Chrome plating plastic parts

[Kent S.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

I used this place many years ago to re-chrome a 69 Chevelle dash.

http://www.cvvacuumplaters.com/

Turned out great, two week turn around.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Jerry:
Caswell plating does indeed offer a way to chrome plate plastic. The problem is that if you don't have a lot to do it is quite expensive. Terry- it is actually electroplating. I have done it many times on emergency brake handles and other plastic parts. First you need to make the part conductive. This is done with "Silvaspray"- a silver rich paint that you spray on with an airbrush. It cost about $100 for an 8 ounce can (YIKES). then you need to plate acid copper so it is smooth and buffed to a high shine. Then you plate with "Copy Chrome". Not practical for one part but results are excellent.
Jeff

[Terry M.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

I see how the Caswell system works. The key to the Caswell system is the electrically conductive coating that one applies first. The strength of all the later coats depend on the bond of that first material to the substrate. Of course that is true in the vacuum metalizing method also.

My comments were not based on any personal experience -- just repeating what I was told years ago -- probably before the Caswell system existed. I'm pleased the system works for you, and those looking for advice will benefit from your direct experience.

As I said earlier it is to our benefit to have the choice of different methods to accomplish the same end.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Jeff,

I looked into the Caswell system for plating on plastic. Probably not worth it, for a few chips in a 67 plastic lighter knob.

One would probably have to strip the whole top of the knob to get a match, and the prep alone would probably ruin the knob. Wish there was a paint that could be used to just touch up a few chrome chips.

Anyone know how they plated the outside of the original 67 plastic knobs back then, and retained the black plastic ring in the inside? All the repros seem to be cast metal instead of plastic.

Regards

[Jean C.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

At the first Aussie Chapter Meet held at Murray's (2005?), late in the day a fellow driving a C4 stopped by to say hello. I recall it was a green car and 100% of the car was surely way cleaner than it was when it rolled off the line in BG. Also unlike the way it left BG, there were many small chrome plated bits and pieces in the underhood area, some of which I understood were plastic. Any Aussie Chapter member remember the car and care to comment?
Best regards,

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Terry:
I know of othr commercial manufacturers that have chromed plastic parts and they use basically the same system- coat or paint the plastic with conductive coating then plate. Unfortunately I never could get the "secret formula" of their base coating. Caswell also offers a copper paint for the base coat which I have tried and I don't like it.
Jeff

[Paul J.]

Re: Chrome plating plastic parts

Scott:

On the TV show "Trucks", the dash on the truck giveaway (Project HRT) is chrome plated fiberglass. I believe that it was done by Advanced Plating of Nashville, TN (www.advancedplating.com).

Paul