Chrome Plating Service?

[phantomracer]

I need to have some parts chrome plated, as they have seen better days.

Can't seem to find anyone that knows how to do chrome plating for use on a boat.

Any suggestions? Preferably in the MA/RI area, but can be anywhere in the US, as the parts are small enough to ship (couple blocks, and various other small parts)

Any vendors you can recommend?

Thanks

[model 10]

By saying "marine" do you mean plating the parts with copper, nickel then chrome? Your car bumper might only have copper and chrome. Several shops around Portland, Or. do hard chrome. You know of course that the more you send them the better price you will get. Just a few small parts will be expensive.

[phantomracer]

I mean the coating that will be pretty and survive being on a boat. Unsure of the differences in the different coatings.

I have several parts from my Blake's Baby head that need new chrome and a couple origininal to the boat (1968 ) cheek blocks

Cost is secondary to quality and durability.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[model 10]

Then search for "hard chrome plating".

[hellosailor]

Paul-
Look for your local Harley Davidson motorcycle dealer. Bikers are always having custom chrome work done, they'll know who (or IF) there's a plating shop near you. For "marine" work you mainly want to find out how many coats, how thick, etc. they are doing and make sure they will be plating as heavily as you want.
You can also sometimes save some money, if you are not in a rush, by having your parts plated with whatever "the next batch" is, as opposed to "I need it tomorrow".

Because of EPA regulations and nasty chemicals, plating shops have gotten harder to find, but they're still around.

[a64pilot]

Bike shops will send it out for "decorative chrome" which is far more pleasing to look at, but if you want wear resistance and chemical resistance, you want hard chrome, which is not quite as pretty, but will last longer.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Bike shops will send it out for "decorative chrome" which is far more pleasing to look at, but if you want wear resistance and chemical resistance, you want hard chrome, which is not quite as pretty, but will last longer.

I think the "pretty" comes from how much buffing they do to the surfaces. If you want hard chrome to shine, tell them.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Bike shops will send it out for "decorative chrome" which is far more pleasing to look at, but if you want wear resistance and chemical resistance, you want hard chrome, which is not quite as pretty, but will last longer.

What does a new chrome sheet winch come with, hard chrome?

After 26 years mine are just starting to look a little worn.

Pete

[a64pilot]

I wouldn't be surprised if winches weren't both, but I don't know, this explains better than I can.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_plating

[a64pilot]

A much better link, I'm learning myself here
http://www.finishing.com/faqs/chrome.html

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Pete7

What does a new chrome sheet winch come with, hard chrome?

After 26 years mine are just starting to look a little worn.

Pete

I have several different brands and the Harkens looks great. The Lewmar has worn through at the self tailer in just a few years and the Barlow's chrome looks to be failing but it's old.
There are many variables in the process and they can give you a bomb proof coating or one that will not hold up in marine use. You get what you pay for. It's kind of complicated but these shops can lay it out for you.

[phantomracer]

awesome information.. has anyone actually had this type of work done and can recommend a shop?

[mike d.]

Check out Circle Finishing in Newburyport! They anodize and the brother runs the rechroming/chroming part of it small parts only, like what you want!!!

[Blue Stocking]

When I gutted and re-built Bluestocking 20 yrs ago, I had every single chrome part stripped and triple plated, i.e. Ni, Cu, and buffed chromed. That was here in Bermuda. My point is, don't take the cheap road if you want it to look good in 20 yrs, as mine does.

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

When I gutted and re-built Bluestocking 20 yrs ago, I had every single chrome part stripped and triple plated, i.e. Ni, Cu, and buffed chromed. That was here in Bermuda. My point is, don't take the cheap road if you want it to look good in 20 yrs, as mine does.

Thats the point.. want the best quality done. the previous work was done very poorly.. which is why I am trying to get the best practice and quality work done