Chrome Plating UK

[Erni902]

Just got a few parts priced up for being Chrome Plated. I was just wondering if this is a generally expensive thing to have done in comparison to having parts powder coated?

Also if anyone knows of anyone that does this service in the UK and has a good reputation that would be great.

[adaxo]

AFAIK proper chrome plating its very expensive, my mate wanted to have his classic rover v8 bumpers done and it was a few grand job so he's give up.

[Erni902]

Ok thats cool cheers Adam, so £240 for the front strut brace and turbo Y pipe sounds about right then.

[adaxo]

Tbh I would expect to be a little bit more, but still dear imo

[Erni902]

Yeah fair enough. Not sure yet what to do with those bits but I have plenty of time to decide.

[SGHOM]

I have a mate who maybe able to help with a one off powder coating

[Pugme]

Rikki, post pics and details when if you have this done.

I may get my new dishes done when my wheels arrive. I was going to go for polished lips but because I run spiked split rim bolts. Polishing will be hazardous to say the least so plating is a good option.

[PJA]

My two penneth -
avoid Ashford Chroming at all costs. Absolutely dreadful outfit. The drawn out stress across several months I had with them is untold.
Tempting on the basis they offer mail order service, but save yourself the hassle and try to find someone closer to home. There are still a good number of approachable businesses tucked away it is just a case of finding them.

Chroming is always going to be prohibitively expensive as it requires a considerable amount more prep work / labour than powder coat. The surface finish before plating needs to be near perfect or the imperfections will show through.
powdercoat however is a much thicker coating and will lessen imperfections rather than draw them out.

Have you seen the latest "chrome" powdercoats? Ok not the same depth of shine, but still ruddy lovely.

[Erni902]

@PJA Phillip many thanks for the advice there. I must say I was tempted by Ashford as they do the chrome plating in Northampton (where I am) but couldnt find an address for their unit here to have it priced up. I must say I havent seen the chrome powder coat I shall have a search.

[Confused]

Yes, chrome plating is an absolutely horrible finish to get right - and as has been said, the prep work required is phenomenal - hence the expensive costs.

Also, it is very prone to tarnishing and pitting (especially if the prep was not good enough) - not ideal when you've spent a lot of money for it in the first place!


It's certainly not something I would ever consider! Whilst chrome can look nice, it is a pain in the backside - I would pick an alternative colour scheme, personally!

[2700gavin]

I have already had mine done at Vernon Moss in Brighouse. I posted some pics possibly 5 months ago or a bit longer. I posted them in the pics section. I think mine were cheaper than that as well.

[2700gavin]

Post was 20/12/14 , under New Shiney Bits

[Erni902]

@2700gavin I think I actually remember reading that thread now. How are they looking now 9 months on? Still as shiny as ever?

[TAR]

How about this place?
http://www.lpcplating.co.uk/

Never used them but they are relatively local to your dad I think.

[2700gavin]

@2700gavin I think I actually remember reading that thread now. How are they looking now 9 months on? Still as shiny as ever?

Hi mate, still ok , no issues at all. The guy at vernon said to seal the back of the strut brace due to the joints on the back, but no issues so far.