How to Chrome Plastic Parts

Chrome out stock plastic parts on a car for nicer vehicle appearance.

Chromed out cars appeal to many more car aficionados than do those with plastic parts. In addition, chroming plastic parts creates better durability and appearance than plastic does. Chroming plastic parts is typically done by a professional, but the task can be accomplished by anyone that knows their way around an auto garage.

Things You'll Need

• Chromic acid
• Epoxy glue
• Silver
• Copper
• Sandpaper
• Buffing cloth
• Chrome finishing

Instructions

1. Take the part down to the bare plastic. You can do this by etching the parts with strong chromic acid, according to Atlas Chrome. This will give you a basic surface to begin working on.

2. Repair any cracks or splits in the plastic part. You can do this by using epoxy glue purchased at your local auto supply store.

3. Dip the plastic parts with silver so that that they will conduct electricity.

4. Layer a conventional plating process such as copper, nickel or chrome onto the plastic parts in several layers. You will most likely need to lightly sand and buff the plastic parts prior this process as well.

5. Apply the chrome plating to the plastic parts for the final revamp. Do this by soaking them in a chrome plating solution for about five minutes

References

• Atlas Chrome: Plastic