Chrome 101
To understand how to properly care for your chrome, it's helpful to know a little about the plating process. Before the first layer of metal touches the part, it is stripped of all surface dirt, paint, powder coating or annodizing. The surface is then prepared by polishing and grinding if necessary. The smoother the surface the better the piece will plate and the smoother the chromed surface will look.
The first step in the plating process is a dip in the copper tank. Copper acts as a primer by providing a bond between the base metal and the nickel. The copper also starts filling out any imperfections in the metal surface. Copper will not fill holes but it gives us a surface we can polish out and remove minor pitting.
The second layer is nickel. Nickel is the thickest and most important layer of the plating process. When you see a chromed piece of metal, you are actually seeing the nickel. It is the silver color that you see and it provides corrosion resistance to the part.
Chrome is the third and final layer of the plating process. But why do we need chrome if what we see is the nickel? Because the chrome acts as a clear coat for the nickel. It gives the part the classic mirror finish and also prevents the nickel from tarnishing.
Taking Care of Your Chrome
1. Most Important: KEEP IT CLEAN!!!!!!
Leaving your chrome dirty for long periods of time sets your parts up for corrosion. We recommend using a dish washing liquid and a soft rag to clean your chrome. After washing your chrome, use a soft rag to dry it. Your chrome will stay beautiful for a very long time by simply keeping it clean.
2. DO NOT use abrasive chrome polishes. Chrome plating is tough but remember, the chrome layer is thin. You can rub it right off by using an abrasive polish. (See "Why is my chrome turning yellow?" on the FAQ's page)
Stick with soap and water.
3. WAX your chrome. Use any car wax every couple of months to seal the chrome against moisture.
TIP: When installing new chrome, DO NOT over-tighten anything against the chrome. In places like the wheel, calipers and where the rotor meets the hub, it is possible to crack the chrome plating. Please take care and do not over-tighten.
To understand how to properly care for your chrome, it's helpful to know a little about the plating process. Before the first layer of metal touches the part, it is stripped of all surface dirt, paint, powder coating or annodizing. The surface is then prepared by polishing and grinding if necessary. The smoother the surface the better the piece will plate and the smoother the chromed surface will look.
The first step in the plating process is a dip in the copper tank. Copper acts as a primer by providing a bond between the base metal and the nickel. The copper also starts filling out any imperfections in the metal surface. Copper will not fill holes but it gives us a surface we can polish out and remove minor pitting.
The second layer is nickel. Nickel is the thickest and most important layer of the plating process. When you see a chromed piece of metal, you are actually seeing the nickel. It is the silver color that you see and it provides corrosion resistance to the part.
Chrome is the third and final layer of the plating process. But why do we need chrome if what we see is the nickel? Because the chrome acts as a clear coat for the nickel. It gives the part the classic mirror finish and also prevents the nickel from tarnishing.
Taking Care of Your Chrome
1. Most Important: KEEP IT CLEAN!!!!!!
Leaving your chrome dirty for long periods of time sets your parts up for corrosion. We recommend using a dish washing liquid and a soft rag to clean your chrome. After washing your chrome, use a soft rag to dry it. Your chrome will stay beautiful for a very long time by simply keeping it clean.
2. DO NOT use abrasive chrome polishes. Chrome plating is tough but remember, the chrome layer is thin. You can rub it right off by using an abrasive polish. (See "Why is my chrome turning yellow?" on the FAQ's page)
Stick with soap and water.
3. WAX your chrome. Use any car wax every couple of months to seal the chrome against moisture.
TIP: When installing new chrome, DO NOT over-tighten anything against the chrome. In places like the wheel, calipers and where the rotor meets the hub, it is possible to crack the chrome plating. Please take care and do not over-tighten.
