How does "chrome" powdercoating look compared to plating?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
How does "chrome" powdercoating look compared to plating?
I was leafing through the latest Eastwood catalog last night and noticed some "chrome" powdercoating powder. Has anyone here given this a try? I have a luggage rack with a couple of bars that could use replating, and thought that this might be a good alternative. Any experiences - good or bad?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I was leafing through the latest Eastwood catalog last night and noticed some "chrome" powdercoating powder. Has anyone here given this a try? I have a luggage rack with a couple of bars that could use replating, and thought that this might be a good alternative. Any experiences - good or bad?
I've never seen it in person, that I know of at least, so this interests me as well.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,698
Likes: 9
From: Johnson City TN
I don't have any experience with the Eastwood stuff, but my company has coated a few things with a "chrome" powder. Its basically silver with a nice sheen. A lot of time with a buffer might help, but I don't think it would ever pass as chrome. An alternative to plating? I would say no.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Chrome Powder Coating
I got some "Extreme Chrome" from Absolute Power in western PA. Here are a couple PIX of their product
The thermostat housing and choke tubes are "Chromed" in the first picture:
The rear carb bracket, springs and tubes are "Chromed" in the 2nd picture.
While it does look good and is easy to clean up, it is more like a polished aluminum.
John
The thermostat housing and choke tubes are "Chromed" in the first picture:
The rear carb bracket, springs and tubes are "Chromed" in the 2nd picture.
While it does look good and is easy to clean up, it is more like a polished aluminum.
John
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
Thanks for the input and especially the pictures. Seeing the powdercoated stuff next to the chrome distributor cover makes it really easy to see how different the finishes really are. It's not a bad color, but it's not what I was hoping for in terms of looking like real chrome painting.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
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From: Columbus MN
I don't have any experience with the Eastwood stuff, but my company has coated a few things with a "chrome" powder. Its basically silver with a nice sheen. A lot of time with a buffer might help, but I don't think it would ever pass as chrome. An alternative to plating? I would say no.
I've been thinking about getting them coated with chrome powder coat this winter. Watta' think?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 298
From: MN-C3, AZ-C7
Here's two motorcycle brackets done in Eastwoods best "chrome" power next to a real chrome bracket. The larger the part the harder it is to fool someone. I've seen a spring that can fool you.
JU
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
From the pics, I think the look almost identical. However, I don't think you'll beat the looks of polished aluminum with the chrome powder. If your going for a Ceramic or plain aluminum look, then I say use the powder!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I think hes talking about Chrome powder vs aluminum...
From the pics, I think the look almost identical. However, I don't think you'll beat the looks of polished aluminum with the chrome powder. If your going for a Ceramic or plain aluminum look, then I say use the powder!
From the pics, I think the look almost identical. However, I don't think you'll beat the looks of polished aluminum with the chrome powder. If your going for a Ceramic or plain aluminum look, then I say use the powder!
My Plan B is to have the nicks, gouges, and flat spots fixed, and then have them polished. What about clear powder coat on top of polished aluminum instead of clear coat paint?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
The powder is cured at 400 degrees. I have had no problem with engine components and brackets except for the AC bracket that mounts on the exhaust manifold. The front mount area is OK but the rear mount near plug #4 has discolored a little.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
I'm not surprised "chrome" powder doesn't match real chrome. How does it compare to aluminum? I spend hours polishing my stock '80 wheels every year. They take too much effort to maintain.
I've been thinking about getting them coated with chrome powder coat this winter. Watta' think?
I've been thinking about getting them coated with chrome powder coat this winter. Watta' think?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,698
Likes: 9
From: Johnson City TN
I second the thought of clear powder over polished aluminum instead of chrome powder. The chrome is a nice shiny finish, but it still looks like paint.
As Batman said, there are some high temp powder finishes available, but the regular stuff won't take exhaust heat. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 298
From: MN-C3, AZ-C7
I had a set of wheels powdered and then the outer rim turned to show the metal and then clear powder coated 10+ years ago and they still look good.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: FBO Florida
What would anyone think about either clear powdercoating a set of new LT1/l82 aluminum finned valve covers. How about an old set powdercoated in chrome? Remember the interior fins are dull and the raised areas have slightly more shine.
