are cleaned and inspected which shows up any areas which may need minor buffing.

Helpful Tips and Hints

How to help us make your chrome plating project easier and save you money.

1. Tell us what you want. A telephone call or a quick visit to discuss your project can save you time an money because it ensures your project will be done right the first time. If you make your own parts, we can advise you on thickness of metal to use, pre-polishing, finish work and more so you get the best possible results. We can tell you what can and what cannot be done as well as give you the cost and advise you on the various levels of finish quality.

2. Take your parts apart! All parts need to be completely disassembled before we can start. This saves us time and you money. Brackets, nuts, bolts, rubber mountings, etc, should all be removed.

3. Mark the sides that are seen. Polishing can be expensive so by only having the exposed sides polished, you save money. But we need to know which sides you want polished so you need to mark them on the part.

4. A clean part is a good part. Pre-cleaning of parts, preferably to bare metal, means we spend less time cleaning before plating. Remember, the less time we have to spend on your job, the less it costs you.

5. A list is a big help. We need to have 2 copies of a neat and accurate list of the parts on your job. Again, the list will save us time and therefore save you money.

6. Come and get it! A plating factory is not a good place to leave the finished product for any length of time. Its acidic environment can promote early surface deterioration so the sooner you pick up your parts, the longer your "brand new" look will last. And keep your receipt. It helps locate your job quickly and easily when you come to pick it up.

7. Take good care of it. Chrome plating needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain its original lustre. Regular cleaning stops the need to use heavy compounds to restore the shine and therefore reduces the risk of the surface being scratched.