Chrome plating is one of the most original wheel design solutions. Such discs are distinguished not only by their excellent appearance, but also by their durability. This procedure is mainly carried out in auto repair shops, but it can also be done at home.
Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the discs in advance. To do this, sand and polish. Achieve the perfect surface, because after chrome plating, all imperfections and flaws will be even more noticeable. Degrease the surface after polishing. Use organic solvents or alkaline solutions, which must be heated initially. Pay special attention to this step, the durability and quality of the chromium application depends on it.
Step 2
Apply a layer of cohesive primer to the disc, which, after drying, will leave a translucent glassy coating on the surface. Make sure that there are no smudges. There can be several layers, it all depends on how quickly the surface becomes evenly covered. Wait for the soil to dry completely, which is about 1-2 hours at a temperature of 60-65 ° C. At home, you will have to wait about 7-8 hours. If the part is complex, then carry out the metallization only the next day after priming.
Step 3
Use a special spray gun to rinse the product with distilled water. After that, apply a special solution to the disc, in which reductants and chromium are mixed, and rinse again. Start metallizing at the bottom, and work your way up to the top as a mirrored finish forms. Remove residual water with compressed air using an air gun.
Step 4
Dry the part for half an hour at 40 ° C, and at room temperature, the drying time increases to 3 hours. Then apply several coats of protective varnish. The first coats are spray coats; use a small amount of the compound to apply them. Add some dye pigment toners to the varnish to give the discs the appearance of copper, bronze or gold. Remember to apply another coat of protective varnish after this.
