Can you chrome plastic?

[carlos]

Any ideas guys?
Can you chrome plastic?

My oil pump cover still looks silly and I need a solution

[kwack10]

Dont think you can chrome plastic

But i have seen chrome spray paint in halfords , never used it so dont know how good it would look or last probably crap ;D ;D

[carlos]

www.carls-rd125lc.co.uk/gallery22.html

Spoke to Norbo, he said he used to have alloy covers, but hasn't anymore!
The link above takes you to a picture of my engine casings, hense the problem!

I'll have a go with the spray stuff from Halfords, got a spare couple of covers so we'll see what happens

[carlos]

Found this on the net...........

Chrome plating of plastic is significantly more difficult than performing the same operation on a metal, but it will provide excellent results when the right process is utilised. Due to the chrome plating process requiring the part to be electrically conductive, a series of steps are required before the chrome can be deposited onto the surface of the product.

The first step to be carried out is to etch the surface with a chemical so that the subsequent layers of nickel and chromium will adhere. A large proportion of plastic parts that will be chrome plated will be moulded from ABS as this gives a very good surface finish to plate onto. ABS is also used because the butadiene molecules on the surface of the material can be chemically removed. This removal of butadiene molecules leave microscopic undercuts in the surface of the ABS and this acts as a very good key onto which the first layer can be attached .

The next process that will be carried out is to attach a layer of nickel (with a catalyst) onto the surface of the part. This layer of nickel will be what becomes electrically conductive and allows the chrome to be electroplated to it. This layer is applied by means of dipping the product. The key that was put into the surface of the part will ensure the nickel remains attached when the part is removed from the bath.

Once the layer of nickel has dried the part can be plated by electroplating. This involves applying a negative charge to the part being plated and dipping it into a solution of the metal it is to be plated with, which has a positive charge. The positively charged metallic ions are attracted to the negatively charged part and once they come into contact with the part they revert back to their metallic form again. The part is removed from the solution and left to cool.

[kwack10]

Found this on tinternet
www.motorcycle.co.uk/lists/Paint.html -

look down list till you find Chromapart ltd

Mite be of some help ;D


EDIT. Just had a look and i dont think it will help at all

[mellow]

i was just gonna say all that above

[carlos]

I had the foot rest hangers, fork legs, and top yolk polished, and they looked great, so I just carried on from there!

Might have to just put the covers on and put up with it!