Chrome plating bicycle parts can transform the look of your bike, adding a brilliant mirror-like shine that will make your bicycle stand out. While chrome plating can restore vintage bikes or give modern ones a unique custom appearance, it requires careful consideration to achieve the best results.

Understanding the Multi-Step Chrome Plating Process

Chrome plating involves several stages to prepare the parts, apply chrome, and finish them to a brilliant shine. Each step is crucial for proper adhesion and an attractive, durable finish.

Surface Preparation

This key step entails stripping old paint or rust and thoroughly cleaning and polishing the parts. Any contaminants left on the surface can cause flaws and uneven plating [1].

Common preparation methods include:

Media blasting with glass beads or aluminum oxide to remove old coatings and corrosion.
Chemical stripping baths to dissolve paints or varnish. Caustic or acid solutions are used depending on the original coating.
Polishing with abrasives like emery cloth and fine wet sandpaper to smooth surfaces.

Parts may also be heated or immersed in a chromate bath to clean the metal and improve corrosion resistance [2]. Proper preparation results in a pristine surface for chrome application.

Copper Plating

Once stripped and polished, steel parts undergo copper plating prior to chrome plating. The thin layer of copper allows the chrome to adhere properly [1].

The parts are immersed in a copper electrolyte solution and electric current applied to deposit copper onto the parts. Adjusting the current and timing controls the copper layer thickness.

Nickel Plating

Next, a layer of nickel is applied over the copper. Nickel provides a smooth surface for chrome plating, filling in any minor pits or imperfections [2].

The parts are immersed in a nickel electrolyte bath while an electric current deposits the nickel layer. Like copper plating, the current and duration are controlled to achieve the desired thickness.

Chrome Plating

Finally, the parts undergo chrome electroplating by immersing them in a chrome plating solution containing chromic acid while applying an electric current [3].

The current causes chrome to adhere onto the nickel layer, building up the shiny chrome finish. Plating time can range from 20 minutes to several hours depending on the desired thickness. The resulting chrome layer is typically 0.2 to 2 mils thick [4].

Finishing

Once plated, the parts may be polished again lightly with a buffing wheel to maximize shine. A final chromate dip can also add corrosion protection and tint the chrome a blue or yellow hue [2]. The parts are then ready for installation on your bike.

Key Considerations for Vintage Bicycle Frames

While chrome plating can restore vintage bicycles to their former luster, special care must be taken with older thin-walled steel frames. The tubing may be too fragile for the stresses of chrome plating.

Assessing Tubing Strength

Examine the tubing thickness, especially on the main tubes and rear stays. Very thin tubing under 0.7mm may not withstand chrome plating stresses [5]. The metal may become warped or damaged.

Check for existing rust pitting or wear which compromises tube strength. Extensive corrosion damage presents too much risk of failure during plating.

Safer Parts to Plate on Vintage Bikes

Certain parts are usually safe to plate on vintage frames [5]:

Fork blades
Rear forkends and dropouts
Head lugs and fork crown
Head tube and bottom bracket shell
Handlebars and stem

These areas tend to have thicker tubing and are less prone to damage during plating.

Best Practice for Plating Vintage Frames

Consult with the chrome shop about frame condition and only plate the safest areas. Remove all components to protect bearings, threads and precision surfaces from plating damage.

Use lower current levels and shorter duration to minimize risks. Expect to pay more for extra care and handling. Vintage frames may only tolerate 0.2 to 0.5 mil chrome thickness versus 2 mils on modern frames [5].

With the right precautions, selective chrome plating can restore vintage frame highlights without risking damage. But for compromised vintage tubing, consider nickel plating as a safer alternative.

Cost Factors for Chrome Plating Bicycle Parts

Chrome plating involves intensive labor, making it one of the more expensive bike finishing options. However, the brilliant shine and durability make it a worthwhile investment for many cyclists.

Labor Costs

Labor accounts for up to 70% of chrome plating costs [6]. The extensive polishing, stripping, masking and buffing is time-consuming and skill-intensive.

The number of parts and their complexity will increase labor time and costs. Expect to pay more for plating an entire frame versus just selected components.

Base Metal and Processing

The underlying metal affects plating difficulty and cost. Steel is the most straightforward to plate because it readily accepts copper, nickel and chrome layers [6].

More challenging metals like stainless steel, aluminum and pot metals require special zinc undercoating and processes to achieve proper adhesion, adding cost.

Part Size and Quantity

Economies of scale come into play, where plating large quantities of similar parts reduces per-unit costs. Plating individual custom parts or small batches costs more per piece versus production runs [6].

Larger parts also require more chemicals and materials to plate. So a bike frame will cost more than plating handlebars, for example.

Quality Level

Higher standards of workmanship, precision and flaw elimination bump costs up even further, as discussed next.

Street Quality vs Show Quality Plating

Chrome shops offer different quality levels depending on your priorities – economical street quality or flawless show quality.

Street Quality Chrome Plating

This provides attractive chrome plating economically by focusing on overall appearance rather than perfection [7]. Expect:

Occasional small flaws and pinholes
Minor orange peel texture
Subtle inconsistencies in finish

Street plating works well for bike parts that get handled and worn like handlebars, hubs and cranksets. The small flaws are less noticeable and won’t affect durability.

Show Quality Chrome Plating

This aims for a flawless “piano black” mirror finish by meticulously addressing every pinhole and imperfection [7]. Expect:

Intensive hand polishing and buffing
Multiple plating layers to fill the slightest pinhole
Each part examined and corrected

Show plating is favored for visual impact on less handled areas like frames and rims. The perfect finish makes bikes stand out in shows and collections. But the costs are 50-100% higher than street plating.

Finding the Right Chrome Plating Shop for Your Bike

Not all chrome facilities have experience with bicycles. Seek out specialists who understand the nuances of plating thin bike tubing and small parts.

Look for Bike-Specific Experience

Ask shops about their background with bicycle parts. Do they understand the intricacies of working on vintage frames?

Do they regularly plate bike components or mostly handle industrial and automotive parts? Specialization with bikes leads to better results.

Review Sample Bike Parts

Quality shops will have sample bikes and components they’ve chromed that show their workmanship.

Examine the finish quality up close, looking at finer details on lugs, logos and hard-to-plate areas. This gives you a realistic preview of their capabilities.

Discuss Your Vision

Communicate what you want to achieve – restoring a treasured vintage bike or customizing a modern one.

A reputable shop will advise you on what’s possible given your bike’s condition and recommend plating approaches to match your goals.

With attention to these factors, you’re sure to end up with a stunning chrome plated bike that garners attention and appreciation for years to come.

References

[1] American Plating Power. “Chrome Plating Process Steps.” https://www.americanplatingpower.com/chrome-plating-process-steps/

[2] Kustom Plating. “Polishing & Chrome Plating.” http://kustomplating.com/polishing-chrome-plating/

[3] Advanced Plating Technologies. “Chrome Plating.” https://www.aptchrome.com

[4] Sharretts Plating. “Chrome Plating.” https://www.sharrettsplating.com/processes/chrome-plating/

[5] The Plating Store. “Chrome Plating Vintage Bike Frames.” https://www.theplatingstore.com/chrome-plating-vintage-bike-frames/

[6] Industrial Plating Company. “How Much Does Chrome Plating Cost?” https://www.industrialplatingcompany.com/blog/how-much-does-chrome-plating-cost/

[7] Eastwood. “Chrome Plating – Street or Show?” https://www.eastwood.com/chrome-plating-street-or-show.html