How to Chrome Metal

Chrome plating requires the use of some potentially toxic chemicals.

Chrome plating can give a dull-looking metal surface a new, shiny look. In fact, most metal surfaces, including those made of copper, aluminum and bronze, can be plated. While you can chrome plate a metal surface yourself, some of the chemicals used in the process contain toxic additives, like cyanide. When attempting to chrome plate any metal surface from home, it's important to take the right safety precautions to protect your home and your health.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical resistant gloves
• Chemical resistant boots
• Dust mask or respirator
• 4 containers
• Marker
• Light-grit sandpaper
• Channel locks or similar tool
• Paint thinner
• Sulfuric acid
• Liquid copper
• Nickel strike
• Chromium solution

Instructions

1. Find a large work area and designate it for chrome plating. Make sure it is well ventilated and away from any food, clothes or furniture. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant gloves, boots and a dust mask.

2. Lay out four containers large enough to fit the metal piece you want to chrome plate. Label each container "sulfuric acid," "paint thinner," "nickel strike" and "chrome solution." Fill each container according to its labeling.

3. Use a piece of light-grit sandpaper to sand the rough edges on the metal finish. Carefully place the metal piece into the bucket of paint thinner with a pair of channel locks or similar tool. Let the metal soak according to the paint thinner manufacturer's label instructions. Remove the metal piece from the bucket and repeat this to soak the metal piece on the sulfuric acid, liquid copper and nickel strike containers.

4. Lift the metal out of the nickel strike container. Grasp the metal piece with a pair of channel locks or a similar tool. Slowly lower the metal into the chrome solution container. Let the metal soak until it is completely coated in chrome.

5. Lift the metal out of the chrome solution and hang the metal piece. Let it hang for several hours until it has completely dried. Never insert or remove any metal object from the chrome solution with your hands. Always use a tool or mechanical device of some sort.

Tips & Warnings

• Liquid copper contains cyanide, which is toxic. Always wear the proper protective equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually includes chemically resistant gloves, eye protection and sometimes a respirator.

References

• Finishing: Introduction to Chrome Plating
• SamTec: Detailed Plating Instructions