Chrome plated rims can give any car an eye-catching, shiny, and luxurious look. But chrome plating is an intricate process that requires specialized equipment, materials, and expertise. So how much does it actually cost to chrome plate a set of rims?

The Cost of Chrome Plating Car Rims

In general, chrome plating costs range from $50 to over $100 per square foot. However, many factors go into determining the final cost of chrome plating a set of custom rims.

Size and Design of the Rims

One of the biggest factors is the size and complexity of the rims. Larger rims with intricate designs take more time, labor, and materials to chrome plate.

For example, a basic steel 14” rim with a simple design may only cost $50-60 to chrome plate. But a large 24” alloy rim with an intricate split-spoke design could cost $100 or more per rim to chrome plate due to the extra work involved.

So the more complex the design, the higher the plating cost.

Type of Metal

The type of metal the rims are made from also impacts the chrome plating price.

Some metals like steel or aluminum are relatively affordable to chrome plate. But more exotic metals like titanium or magnesium often cost more to plate due to requiring different chemicals and processes.

So exotic metal alloys will typically be at the higher end of the cost range, while common metals like steel are at the lower end.

Quality of Plating

There are different grades and quality levels of chrome plating. A basic “show chrome” finish may be less expensive, while a triple-plated “mirror finish” will cost more to achieve that flawless, ultra-reflective surface.

The higher the quality of plating, the more work required and the higher the cost.

Additional Services

Added services like polishing, repairing damage or curb rash on the wheels, coloring the chrome, or adding custom engraving will also increase the total plating cost.

Any extra work beyond the basic plating service will add to the final price.

The Chrome Plating Process

To understand what goes into chrome plating rims and why it costs what it does, it helps to look at the detailed process:

Step 1: Prepping the Rims

The rims must be thoroughly cleaned and polished to create a smooth surface for the chrome to adhere to. Any scratches, rust, or damage are repaired at this stage too.

This prep work ensures proper chrome adhesion and a flawless finish.

Step 2: Copper Plating

The wheels are submerged in a copper electrolytic solution. An electric current bonds a layer of copper onto the metal.

The copper layer helps the chrome adhere firmly to the base metal.

Step 3: Nickel Plating

The rims are then plated with a layer of nickel which acts as a barrier between the copper and chrome. This prevents the copper from causing the chrome to take on a yellowish tint over time.

The nickel layer helps maintain the bright, bluish luster of the chrome finish.

Step 4: Chrome Plating

The rims are finally submerged in a chrome electrolyte bath and electroplated with the layer of chrome, giving them the signature shiny mirror finish.

Multiple layers of chrome may be applied for a deeper, more lustrous effect.

Step 5: Polishing and Sealing

Lastly, the chrome rims are meticulously polished by hand to remove any tiny flaws and give a flawless reflective surface. A clear sealant is applied to protect the finish from tarnishing or oxidation.

Polishing and sealing help maintain the chrome’s brilliant mirror shine.

Key Cost Factors of Chrome Plating Rims

Based on the plating process, we can see several factors that contribute to the overall cost:

Labor: There are many manual steps like polishing, repairing flaws, and meticulous quality checks. The extensive labor time involved factors into the price.
Materials: From the metals like copper, nickel, and chromium to the electrical, chemical, and polishing supplies, material costs add up.
Equipment: The plating tanks, electrical supplies, and polishing tools represent major equipment investments for plating shops. This overhead is passed onto the customer.
Expertise: Qualified technicians with the skills and experience to properly chrome plate intricate parts like rims command higher salaries that influence pricing.
Quality: The more intricate and lengthy the plating process, the higher the quality, and cost. Multi-layer plating, for example, takes more materials, time, and expertise.

Cost Range for Chrome Plating Popular Rim Sizes and Styles

To give an idea of how size, design, and other factors can affect plating prices, here are some estimates for popular rim types and sizes:

Basic 14” Steel Wheel: $50-60 per rim
18” Alloy Wheel: $70-90 per rim
20” Intricate Custom Alloy Wheel: $100-120 per rim
22” Exotic Forged Alloy Rim: $130-150 per rim
24” Intricate Multi-Piece Forged Rim: $150-200+ per rim
26″ Large Truck Rim (steel) – $250 to $300

These prices are general guidelines only – actual costs will vary depending on the individual shop, geographic location, and any special requirements.

Larger, more complex, exotic metal, and custom rims will be at the higher end of the range, while smaller and simpler steel wheels will fall on the lower end.

Additional Cost Factors to Consider

Beyond the plating service itself, there are a few other costs to factor in:

Preparation/Polishing – While many plating shops handle the prep work, some may charge extra to get the rims properly cleaned and polished before plating. This could be an additional $50-$100.
Removal/Reinstallation – You’ll need to remove the rims from your vehicle and have them reinstalled after plating. A tire shop will charge labor fees for this – usually $50-$100 total.
Shipping – If you can’t bring the rims directly to the plater, you’ll need to ship them both ways. This could be $30+ each way depending on distance.

So make sure to account for these incidental costs in your budget if they apply.

Tips for Saving on Chrome Plating

While chrome plating is not a cheap process, there are some ways to potentially save on costs:

Ask about any current specials or discounts a plating shop may be offering.
Go with a simpler rim design with less spokes or intricacies to reduce labor time.
Choose basic “show chrome” rather than higher-grade mirror finishes.
Provide your own rims to avoid any wheel supply charges.
Shop around between plating companies to compare rates.
Consider grouping multiple rims together for a possible bulk discount.

Is Chrome Plating Worth the Investment?

Despite the considerable cost, many car enthusiasts still believe chrome rims are a valuable investment:

A flawless chrome finish can drastically transform the look of a car.
Chrome adds a touch of prestige and luxury to any vehicle.
Properly plated and maintained, the finish will last for years.
The shiny finish makes cleaning and keeping rims looking their best easier.

For many, the higher upfront cost is justified by the huge visual impact and durability of properly plated chrome rims. Taking care of regular cleaning and maintenance will help extend the brilliant mirror finish as long as possible.

So for those seeking instant curb appeal and the timeless gleam of chrome, plating a set of rims is still considered a smart upgrade by many auto aficionados.

Consult the Experts for an Accurate Quote

The amount of variables involved means it’s impossible to give an exact universal price for chrome plating. The easiest way to get an accurate quote for a set of rims is to:

Contact reputable local plating shops for current rate estimates.
Provide them with the exact details of your rims – size, design, metal, etc.
Specify the grade and quality of plating finish desired.
Request a written quote accounting for all parts, labor, and services.

This will provide the closest estimate to the true cost of professionally chrome plating your specific set of rims.

The investment in properly chrome plated rims pays dividends in added curb appeal, visual impact, and longevity. With some smart shopping and care, brilliant chrome rims can stay shining bright for years down the road.