Chrome plating

[2THDIVR]

I have a long yoke with a shiny chrome finish.
Is there any way to make it a satin finish, without replating.
Some way that will not destroy the protection properties of the plating (used mostly salt water).

Thanks
Scott

[JES]

Send a PM to Douchebag. If anyone knows, he will.

[rdsmith66]

Since the actual appearance of the chrome is determined by the type of finish applied to the underlying nickel layer, at a minimum you would need to strip and replate to chrome layer. My guess would be to strip the chrome, apply a satin finish to the nickel, and rechrome. This should explain the process of stripping chrome a little more clearly than I can:

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/strippingkit.html

Ralph

[captain]

If done carefully glass bead blasting can produce a similar dull finish.

[Douchebag]

If done carefully glass bead blasting can produce a similar dull finish.

...if done on steel. The nickel plating is considerably harder than steel (350HV vs. 140HV) and much much thinner. To get the same finish would either strip the finish in the first blast (high psi) or your arm would fall off from fatigue (low to mid psi).

To get the satin finish would necessitate the stripping of the chrome. Before you strip it yourself be careful. Caswell's gear is aimed towards a zero waste facility. Meaning whatever you strip should ALWAYS be with you and never thrown away, never dumped. Cradle to grave. Just 8oz of chromic acid on the ground will poison the aquafir for a 1/2 mile radius. The EPA can and will trace the dumping to your drain through the sewer pipes. And if that happens, sign up for as much overtime as you can get...you'll need it to pay lawyers.

To get the satin finish, strip the chrome and then....well my process is a secret.

[Bryan]

If done carefully glass bead blasting can produce a similar dull finish.

I did this with some bike parts in a cabinet sandblaster and it was ok...I have also used a scotch brite pad and knocked the shine off of chrome....Several years ago I tried a Casewell chrome plating kit....At least for me it was a big waste of time and money. It was frustrating and the results sucked. Then I had to pay a HazMat disposal fee....Manifest listed Illinois as it's final destination

[Bryan]

If done carefully glass bead blasting can produce a similar dull finish.

I did this with some bike parts in a cabinet sandblaster and it was ok...I have also used a scotch brite pad and knocked the shine off of chrome....Several years ago I tried a Casewell chrome plating kit....At least for me it was a big waste of time and money. It was frustrating and the results sucked. Then I had to pay a HazMat disposal fee....Manifest listed Illinois as it's final destination

[rdsmith66]

I really only posted the Caswell link to explain what's involved, rather than to advocate a particular product. I've never used it myself, although I have used their electroless nickel process on some firearms bits to good effect.

[captain]

If done carefully glass bead blasting can produce a similar dull finish.

...if done on steel. The nickel plating is considerably harder than steel (350HV vs. 140HV) and much much thinner. To get the same finish would either strip the finish in the first blast (high psi) or your arm would fall off from fatigue (low to mid psi).

To get the satin finish would necessitate the stripping of the chrome. Before you strip it yourself be careful. Caswell's gear is aimed towards a zero waste facility. Meaning whatever you strip should ALWAYS be with you and never thrown away, never dumped. Cradle to grave. Just 8oz of chromic acid on the ground will poison the aquafir for a 1/2 mile radius. The EPA can and will trace the dumping to your drain through the sewer pipes. And if that happens, sign up for as much overtime as you can get...you'll need it to pay lawyers.

To get the satin finish, strip the chrome and then....well my process is a secret.

I have done it on a yoke and it works, carefully is the key

[2THDIVR]

Thanks for all the info.
Have some old Dacors that I will play with before attempting the yoke.

Thanks
Scott

[DaleC]

Thanks for all the info.
Have some old Dacors that I will play with before attempting the yoke.

Thanks
Scott

"I get no respect" Mr Dacor.