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Light blue car - pot metal restoration in Ogden, Utah
Light blue Chromed Car - pot metal restoration in Ogden, Utah

Top Four Reasons Why Chrome Dipping At Home Is Not A Good Idea

Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Are you intrigued by the idea of handling your own chrome dipping or chrome plating needs at home? There could be many reasons why you might consider handling your own chrome. However, the actual process is long and tedious if you are looking for show quality chrome plating for any car. So before you embark on this ambitious project, make sure that you are fully aware of the challenges. These top four reasons examine why chrome dipping at home is not a good idea.
1. Show quality chrome dipping is a complex process that needs qualified professionals and special equipment.

The actual show quality chrome dipping process is very complex. You will certainly need a lot of experience to successfully complete the process. You need to be a qualified professional to handle chrome plating correctly. Moreover, to get the desired results you will need the right equipment without which you cannot expect the desired results.
2. You may not achieve the expected show quality.

If you are adamant about handling your own chrome dipping at home, you must know that you cannot guarantee the expected show quality plating. Experienced companies will dip the part multiple times in copper, nickel and then chrome. In between each step, they will buffer the part to make sure the part doesn't pit or have imperfections. This process requires a lot of equipment and chemicals. Without completing these preparatory processes, you may end up with poor quality chromium plating that could peel or chip within a short time.
3. The process involves handling of hazardous materials.

The chrome dipping process involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as chromic acid. You will need to use appropriate protective gear in order to protect yourself from exposure of these toxins. Purchasing new protective gear will certainly add to your overall chrome plating costs.
4. Disposal of the waste that you create during the process is highly regulated.

During the chrome dipping process, you will be producing toxic waste. Depending on the area, you will need to abide by the toxic waste management guidelines. There are always strict regulations regarding toxic waste management which also has a cost.
Overall, it is much simpler to send your car parts to a professional chrome plating company. The savings that you are likely to enjoy do not justify the hassles. You will be spending a considerable amount of money on the materials required for the chrome dipping process, equipment, safety gear, toxic waste management, etc. It is much more cost and time efficient to send your parts to an experienced and licensed service provider that can guarantee show quality chrome.

Why Experience Is A Key Factor In Selecting Your Chrome Bumper Restoration Company

Monday, January 05, 2015

Do you want to restore your classic car's bumper? You must have searched the web trying to find the best chrome bumper restoration company to get the job done. Are you not sure where to start or how to find a quality chrome bumper restoration company? Most people make their decision based on cost. Though cost is important, penny pinching will not provide the highest quality results for your vehicle. If you want quality work and quality chrome bumper restoration, the most important factor is the experience of your chrome bumper restoration company.

Classic cars and show cars may require special care. Attention should be given while undertaking any repair or restoration on your vintage cars. Your chrome bumper restoration company should have experience handling various model cars. This experience will enable them to understand the specialty and uniqueness of each vintage car that they are handling.

If you are focused on cost rather than the reputation of your bumper restoration company, it may cost more in the long run. If you are looking for quality chrome to achieve that show car shine, educate yourself on what the industry standard costs are. When you are screening companies, shortlist the top three companies with the highest level of experience and compare the quote among them. This way, you can have choice on the quality of the restoration job while paying the right price.

Experienced companies will be able to produce high quality chrome bumper restoration. They will also have faster turnaround times for the restoration because they will have standardized procedures in restoring the bumpers. You will be able to get the job done faster, without sacrificing quality, by sending your bumper to an experienced service provider.

Overall, experienced service providers are likely to provide better customer experience. They have experience working with and restoring different models of cars. They will also have experience with many customers and how to address their specific concerns. Select an experienced bumper restoration company and guarantee reliable chrome bumper restoration service.

Top Three Questions That You Should Ask Your Chrome Plating Company

Friday, January 02, 2015

Are you planning to send in your car bumpers or other parts of your vehicle for chrome plating? You don't have to settle for substandard chrome platers just because they are local service providers. You can send your car parts to be chrome plated in a different state or country and have them shipped back to you. Here are three important questions that you should ask your chrome platers before you remove any parts from your car.

1. How long have you been in this industry?

When you are sending in your car parts to be chrome plated, you will certainly want to make sure the shop has experience. If your chrome plating company has a respected reputation in the industry, your car parts will be plated with quality. Experienced service providers will be able to offer insight into previous jobs or customer reviews as well.

2. What type of chrome plating do you offer?

There are two major types of chrome plating. Namely, trivalent chrome plating and hexavalent chrome plating. If you want to get the best results, opt for hexavalent chrome plating. Hexavalent chrome is less susceptible to corrosion and is the highest quality chrome overall. Not all chrome platers offer hexavalent chrome plating service because of the license requirements and area regulations. Not many customers are aware that there are two types of chrome platings. Chrome platers that do not offer hexavalent chrome plating may not educate their customers about the different types of chrome plating. Be sure to educate yourself on what chrome is best for your car's needs.

3. Will my car parts be returned or will they be exchanged?

When you are sending parts to your chrome platers, you would expect them to return the same parts. However, not all chrome platers do that. Some chrome plating companies, in an effort to reduce time, try to send car parts that are not actually yours. It is important to ask whether your own car parts will be returned or will they be exchanged.

Never send your car parts before having these three important questions answered. This will ensure that you get the best chrome plating services. Your vehicle will be left looking flawless and ready for a show or the street.

Top Three Factors That Determine Your Chrome Plating Quote

Monday, December 29, 2014

Chrome plating, if done correctly, can give your favorite classic collection of cars an excellent facelift. However, there is a certainly a price to pay for it. Before sending your car parts to your chrome plating shop it is always helpful to understand the factors that affect or determine the cost. Numerous factors are taken into account when your chrome plating company is calculating the cost for the job and here are top three factors that affect your quote.

1. Total Number Of Parts To Be Plated

When you are sending your quote request to your chrome plating company make sure to clearly indicate the number of parts to be plated, giving them a complete list of parts. The first factor that affects your cost is the total number of parts. There are also indirect expenses such as the shipping expenses. If you have multiple parts the shipping expenses will also vary accordingly. Some companies will offer free shipping. You will need to take such factors into account when you are getting a quote and calculating the overall expenses for your classic or show car chrome plating.

2. Condition Of The Parts To Be Plated

This is another major factor which affects the chrome plating quote. If your car parts are in rough shape prior to plating, they will need more work. Your chrome plating company will not be able to give you an accurate quote until they see the actual condition of your car parts. You need to keep this factor in mind when you are getting an online quote for your chrome plating needs. When you receive the quote read all the fine prints so that you are not misled by the initial quote. Typically most companies will call again with a more accurate quote once they have received and examined the part.

3. Material That Needs To Be Plating

Not many people realize that the chrome plating costs are also affected by the type of material that needs to be plated. For example, pot metal is a challenging material to plate. It may cost more because it will require more work and perhaps more plating layers in order to create a smooth finish. When you are sending your quote request make sure to clearly specify the material the parts are made of so that your chrome plating company can give you a more accurate quote.

When you receive your quote, spend time in understanding it. Look for what the quote covers and what it does not cover. Always leave room for some variation in the initial quote that you received and the actual quote that you get when you send the car parts. Carefully screen your chrome plating company and work only with experienced and reputed service providers so that you get the best value for your money.

Five Important Factors To Consider While Selecting The Best Chrome Plating Shop

Friday, December 19, 2014

There are many chrome plating shops in the industry and selecting the right chrome plating shop for your needs is important. How do you select the right chrome plating shop when they all claim to be the best in the industry? Here are five important factors to consider when you are selecting your chrome plating shop.

1. Reputation Of Your Chrome Plating Shop

Any company can make great promises but the question is whether all those promises are being kept. You will need to identify chrome plating shops that actually live up to their promises of quality. A respected reputation in the industry could be earned only by offering consistent quality services to the customers. Pay attention to customers comments and reviews to decipher which companies have a respected reputation in the industry.

2. Experience

The experience of the chrome plating shop counts a great deal. Look for companies that have been in the industry for several years so you can be sure that the your part is plated by experienced professionals. The overall quality of the plating will depend on the experience of the chrome plating shop.

3. Customer Service

This is another important area to be taken into account before sending your car parts to a chrome shop. Do they have a friendly team that care about quality? Is your chrome plating shop ready to answer your queries? Do you get prompt responses from your chrome plating company? Dealing with a company that places importance on great customer service can make this process enjoyable and exciting. This type of company will take care of your part and if any complications arise, they will be willing to fix it until you are satisfied.

4. Are They Capable Of Offering The Chrome or Finish You Want?

The highest quality chrome is hexavalent which has a higher resistance to erosion. Some companies do not offer this and work only with trivalent chrome. Be sure that you research which chrome is best for you and the look you are hoping for. There are three popular finishes namely Blasted, Bright and Brushed. Is your chrome plating shop equipped enough to offer the finish that you want? This is a very important factor to be clarified before you send your car parts for chrome plating. Never send in your car parts before confirming that your service provider can guarantee the chrome and finish you want.

5. Cost

The quote for chrome plating will vary from one company to another. Is your chrome plating shop reasonably priced? What type of chrome plating are you being offered for the price you pay? Is it trivalent chrome plating, hexavalent chrome plating with triple-plating? Are you interested in flawless show chrome or a more affordable option for the daily driver? Make sure to have all these factors confirmed before agreeing on the quote.


Chrome Platers: Car-Plating Procedure and Tips

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Chrome plating helps your vehicle look a bit more aesthetically pleasing. However, it is not only used for the sake of appearance. It contributes to the general maintenance of your vehicle in many ways. For instance, before chrome platers begin the actual plating work, a bumper that might be badly impaired will undergo some tinkering in order to bring it back to its normal condition. Plating has the ability to cover a substantial amount of vehicular repair, depending upon the extent of the damage and the recovery required for the plating process.

Chrome Dipping - The General Process

For most of the restoration work, it is advisable to hire professional platers. With the right kind of tools and chemicals, platers will be able to handle the process efficiently. The complete tool kit includes plating material, alkaline cleaner, acid pickle, and chrome stripper, among others. The procedural set up involves separate preparation of the electrolyte tank along with proportionately prepared electrolytes. The size of the electrolyte tank will depend on the kind of spares put for plating. Chrome dipping will have a temperature range different from copper, nickel, aluminum and other plating materials. Your plating expert will be able to tell you the exact range required for the process.

Attention to detail is key for effective plating. For the process to have the proper effect, pre-procedural cleaning is extremely important. Before placing the spares within the tank, it is essential to ensure that all of the parts are devoid of dirt and grease. The alkaline cleaner mentioned earlier is used for this process. With this, the plater may rid the parts of grease, grime, and other stubborn deposits. For stripping the spares of rust and paint, the user may opt for electro-cleaning, buffing, or bead blasting. Personal protection is of paramount importance when conducting Street Chrome plating, as even the slightest contact with grease will cause the plating to chip off at a later stage.

The next step is the pickling stage. The specific amount of time required for pickling depends on the plating material. Some platers prefer dry acids for the process while some may opt for alternatives, such as HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) or vinegar. The actual plating begins during this stage. The base that was prepared will determine the quality of the outcome of flatting, buffing, polishing, and other supplementary processes included under Show Chrome.

Premium services such as Concourse Chrome may include high-end processing for multiple plating. Some services include singular coats with nickel and copper, followed by a finished coating of chrome. If the spare part shows serious damage, the plater may have to weld it for reshaping and sandblast it before proceeding with the chrome coating. Spare parts (such as door handles) may require a more customized plating process, due to the fact that the handle comprises an alloy of multiple metals. Some experts suggest alternative methods such as sand blasting for these, in order to save the surface from peeling off. In case of conspicuous dents and cracks, address the issue with an expert plater, for the process may vary from the standard protocol. Professionals will be better equipped to conduct decorative chrome plating to add to the beauty quotient of your car. Considering the rarity of such services, it is a relief to find selected reputable platforms that conduct such meticulous procedures with utmost care and attention.


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