Rechrome and Restoration Plating
Crown runs a large, modern decorative plating facility in Brooklyn (Cleveland), Ohio. Alongside production work, we also rechrome parts that need the finish built back up from the base metal. Send a photo or drawing and we will tell you whether we can run the part. We respond to quote requests within 48 hours.
What rechroming means here
Rechroming means starting from the bottom and working up. Often that involves stripping the old plating, polishing and buffing the part, then plating again — typically copper, then nickel, then chrome. On highly decorative parts the copper layer is usually buffed before the next layers go on, so the final chrome is deep and smooth.
Stripping, polishing, buffing and plating are done in one facility, not handed off between shops. That is the same decorative chrome system we use on new parts, built back up in the right order.
If the part should come back in black chrome, nickel, copper, brass (lacquered) or tin, say so on the quote request. The same approach applies: start from the base, prep the surface, then plate.
What the process usually includes
- Stripping the existing plating, when the old finish has to come off so work can start from the base metal
- Polishing and buffing in-house, to prepare the surface
- Plating built back up in layers. For decorative chrome, that is typically copper, then nickel, then chrome
Not every part needs every step. We confirm the sequence at setup, once we have seen the part or a photo.
What we need to quote
- Clear photos of the part, or a drawing if you have one
- The base metal, if you know it (steel, aluminum, zinc die-cast, brass, and so on)
- The finish you want
- Overall size and quantity
- Anything we should know about pits, damage, missing plating, or prior coatings
We confirm suitability at setup. Some parts are not good candidates once the base metal is too far gone; we would rather say that up front than take a job we cannot finish well.
Specs and part sizes
Maximum plating part size: 54″ x 7′ (54 inches by 7 feet). No maximum part weight. Buffing has no practical size limit we have hit in regular work; we have buffed 54-foot trailer beams.
FAQ
Do I need a formal print? A print helps, but a photo and a clear description of the finish are enough to start a quote for many parts that need the finish restored.
Can you rechrome aluminum parts? Often yes, when the part is a fit. See plating on aluminum.
What finishes can you build back up? Decorative chrome is the usual rechrome system (copper, then nickel, then chrome). We also replate in black chrome, nickel, copper, brass and tin when that is the finish you need.
Crown Metal Plating · 3700 Ridge Road, Brooklyn, OH 44144 · 216-651-9020 · info@crownmetalplating.com
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