Chrome Powder Coat...input Needed

[GTs58]

I had a work buddy that did some parts on his $40,000 sand rail and it looked like a high polished aluminum to me. Not sure if there are different types/grades of Chrome powder so that might be something to look into.

 

[mickeyc]

Thanks very much for the replies, appreciate it.

Mike

 

[bricycle]

Not ready to spend $3,000 to almost $9,000 for a DIYS system on a one time deal. Thanks for the heads up though........

Mike

Just alerting you that there are shops that offer this service, not to buy your own...ha!

 

[Jeff54]

Whelp it ain't purr-flect but here ya go!

 

[GTs58]

Whelp it ain't purr-flect but here ya go!

Sure looks like polished aluminum to me.

 

[Jeff54]

Sure looks like polished aluminum to me.

I suggest you spend 3-4 grand then. MAh! HA! HA!.

 

[GTs58]

I suggest you spend 3-4 grand then. MAh! HA! HA!.

I'll do just that as soon as you send me a couple blank signed checks.

 

[tuscankid]

Anyone that has had this process done or has seen the results? I have a nice Hawthorne that the finish is absolutely ruined and I'm not that fond of the idea of an "original" restore. Too costly and they always look "restored" and untouchable to me. Thinking of having the entire bike done in chrome powder coat. Contacted a local shop and only thing I am questioning is his assurance that it will be "shiney, but not exactly like chrome".
I'd greatly appreciate any input and sources on this process.

Thanks,

Mike

I bought a set of phantom fenders that have a silver powder coat on them and look good. Not a clear shine like chrome, but do look good.

 

[Shawn]

Having used the "chrome appearing" powder colors thousands of times I'll share with you my experience. Know that I'm not an expert, nor is what I say here Gospel. There is no substitute for real chrome, period. It's one of the most dazzling finishes in the world hands down. There are songs written about the stuff. Now anyone who's asked for a quote or paid for chrome plating knows how cost prohibitive it can be for the average guy fixing up anything that isn't a 100 point restoration or headed to auction at Barrett Jackson. The chrome appearing powder coating is an affordable alternative to the real thing if you simply want to make an old ratty turd look presentable. When done right it's beautiful and shiny, especially compared to the flaking, brown speckled parts you started with. If you have it done to your parts be careful what you clean them with. Certain "degreasers" and cleaning soaps can damage the finish leaving what looks like water spots that are permanent. In severe cases I've seen it leave dark almost black spots. Use very mild soaps and detergents, treat it like you would your car hood or newborn in the bathtub. Do not rub on it with anything abrasive. This will scratch it and if deep enough leave black scratch marks. The reason for the black showing up in either case is that there's black coloring beneath the shiny silver top layer. Don't ask me the chemical/technical makeup of the powder but it's under there. Before curing the parts look a velvety dark grey in color. In the beginning of my powder coating experience I applied this color to parts on ATV's that the owners pressure washed with strong degreasers to remove mud quickly, well it ate into the finish leaving dark "water spots". Also on engine/transmission case covers where their boots rubbed on the cover while operating the shift lever or foot brake lever it put dark scratch marks in the surface. Big drag, epic fail, and I had to refinished these items in their new color choice free of charge. Wasn't really my fault and certainly not theirs but rather a valuable learning experience. Also an opportunity to build strong customer relations by standing behind our work at no charge with the result that these customers told everyone they knew how well we treated them. You should expect no less from your powder coat provider. Anyways . . . there are certain instances when this will make your ride look awesome for a lot less money than real chrome. If your shoes rub against it don't use these types of finishes. If it's subjected to any abrasives or harsh chemicals don't use them. On parts only your bare hands touch it should hold up for years. Fenders and tanks that don't get abused will also look great for years. There are three products I use in the shop to "simulate" chrome. Super Chrome from Prismatic Powders is by far the most brilliant and shiny, however it has poor UV resistance and lots of sunlight will ruin it in two or less years. When applied as the reflective base beneath translucent top coats/candies it's the best choice. Second most brilliant is Kromozone from Powder Buy The Pound. Not quite as shiny but is UV resistant and withstands sunlight far better. Eastwood Company offers Single Stage Reflective Chrome (a clear and chrome in one blend). It's become my customers first choice when they're after the simulated chrome look. Good UV resistance, better scratch resistance and about the same shine as when UV resistant clear is applied over Super Chrome. So there's my 1 1/2 cents for what it's worth. Hope it helps someone out.

 

[Shawn]

A gentleman had bought these wheels for a Triumph TR 250 automobile sight unseen at great expense, had them shipped to him and they arrived in this condition. They're very hard to come by. He'd spent a small fortune on them. The chrome shops wouldn't touch them unless he had them repaired first and only afterwards would they re-plate them for $2,000. He brought them to me and asked if I could powder coat them to look like chrome. I explained they wouldn't look like actual chrome but I could make them look real nice after some repairs for $500. This was the results I gave him. He's still showing the car three years later with the wheels looking good. Many people don't realize they aren't chrome, even some judges. The color is Kromozone from Powder Buy The Pound.