Sunday, December 8, 2013
How to Chrome Aluminum
Chrome is a mixture of two metals that are applied to another metal using electricity and chemical processes. Many motorcycle parts and some car parts are chromed to give the vehicle a sharp edge or offset trim versus the base paint color of the vehicle. The chrome process is the same, regardless of purpose, but with aluminum parts its a bit more complicated. This is because aluminum has to be treated first before it can be chromed. Otherwise, the chrome mix wont adhere to the aluminum.
Instructions
- 1
Clean the aluminum part thoroughly with soap and water. If it is covered with grease and oil, use a degreaser to break down the material and wash it off. Use a polisher to take the last bit of dirt off if any is left. Place the aluminum part on a metal hook so you can suspend it without using your hands.
2Treat the aluminum surface with a type of acid to prep it to receive the chrome. Use an acid cleaner, such as sodium hydroxide, to eat the surface slightly. Be careful to wear goggles, a spill apron and acid-proof gloves while treating the aluminum in an appropriate container.
3Pour some etching solution in another container. Dry off the aluminum part from the acid bath and place it in a a second container with etching solution. Allow sufficient time for the etching process to occur on the aluminum parts surface. Wash it off with water when finished.
4Use a third container that can charge the liquid inside with charging plates. Fill it up with sulfuric acid while wearing safety gear. Put the part to be chromed inside the container. Heat the container so that the acid inside reaches approximately 115 degrees. Continue the electrical charging through the liquid. Treat the aluminum for at least 10 minutes. Pull the part out when finished and wash it off with water again.
5Take the washed off part and dip it into a fourth container with heated and liquid copper using a hook. When fully dipped, go to a fifth container and dip the part in liquid and heated nickel. Pull the part out via the hook. Let the metal cool and harden. Wash the part again with water to remove any last impurities and cool the metal completely.
6Place the aluminum part again on a hook and dip it in a last container filled with hex chromate. Let the part soak until fully immersed. Remove the part and let it dry.
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