polishing before chrome plating

[jimcarry]

Re: polishing before chrome plating

I am trying to understand this. From what i have read you have to sand and then polish the part you want to chrome? Why wouldn't you just levae it polished after all of that work?

All ways remember the best finish you start with is the best finish you will end up with

[mcaswell]

That's right. It's a bit more complicated than that, depending on what metal your plating onto and which kit you have, but the key to a good plated finish is the preparation.

Plating won't hide any blemishes and the finished product depends on the state of the metal before plating. If you plate a dull, unpolished part, the plating will be dull and flat. If you plate a highly polished part, the plating will look bright.

[fosgate99]

so you are supposed to polish the part to a chrome shine and then dip it?

[mcaswell]

Because bare metal oxidizes. The polished look doesn't stay that way for very long.

[fosgate99]

I am trying to understand this. From what i have read you have to sand and then polish the part you want to chrome? Why wouldn't you just levae it polished after all of that work?